A New Direction: Transthoracic esophagectomy (Ivor Lewis)

Sometimes you need some goof luck with these surgeries. I just did not have any

Sjw, I am sure that’s true. - I’ve been studying on this for a little while now, and I’ve definitely read people’s accounts of having had some very difficult times early on but did then, gradually, regain their health and a quality of life they appreciated.
Wishing you the same.
Dave

Thanks

Agreed. I’m about a year out and all in all the process has gone a lot better than I ever expected. One of the best things is that the mind does a great job of forgetting most of the discomfort. Best of luck to us all! S

I had the same surgery not at Mayo and have been a survivor for since Dec 10, 2021. I’m having some digestive problems but you are right God will see you through.

I had Ivan Lewis Dec. 2021 and still a survivor. I’m having digestive issues but thankful the cancer is gone. Wishing you all the best of days!

I got released from short term rehab and went home yesterday. 6 to 10 weeks at home then another sugery

Good advise on the eating….i find that after a lifetime of enjoying eating my meals with passion it’s been hard to slow down and eat smaller amounts but more often.. i had an Ivor Lewis in Feb, feeding tube for for about 6 days then on to SEMI SOLIDS. After 3 months scan said cancer free… six months now and eating and losing weight have been the biggest changes I’ve had to deal with. 175 LBS before surgery 150 lbs after 3 months. Down to 140 now after 6 months..Eating is getting better but every so often I get an attack of dry heaves for a short period. The eating thing has been frustrating. The road map from my mouth to my butt hole has changed….I’m working on the navigation!!
this was Major surgery.. and I’m definitely feeling weaker and with less energy. To all,,,stay positive 👍

Hi @cyrilwah, good analogy of the road map mouth to tail needs is a new navigation in progress. 🙂

Six months is simultaneously a long time when we just want things to return to normal and a very short time when you consider that it is major surgery as you stated. Have you found a few foods, recipes, meals that bring back you joy of eating?

Hi Colleen, navigating towards a body that has not had the chemo, radiation and surgery is a challenge,,,but I’m finding that eating is starting to get better ( ever aware that to be mindful of how fast consumption can affect the quality of the eating experience,,,I’ve slowed down and chew my intake to facilitate passage in the digestive organs..). I stay active on our small acereage tending the landscape and have kept up with my passion of growing Garlic 🧄
That said ,,, I am very aware that I’m not the GUY i was before all the medical world descended on me.
I’m feeling very fortunate at this 6 month period after surgery to be able to do most things…just not with the gusto of pre- medical intervention.
Above all, having friends and family as supportive factors really help me to feel positive of most things.
You bet, things could be better—-but they could also be worse. Right now, I’m about to turn 80, eating and trying to gain back some of the weight I’ve lost.
Regards, from my farm in B.C.