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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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I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2013,I did radiation and chemo and had surgery ,the days after surgery I developed a bad cough my wife told me some time later ,I ended up with sepsis,I had to have a tracheotomy done and put in induced coma a few weeks,I was in the hospital for two and a half months,I've been back to work full time I still have a problem with shortness of breath and stomach discomfort when eating.its been long good fight all this and a lot of prayers.i would not have made it without my wife Linda o f 42 years now.
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3 ReactionsSorry about the grammer.
Hi @cali7, how is recovery going? Is the pain lessening with each week that passes? Will you have further treatment after healing from surgery?
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1 ReactionHi Southern 1961, My heart goes out to you, what a horrible recovery. As a single 73-year-old with no spouse, and no friends and family nearby I question whether this path (as opposed to hospice) is the right one for me. I guess you answered my question when you said " I would not have made it without my wife Linda o f 42 years now." I can't imagine living under those conditions. I'm not afraid of dying at all -- afraid of living like this with no income or support system to speak of. Any comments to that? Thank you and I honor your journey.
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2 Reactions@huffcomm, dealing with cancer and its treatments without a support system is hard. I can imagine you are weighing you treatment options carefully and trying to learn their impact on your quality of life and you abilities and your preferences.
You may wish to inquire about an appointment with an oncology social worker. You can talk to them about your supports or lack of support and discuss community resources available to you throughout treatment and beyond. You can also talk about palliative care and home hospice services according to your preferences. Here's a bit more about the role a cancer social worker can play in coordinating care and supporting YOU.
- - How an Oncology Social Worker Can Help https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/how-an-oncology-social-worker-can-help/
@huffcomm, what treatment is being recommended for you? How are you doing?
I am on keytruda herceptin chemo pills sadly my red distribution count was elevated so don't know what that means . I feel fine sometimes I have a little problem with eating mostly not a problem . Not sure if the treatments will even help
Keytruda herceptin pill form chemo capecitabine. But had reaction rash and red blood count distribution was elevated