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Esophagectomy: What is life like Afterwards?
Hello, my dad was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in March. His tumor is very small and isolated, thankfully! He has been a champ and has finished chemo and radiation. His esophagectomy is scheduled in a couple of weeks. He and the rest of my family are starting to feel the fear and reality of this procedure. My dad's not a big talker but I know he is scared. I would love to connect with others to learn about what life has been like after this surgery so I can help support my dad. I am also hoping to get him involved with some support groups with others who have experienced the surgery. It would be so beneficial for him to connect with others who have been through what he is going through. Any insight on post-surgery recovery and life would be very appreciated!
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wonderful!. Keep going.
how do i join the zoom calls?
Love it!
I had my Esop. surgery ( all removed) in January 2024. My doctor told me to walk 2-3 miles a day before the surgery and the day after surgery to walk on the ward 4x a day plus, which was a huge help! I left the hospital on day 6 and was eating what ever kinds of food i wanted! Stay positive and keep MOVING!! Also, please be kind to the Hospital Staff. It will make every ones day better!! 8 months out now with no weight loss and physically doing alot! with post chemo treatments. age 65 Thank You Jesus! Scott
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5 ReactionsLife after this surgery can vary with patients. Haven't had significant problems with swallowing due to the stomach being sewn into the esophagus. Post surgery, you may need to have the esophagus stretched occasionally which isn't a bad procedure at all as you're lightly sedated.
If cancer didn't destroy part of your esophagus as it did mine, then relocating the stomach may not be an issue so check with your doctors about that. Remember I was at Stage 4 when this cancer was discovered.
that's why i am not having surgery , no matter what comes my way.
Pop on our twice-weekly free Zoom calls... we talk to many patients and caregivers like ourselves. Like you, I'm over 4 years post-op, and yes, the post-op journey sure sucks. Of all the EC counseling we do, we surely spend a great amount of time talking to patients about how to approach their post-op months, adjust their expectations, and what and maybe what not to experiment with. We let them know how the journey will suck... and what is mostly normal and what is not.
Anyways... you wanna stop in and see us, and compare notes, please do.
Gary
I had an esophagectomy with gastric pull through meaning my stomach had to be detached and raised up higher because the cancer destroyed the mid-section of the esophagus. The stomach was then secured to the bottom of the esophagus. That was 4 yrs. ago and I am uncomfortable every day since with the stomach being so high up. It fits up against the lower part of my bra and is most uncomfortable after I eat a small meal. I did have a lot of diarrhea problems post surgery and it lasted for months. I discovered that eating almonds daily helped slow and finally stop that. Even at 4 years out, I still have to go in for an esophageal stretching. I used to go frequently for that in the beginning but now 4 yrs later, I only need to have the procedure about every 6 mo. It is done with sedation to it's not painful but necessary to keep swallowing normal. There is a lot of good info. from prior esophageal cancer patients on this site. Wish I'd known about these sites when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 esophageal cancer the week before Christmas 2019.
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3 Reactionsreally wonderful to read your note. I am waiting for radiation/ chemo and likely followed with esophagectomy.
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