Hi,

Most of these replies have been from people 2 and 3 years out. I wanted to give some hope to those of you so soon after treatment. My husband is almost 11 years cancer free now! He had stage 3, had 5 weeks radiation 5 days a week, once a week chemo for 6 weeks and then Ivor Lewis surgery to remove his esophagus. He ended up with a nasal feeding tube before he finished radiation because he couldn't swallow anything. Then the gastro feeding tube for 6 weeks post surgery. He had some room to lose some weight which was good because he did lose 40 to 50 pounds from start of treatment to about 2 years out. More than he needed to lose! He had a lot trouble those first few years with stomach aches and dumping. He seemed to not be able to eat any sugar or fatty foods. To offer some encouragement, over the years his system must have adjusted and his stomach stretched because he can eat almost normally again. He still has to be careful to not eat too much at one meal, but that is good for all of us as we age! He gained weight, but not to his previous weight, which also is good. He is a healthy weight and sometimes even feels like he should drop a few pounds.
On the down side, he is struggling with aspiration in recent years which is affecting his lungs, and we are in the process of exploring this with Mayo Pulmonology and GI departments right now. Appointment with GI in June and hoping for some resolution.
My advice would be to just stick with what works for you concentrating on healthy calorie rich foods. Avocados and olive oil! Good luck.