My husband was diagnosed with esophageal cancer about 12 weeks ago.

I know how rough the surgery is. My husband is now three weeks out from his surgery. It was a rough go of it and 8 days in the hospital. Since he has the heart bypass surgery, just seven weeks prior to compare this to, he said, this one was worse. However, the right rib cage, where they did, the thoracotomy is still sore and requires the pain medicine twice a day. But he’s doing rather well. He’s already eating pudding, soups, and cream of wheat, and doing very well. No pain and no regurgitation or anything. He is walking about a half mile twice a day now. I can tell he is a little slower than the first surgery but he’ll get there.
I pray that the surgery went very well, and that he’s just a couple days from discharge. I will continue to pray for him.Blessings, Patti

Hello so sorry to hear that you also same as me are going through this process my Dad got diagnosed on july and he barely had the surgery 6 days ago I know as a family we worry because like us the doctor told us that the tumor could grown very fast my dad has been doing ok he was having cough and phlegm which make him feel very uncomfortable i reported to the surgeon right awzy and they run some test to make sure that he wasnt having water in the lung the doctor is now in the room taking it out the journey so far has been smooth.goid luck in your jorney.

Thank you for asking. His surgery went well. He is a week into recovery today. He is gradually getting tubes removed . He had oxygen tube and a drainage tube removed from his nose over the weekend . Doctors say he should be having the catheter removed today. He finally, on Saturday, seemed to be really waking up. It is hard to describe; he couldn't stay awake more than a few minutes at a time and seemed a little "loopy". Then after a 2 or 3 hours at home. I went back to the hospital to find John sitting up in bed, watching a football game, and staying awake and alert long enough to follow it! To me this seems to be one of the biggest corners turned so far. I'll admit I was sort of worried that he would never be himself again (he was even cracking corny jokes).
Thank you again to all who have offered advice and support along the way. I know our journey is far from over. I'll be back for more advice and shoulders to cry on. Donna

It is a tough surgery. Where did he have it done? If you go to Mayo, I am in Jacksonville & would love to have a cup of coffee when you are here next time. My surgery was in 2007 & I've met many when they were in town. I didn't know anyone who had had this surgery so I just advertised in the paper for support call or email me so we started a strong support group.
Looking to hear from you!
Mary Helen Duggar

Thank you Mary. My husband had his surgery at UCLA medical center. We live just two hours away. I bet that was so hard to not have a support group locally but I’m glad there’s one now and through Mayo as well. Bless you and good to hear that you are 16 years out from your surgery and doing well. It’s quite the journey isn’t it.
Blessings
Patti

My dad scans on 10.26 then hopefully surgery on 11.6.
My dads tumor had grown through the wall of the esophagus and in 2 of the 6 surrounding lymph nodes.

My dad finished treatment on Oct. 5th. Same issues with eating and drinking. Several ER visits for fluids he got on the list for PRN IVF, where he can just call Mayo Rochester and get fluids and bypassing the ER. They did not tell us of this option until recently.... Also was just admitted with failure to thrive.. They fixed him up with a GI cocktail and more anti emetic meds and more fluids. Feeling pretty good now. 10/26 scan and 11/6 surgery if all goes to plan.

I asked multiple times for my dad d/t lack of nutritional intake for weeks. Constantly was told we re not worried about nutrition at this point, just hydration.. WTH.. I was not impressed.
Was eventually admitted for failure to thrive and was given what he needed.
Fingers crossed.

I’m so sorry. Which hospital.? They should have placed a tube. Keep speaking up ! My husband got exceptional care at UCLA medical center . I pray he gets through this ! Patti

John is still in the hospital…it’s day 9 after surgery; he’s developed pneumonia and has fluid on his lungs. Last night his doctor prescribed IV antibiotics and today started lasix for the fluid. Until this he was doing better every day. This is so scary. His doctor said that if this is the worst that happens post surgery he’s doing well. I don’t know if this is going to make me worry more or less.