Esophagectomy surgery: Want to know what to expect

Hi there, glad you're recovery is going well. I recently had my esophagectomy on Sept 9 and spent 10 crummy days in the hospital. I'm 59 and was diagnosed Stage 2. My doctor reported that the chemo and radiation I had prior to surgery reduced the tumor significantly and he thinks that all the cancer was removed. Thank God! However, he wasn't able to make the normal 2 incisions for the Ivor surgery and had to make another big one through my back. I'm currently taking Tramadol for the pain. How long does this last? I also suffer with ulcerative colitis an easily get constipated or indigestion. Any suggestions? I try to walk daily but am reluctant to start stretching since my right side is so sensitive to pain. I too want to start practicing with my golf clubs. Good luck to all and thanks for any advice.

Hi @survivorsuz,

How are you doing; did you undergo surgery? I’d really like to hear from you.

Hello All:

I just read an article from Mayo Clinic about a less invasive treatment for esophageal cancer and wanted to share it with you. I think you will find Mike's story very helpful as you consider your own treatment. Here is the link to the article,
https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2019/07/08/second-opinion-leads-to-less-invasive-treatment-for-esophageal-cancer/?

Hello survivor suz
I was diagnosed with EC(adenocarcinoma) in Dec. I had 5 rounds of weekly chemo and 25 rounds of daily chemo in 5 weeks. April 10th I had an esophagectomy, the minimally invasive Ivor Lewis @ Mayo in Rochester. I had a feeding tube inserted during surgery and started on the feeding regimen on day 7 in the hospital and continued for a little over a month @ home while I began eating clear liquids and moving up to solid food on week 3. The feeding tube kept me from losing more weight, basically kept me alive until I could get in more calories. I’m still struggling a bit getting in enough calories and learning what and how to eat, though I basically eat what I want except dairy seems to not agree with me anymore. I walk daily, started mowing my grass, attend yoga classes and have begun practice with my golf clubs. My only advice to you would be to choose a hospital that does many surgeries and deals with many patients diognosed with EC. Best wishes as you gather information that will help you make an informed decision.

@survivorsuz, I add my welcome. In addition to the discussion that @hopeful33250 suggested, I also want to point out this discussion:

- squamous cell in throat https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/squamous-cell-in-throat/

I, too, would like to hear more about your upcoming surgery and the questions the Teresa asks above.

Hello @survivorsuz and welcome to Mayo Connect. I can understand your concern about your upcoming surgery. Having minimally invasive surgery sounds like a good thing.

Other Members on Connect who have had esophageal cancer like @puprluvr @karly @nowayback @trudivo @angelag can offer their experiences with surgery. Also, here is a link to a conversation about esophageal cancer that might be helpful to you, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/esophageal-cancer-2/.

As you are comfortable sharing more: Do you know the stage of your cancer? What has your doctor told you about your upcoming surgery? Will this be an outpatient procedure? Is there a date for your upcoming surgery?