Connect
Living life after treatment and surgery for Esophageal Cancer.
In December of 2020 I was diagnosed with stage 3 Esophageal Cancer. After chemo and radiation in February and March of 2021, I had surgery to remove the cancer in May of 2021. For me the surgery and recovery were probably the toughest part of the process. Not to say the chemo and radiation were easy, they were not but the changes the surgical part of treatments have changed my life from here on. Life after I got home from the hospital at first would not have been possible without a lot of help. Little things you take for granted such as showering or even walking about your home couldn't be accomplished without help. Those things got easier over time but it was a challenge. Getting use to having to sleep at a 30° angle because laying flat means anything in you new redesigned stomach comes up while you sleep(very uncomfortable and dangerous for your lungs). With the new design of your stomach food is also a bit of a challenge. They give you a list of foods you will probably be able to eat and a list of foods you probably should stay away from. With me I found after time that you have to try different foods and your body tells you quickly if you can or can not eat that again. You will also find portions you can tolerate will be much less than you were use to. This means you eat many more times per day. In the end it has been worth it for me because I have been cancer free on my 6 month scans so far . Another scan in a month which will be 2 years since surgery, I pray they continue to show me cancer free. If anyone has any questions on my journey so far please reach out. I have a friend who mentored me in my journey which helped tremendously for me. As I have said and believe since my journey started we are all" STRONGER TOGETHER "
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Esophageal Cancer Support Group.
Connect
TO RAVYN: good luck today, i hope your surgery goes well
Following the physicians orders is a MUST and consulting a dietician.
Although when I had my esophagectomy April 2020 Mayo Rochester with Dr. Dennis Wigle.
My surgery & recovery went well. 2 wks. as a guest in hospital. NPO for what seemed like forever. J tube. Hell of a diet plan. Lost a ton of wt.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi my mother had a similar experience. It’s now 1 year post surgery and scan doesn’t detect anything.
She was on immunotherapy for 1 year after surgery - did the doctor suggested it for you since it’s stage 3 ?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionWe maybe should do a groupe of stage 3 survivors: 1,2,3,4 years survival?
This would help me and my mother
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions@ravyn, I'm checking in with you. How are you doing?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you so much for sharing your story 💕 my question my Dad has 74 and the gastro Doctor told him that he does not recommend him the surgery due to his age he referred him to the oncology he just got diagnosed today but reading your story give me hope.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionMy mom is now 78 ! She received surgery at 77 after a pulmonary embolism - it was violent but she is over it now ! Recovery with lots of love and help and positive attitude does help
I just wrote a long post but it didn’t go thru - mainly, I would strongly recommend applying for Paid Family Medical Leave if it’s available in your state. It helps provide some job protections & reasonable accommodations at work. My coworkers & supervisor have been fantastic, but it’s good to have legal protections in place also.
Hi .....I am about to have surgery for cancer of the esophagus and I understand the bit about having to raise one's sleeping position by 30%. My question is what options did you consider for raising by 30%....did you buy a foam piece cut to 30% or did you just sleep on a number of pillows and does that work as pillows generally crush over the night. Did you find some magical solution I am not aware of to address the issue. Any detail would be much appreciated. Thank you
Pat
Hi Pat, first of all I am wishing all the best with your outcome. Staying positive gets hard,just know you Can get through it.
We got a “wedge” designed for this need. While it accomplished the goal it was just too much, too hard to really sleep with. I found my comfort level was 3 (king) pillows. It allowed for changing comfort zones. Some days were very rough requiring total support, other days I tested easy and adjusted the comfort level of the pillows.. hope this helps, again best of luck !