Esophageal Cancer: Anyone else?

HI, Allen is my name. I am 75 years old and had 23 Radiation treatments, 5 Chemo treatments and just got out of the hospital 11 days ago after having Ivor Lewis Esophageal surgery. None of it was any fun especially radiation. My throat was very sore but the doc prescribed Lidocaine for the pain of swallowing and I was able to keep up my calorie intake. I know I will have a new normal lifestyle, especially diet but I am already feeling much better and look forward to my new normal. Hang in there, keep the faith and focus on working hard on your recovery at each step and you will be fine. When you go to your doctor have a list of questions you need answers to. Blessings, aekk

Welcome @aekk. Treatment for esophageal cancer is a grind to say the least. You sound like you are taking it all in stride and recovering quite well. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you offer to someone who is newly diagnosed? What do you wish you had been better prepared for?

I’m just now ending my first year after chemo, radiation and surgery. I’ve had a problem with swallowing all year seems I have no problem with vegetables but meat and breads constantly form a clog and stop me from eating. I’ve had 2 stretching s and Botox treatments seem to work but do not last. Is this what I can expect from here on out or will my swallowing eventually get better? I’ve been told to to seek out a speech therapist to strengthen esophagus muscles. Has anyone else had success going in this direction

Let me start by saying I am Not a patient man but in a very short period of time I’ve found Esophageal cancer is a life changing event and I MUST adjust to my new normal. I am loosing weight and will continue to until I reach my new normal there which is about 190 LBS from 250 lbs. I wish I would have been more prepared for long term effect and management of this cancer. I didn’t realize how long and slowly recovery was going to be. I’ve had many surgeries in the past with relative quick recovery but this one is changing my perspective of what a real recovery is all about. I can’t spreed it up, I’m just working hard with the help of my wife and many others to live a new normal life. Lords Blessings to all others going through this recovery process, Allen

Can't say what the future will look like - I personally completed surgery 6 mos ago. (having completed chemo & radiation). To date still have a feeding tube in and can't eat more than 1/2-1 cup of food at a sitting.. I am completing speech therapy, which is intended to strengthen tongue and throat muscles. Having a real problem eating enough to gain wt. I'm now told I need a botox injection to relax a "flap" that won't allow the stomach to empty enough to eat more..
I wish I had a better outlook but this has been a nightmare we weren't prepared for. Unfortunately I don't believe we have been given very thorough information.. everything is coming as a set back or complete surprise..

Just had esophagus surgery this operation is not for the for the faint of heart but don’t let me scare you.You will need a skilled surgeon and then as many prayer partners as you can get to help you thru .My only big problem was horrible roommates in the hospital .Don’t be afraid of feeding tube really is easy My prayers are with God Bless Rik Lakeland Fl.

I am at the same place you are and I’m having the same problems that you are with not being able to eat bridge or meats I keep getting stuck. I am now getting ready to have an appointment with a speech therapist for exercises I’ve heard like you have that this could help immensely, so I’ll keep you updated as to my progress with the speech therapist

I was stage X - no feeding tube no surgery. Did aggressive radiation & chemo. NED 2+ years. Many, many success stories out there …. Always hope & have faith. ✝️💜

Make sure have a strong support team .Get as much knowledge about your cancer.. look for the best doctor in your area.Most important get as many prayer partners as possible God will guide you thru.I just got done with my surgery about 30 percent of esophagus gone I didn’t even use my feeding tube now that is God carrying me thru fire.Blessings your in my prayers Rik Lakeland Fl.

I had Stage X did aggressive chemo & radiation. No feeding tube. No surgery. Quite frankly I feel the Dr.s push surgery & no guarantee. Keep your cancer team close & get 2nd opinions. Very, very few surgeons can do this surgery successfully- just my personal opinion& research… 2 1/2 years NED & lost many along the way. Stay positive, have faith & lifestyle changes.