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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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Yes, I would.
Am happy to talk if you want.
605-484-3319.
Gary
@gdj
Gary,
I appreciate your kind reply. I also appreciate your offer to chat. That might be helpful.
Bill
@drbilldobrenen2026
Some input that might be useful to you - of course, there are so many variables in the decision making - whether to have the surgery or not - like age, comorbidities, general health, support, etc.
The SANO trial in Holland(2025):
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(25)00027-0/abstract
From PUBMED(2022):
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34191461/
@drbilldobrenen2026
I suggest you sign up at a website called "Smart Patients" for the esophageal cancer forum.
It is a very active website with people at all stages.
My husband have Ivor Lewis esophagectomy last January followed by 3 more rounds of FLOT. he had 4 previous rounds of FLOT prior to surgery. Today he is eating very well put on some of the weight he lost. Sleeps on 3 small pillows has occasional reflux if he overeats. He is working out at the YMCA 3 days a week. We just returned from a vacation in Cancun. It was a rough year of chemo and post op chemo but today he is doing great!!
@ollusam and he will be 77 years old this year