Esophagectomy surgery: Want to know what to expect

I too Lori-had my esophagectomy @ Mayo In Rochester April of 2019 with Dr. Robert Shen. Previously, I had 5 days a week of proton radiation for 5 weeks and once a week for 5 weeks of chemo. I was staged @ 2, but Dr. Shen said when one lymph node was involved, it is stage 3.
I lost about 30lbs and have maintained a consistent weight of around 118. I eat most anything I want and frequently but simple carbs only my friend in small amounts after a protein and a vegetable. I feel good, walk daily, do online yoga and Silver Sneakers now this winter and golf in season.

Hello @loribroda

I agree with Colleen, @colleenyoung, that it is wonderful that the tumor was not cancerous. I can certainly understand your frustration with having a swallowing problem. That is such a difficult problem to deal with. Do you have choking spells or do you just feel like things get stuck? I have had vocal cord surgery for a a paralyzed vocal cord and also have problems swallowing (both before the surgery and again several years after the surgery).

I do agree that seeing a speech pathologist is a great next step. Speech therapists do more than speech therapy, they can also assist with swallowing problems. Have you had a referral to one of these specialists? If not, please ask for a referral. You will be pleased that you did.

I'm also wondering that when you had the various EGDs did they find a way to help with the swallowing problems?

Please know that it is your right to get a second opinion. Find a university medical center or a health care facility like Mayo Clinic with a good multi-disciplinary health care approach. These types of medical centers are also research-oriented and are great at helping with difficult to solve health problems.

Will you post again and let me know who you are doing?

Well, I had my 3 month CAT scan and the nodule has increased in size-only 1 millimeter-but still. And it says something about a nodule on my bronchial and lymph node. I have sent a letter to my dr requesting he explain the results to me, cuz there are other things going on also. He has not gotten back with me and it's been almost a week. I'm starting to get really agitated with this dude.

Hello @loribroda

From what I understand, you sent your letter a week ago asking for a discussion about your CT scan results. Is that correct?

If it were me, I would send another message, through the patient portal, asking again and give the doctor an option to either talk to you or to refer you to someone who will discuss this with you. You should, of course, follow up in a way that is comfortable for you .

Always remember, it is a patient's right to seek a second opinion, even if it is from another medical center. With electroic records and copies of CT scans that you can pick up, it is relatively easy for one medical center to evaluate results.

I just received a message on MyChart through Henry Ford Health, that someone is supposed to contact me and if they don't within 2 days, they gave me number to call. I just don't understand these doctors: This is MY LIFE we are talking about and they seem so aloof about it!!!!

I can certainly understand your frustration, @loribroda . The medical system is overwhelmed right now. My daughter is an RN and she is very much aware of it. They have responded and this is a good thing.

I would be interested in hearing from you again. Will you post again after you talk with the doctor?

I sure will, my appointment at U of M Ann Arbor is March 25, to get a second opinion.

Great idea, Lori. Will this appointment be with a GI specialist at University of Michigan?

I just received a message on MyChart through Henry Ford Health, that someone is supposed to contact me and if they don't within 2 days, they gave me number to call. I just don't understand these doctors: This is MY LIFE we are talking about and they seem so aloof about it!!!!