1. < Esophageal Cancer

Esophagectomy surgery: Want to know what to expect

Posted by survivorsuz @survivorsuz, Jun 27, 2019

Has anyone experienced a minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer (squamous cell type)? Wanting to know what to expect please.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Esophageal Cancer Support Group.

katoosh | @katoosh | Feb 27, 2023
In reply to @shilpa "My husband total esophagostomy has done last week.. Everything is going good Need to understand how..." + (show)
@shilpa

My husband total esophagostomy has done last week..
Everything is going good
Need to understand how to care at home and what are do's and don'ts

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It takes a kong time to heal. Patience and compassion. Don’t rush things My husband had the surgery last July and was on a feeding tube for 2-1/2 months. Do you have a nurse coming over? We had a nurse come several times, to show me how to do things. He also had drainage tubes to be measured and drained. I took over ordering, and caretaking.
The big thing is patience. It’s a rough surgery to recover from.

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rkfeeley | @rkfeeley | Mar 7, 2023
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello All: I just read an article from Mayo Clinic about a less invasive treatment for..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

Hello All:

I just read an article from Mayo Clinic about a less invasive treatment for esophageal cancer and wanted to share it with you. I think you will find Mike's story very helpful as you consider your own treatment. Here is the link to the article,

https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2019/07/08/second-opinion-leads-to-less-invasive-treatment-for-esophageal-cancer/?

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Reading Mike's story was instrumental in my husband looking at other options and getting a second opinion. their situations were almost identical. After six months of research and a couple of EMR (resection) endoscopies, we found a wonderful doctor and he was able to save my husband's esophagus. I wish I could than Mike personally for sharing his story!

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bethm71 | @bethm71 | Mar 18, 2023

Recurring lung infections 11 years out from esophagectomy
Husband treated for stage 3 cancer 11 years ago with radiation, chemo and Ivor Lewis esophagectomy at Mayo. Survivor! However, he is plagued with acid reflux that they feel has caused him to aspirate. He has been treated for lung abssesses the past few years and has "holes" in his lungs. Mayo is trying to pinpoint the bacteria, but the cause seems to be this reflux aspiration. We can only get wait-listed for an appointment to see a GI doctor there. We eat early, doesn't lie down for at least 3 hours, sleeps on an incline but this reflux occurs at 3, 4 or 5 in the morning. So it isn't the food coming back up but pure acid. It is so bad and burns his throat and he continues to cough for a few days. Anyone had any experience with this?

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3 replies
dave640 | @dave640 | Mar 19, 2023
In reply to @bethm71 "Recurring lung infections 11 years out from esophagectomy Husband treated for stage 3 cancer 11 years..." + (show)
@bethm71

Recurring lung infections 11 years out from esophagectomy
Husband treated for stage 3 cancer 11 years ago with radiation, chemo and Ivor Lewis esophagectomy at Mayo. Survivor! However, he is plagued with acid reflux that they feel has caused him to aspirate. He has been treated for lung abssesses the past few years and has "holes" in his lungs. Mayo is trying to pinpoint the bacteria, but the cause seems to be this reflux aspiration. We can only get wait-listed for an appointment to see a GI doctor there. We eat early, doesn't lie down for at least 3 hours, sleeps on an incline but this reflux occurs at 3, 4 or 5 in the morning. So it isn't the food coming back up but pure acid. It is so bad and burns his throat and he continues to cough for a few days. Anyone had any experience with this?

Jump to this post

Hi, I’m sorry your husband has had that trouble.
My wife had stage 3 (squamous; lower esophagus); chemo, radiation; McKeown esophagectomy at Mayo only six weeks ago.
She coughs and spits for a while when she gets up in the morning. I’m curious if that suggests she’s aspirating while sleeping. She pretty much sleeps soundly all night (with the incline). I would like to see her avoid any lung problems!
It sounds as though your husband has done well for a good long time! What do you think: does my wife’s morning coughing and spitting sound like what you are referring to as your husband’s acid reflux/aspiration? Thanks, and best wishes to you and your husband.

REPLY
2 replies
bethm71 | @bethm71 | Mar 19, 2023
In reply to @dave640 "Hi, I’m sorry your husband has had that trouble. My wife had stage 3 (squamous; lower..." + (show)
@dave640

Hi, I’m sorry your husband has had that trouble.
My wife had stage 3 (squamous; lower esophagus); chemo, radiation; McKeown esophagectomy at Mayo only six weeks ago.
She coughs and spits for a while when she gets up in the morning. I’m curious if that suggests she’s aspirating while sleeping. She pretty much sleeps soundly all night (with the incline). I would like to see her avoid any lung problems!
It sounds as though your husband has done well for a good long time! What do you think: does my wife’s morning coughing and spitting sound like what you are referring to as your husband’s acid reflux/aspiration? Thanks, and best wishes to you and your husband.

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I would ask her if it is burning. My husband's comes up into to his throat and coughs and spits it out. He describes it as yellow bile and it burns his throat. Regardless, something she should definitely mention at her follow up visit if it is soon.

