Esophagectomy surgery: Want to know what to expect

I would ask her if it is burning. My husband's comes up into to his throat and coughs and spits it out. He describes it as yellow bile and it burns his throat. Regardless, something she should definitely mention at her follow up visit if it is soon.

Hi, I’m sorry your husband has had that trouble.
My wife had stage 3 (squamous; lower esophagus); chemo, radiation; McKeown esophagectomy at Mayo only six weeks ago.
She coughs and spits for a while when she gets up in the morning. I’m curious if that suggests she’s aspirating while sleeping. She pretty much sleeps soundly all night (with the incline). I would like to see her avoid any lung problems!
It sounds as though your husband has done well for a good long time! What do you think: does my wife’s morning coughing and spitting sound like what you are referring to as your husband’s acid reflux/aspiration? Thanks, and best wishes to you and your husband.

Recurring lung infections 11 years out from esophagectomy
Husband treated for stage 3 cancer 11 years ago with radiation, chemo and Ivor Lewis esophagectomy at Mayo. Survivor! However, he is plagued with acid reflux that they feel has caused him to aspirate. He has been treated for lung abssesses the past few years and has "holes" in his lungs. Mayo is trying to pinpoint the bacteria, but the cause seems to be this reflux aspiration. We can only get wait-listed for an appointment to see a GI doctor there. We eat early, doesn't lie down for at least 3 hours, sleeps on an incline but this reflux occurs at 3, 4 or 5 in the morning. So it isn't the food coming back up but pure acid. It is so bad and burns his throat and he continues to cough for a few days. Anyone had any experience with this?

Reading Mike's story was instrumental in my husband looking at other options and getting a second opinion. their situations were almost identical. After six months of research and a couple of EMR (resection) endoscopies, we found a wonderful doctor and he was able to save my husband's esophagus. I wish I could than Mike personally for sharing his story!

It takes a kong time to heal. Patience and compassion. Don’t rush things My husband had the surgery last July and was on a feeding tube for 2-1/2 months. Do you have a nurse coming over? We had a nurse come several times, to show me how to do things. He also had drainage tubes to be measured and drained. I took over ordering, and caretaking.
The big thing is patience. It’s a rough surgery to recover from.

Thanks for your reply and I will try to connect with the others you mentioned. After receiving a second opinion from a surgical oncologist, it was deemed that my husband would be a candidate for that procedure. His cancer stage is T1a and no metasis has been identified through PET or CT scans. On March 2 he will undergo an EMR at UMHealth's Sylvester Cancer Institute in Miami where we live. We will update after the procedure.

Welcome @rkfeeley. I'm glad to hear that Mike's story led to your husband researching more about endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Mike isn't a member of Mayo Clinic Connect (yet), so I cannot connect you with him directly. However, @fastrategizer and @sbee may be able to share their experiences with you.

How is your husband doing?

Such good news that your husband's surgery went well @shilpa. I've moved your message to this existing discussion:
- Esophagectomy surgery: Want to know what to expect https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/esophagectomy-surgery/

I did this so you can connect easily with others who have had an esophagectomy, like @lori57216 @pellaw @survivorsuz @puprluvr @sjw6358 @ajfromchicago @kissingrhino @esop @socalkelly and others. They can share tips on how to help your husband's recovery and do's and don'ts now that you're at home.

How are you doing?

My husband is researching EMR after reading Mike's story. Is there any way to connect with Mr. DeGennaro or find out how he's doing now? I know there are privacy issues but we are looking for other options to surgery.

My husband total esophagostomy has done last week..
Everything is going good
Need to understand how to care at home and what are do's and don'ts