I am feeling fabulous!! I have put 5 pounds back on, and in the process of doing a fine restaurant tour of Phoenix with my wife to get in all the fine dining we can squeeze in before surgery. I don't think I've eaten so much steak and lobster in my life. Even some good chardonnay. I am hoping for the best and preparing for the not so best. Every day is a blessing. Thanks for everyone's support.

When I met with my surgeon after chemo and radiation and 5 or so weeks b4 surgery, he told me “I want you walking up to 3 miles a day between now and surgery day. I and my dog did just that!
If you smoke-quit!! If you use alcohol-quit! Eat healthy-lots of fruits, vegetables, light on the red meat, more fish and chicken and/or include more plant based foods in your diet. Stay strong and positive, know you had the best treatment at Mayo Clinic and will have the best surgeon for your cancer. Wishing you the best!
Barbara

When you wake up from surgery... don't bother looking for that bus that ran you over... none of us ever find it!

Just cell phone and charger... and some toiletries if you so desire. Otherwise... you'll be wearing that gown with your ass hanging out for a full week. Enjoy! The real post-op journey won't even start for a month or two. But if you're still working... and use a laptop a bunch... easy to work after a few days.

tough for me to add anything positive as i am going through a very difficult time. my first surgery was on February 20. on March 1 i went home only to go back that night because of breathing issues. turns out my esophagus leaked into my lung. on March 4 i had another surgery when they detached my esophagus and stomach. i was in the hospital for 1 month , then rehab for 1 month. now home for the last 3 months with a j tube and a fistula drain, i am preparing for my 3rd surgery to put stomach and esophagus back together on August 25...acceptance, patience, and tolerance have been helpful for me