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1 reply
Moderator
Amanda Roe | @amandajro | Mar 19, 2023
In reply to @bethm71 "Recurring lung infections 11 years out from esophagectomy Husband treated for stage 3 cancer 11 years..." + (show)
@bethm71

Recurring lung infections 11 years out from esophagectomy
Husband treated for stage 3 cancer 11 years ago with radiation, chemo and Ivor Lewis esophagectomy at Mayo. Survivor! However, he is plagued with acid reflux that they feel has caused him to aspirate. He has been treated for lung abssesses the past few years and has "holes" in his lungs. Mayo is trying to pinpoint the bacteria, but the cause seems to be this reflux aspiration. We can only get wait-listed for an appointment to see a GI doctor there. We eat early, doesn't lie down for at least 3 hours, sleeps on an incline but this reflux occurs at 3, 4 or 5 in the morning. So it isn't the food coming back up but pure acid. It is so bad and burns his throat and he continues to cough for a few days. Anyone had any experience with this?

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Hello @bethm71 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I found an existing discussion on esophagectomy surgery so you will notice I have moved your post so that you may connect with others who can share their experiences with you as you look into your husband's symptoms. You can find your post here:
- Esophagectomy surgery: Want to know what to expect: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/esophagectomy-surgery/

Has your husband had any follow-up lung therapy like it is mentioned here under the "after procedure" section:
- Esophagectomy: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/esophagectomy/about/pac-20385084

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1 reply
bethm71 | @bethm71 | Mar 19, 2023
In reply to @amandajro "Hello @bethm71 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I found an existing discussion on esophagectomy surgery..." + (show)
@amandajro

Hello @bethm71 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I found an existing discussion on esophagectomy surgery so you will notice I have moved your post so that you may connect with others who can share their experiences with you as you look into your husband's symptoms. You can find your post here:
- Esophagectomy surgery: Want to know what to expect: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/esophagectomy-surgery/

Has your husband had any follow-up lung therapy like it is mentioned here under the "after procedure" section:
- Esophagectomy: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/esophagectomy/about/pac-20385084

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Yes, just in the last few years due to the infections. Currently, under evaluation at Rochester Mayo, but having to wait for an appt in the GI department.

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doglover888 | @doglover888 | Mar 20, 2023
In reply to @dave640 "Hi, I’m sorry your husband has had that trouble. My wife had stage 3 (squamous; lower..." + (show)
@dave640

Hi, I’m sorry your husband has had that trouble.
My wife had stage 3 (squamous; lower esophagus); chemo, radiation; McKeown esophagectomy at Mayo only six weeks ago.
She coughs and spits for a while when she gets up in the morning. I’m curious if that suggests she’s aspirating while sleeping. She pretty much sleeps soundly all night (with the incline). I would like to see her avoid any lung problems!
It sounds as though your husband has done well for a good long time! What do you think: does my wife’s morning coughing and spitting sound like what you are referring to as your husband’s acid reflux/aspiration? Thanks, and best wishes to you and your husband.

Jump to this post

Hi. To me it sounds like your wife isn't aspirating but of course I'm not a doctor. I do know that, since I do aspirate, your wife would wake up as it is a very jaring experience. They cause very awful acidic tastes (sorry to be so graphic) and coughing. It causes me to go hoarse for a couple of days and I've had to go on antibiotics 3 times to fight off infection. I ended up in ICU for 7 weeks after aspirating the day after my surgery but all is fine now. I hope this helps and I wish you both well.

REPLY
2 replies
bethm71 | @bethm71 | Mar 20, 2023
In reply to @doglover888 "Hi. To me it sounds like your wife isn't aspirating but of course I'm not a..." + (show)
@doglover888

Hi. To me it sounds like your wife isn't aspirating but of course I'm not a doctor. I do know that, since I do aspirate, your wife would wake up as it is a very jaring experience. They cause very awful acidic tastes (sorry to be so graphic) and coughing. It causes me to go hoarse for a couple of days and I've had to go on antibiotics 3 times to fight off infection. I ended up in ICU for 7 weeks after aspirating the day after my surgery but all is fine now. I hope this helps and I wish you both well.

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This does sound like my husband. The horrible burning acid that leaves him with a sire throat and cough fir a few days. He has been on the heavy antibiotics 3 times. What was your cure or what stopped the reflux and aspiration? My husband's is many hours after eating, in the morning hours, so we don't see how sleeping on an incline will help. He has a wedge pillow, but I gave been considering spending thousands on an adjustable bed, if it would stop this.

REPLY
2 replies
dave640 | @dave640 | Mar 20, 2023
In reply to @doglover888 "Hi. To me it sounds like your wife isn't aspirating but of course I'm not a..." + (show)
@doglover888

Hi. To me it sounds like your wife isn't aspirating but of course I'm not a doctor. I do know that, since I do aspirate, your wife would wake up as it is a very jaring experience. They cause very awful acidic tastes (sorry to be so graphic) and coughing. It causes me to go hoarse for a couple of days and I've had to go on antibiotics 3 times to fight off infection. I ended up in ICU for 7 weeks after aspirating the day after my surgery but all is fine now. I hope this helps and I wish you both well.

Jump to this post

Dogliver888, Oh my gosh, those are rough experiences you’ve had. I think you’re right that my wife hasn’t shown any signs of acid reflux or aspiration. Thanks for sharing.

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