How have others found the return to eating post esophageal surgery?

Posted by deemold @deemold, Nov 12 6:55am

Hi there- I had previously introduced myself (Dana) in response to someone else's post- so quick background :
I am 51/F- very active (daily runner/ Crossfitter) Diagnosed 7/30/25 with Stage 3 SCC- in mid esophagus, local spread only to lymph node. Did chemo and radiation (6 chemo treatments, radiations 5x week for 6 weeks). Tolerated chemo/radiation very well- was able to continue to work and exercise daily throughout. At repeat PET scan I showed a complete/ near complete clinical response (It was unclear if the remaining spot was inflamation or tumor given it's size).
On 11/3/25 did esophagectomy - pathology showed the remaining spot was still the tumor, but the were able to remove with clear margin. Because there was still tumor I imagine I'll be doing immunotherapy.
I'm wondering how others have found the return to eating post surgery- I was released with a soft food diet but am finding more and more difficulty with texture going down. And the noises that come from within me sound like I am possessed by monsters.....does this settle down?

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v132077 | @v132077 | Nov 13 7:00am

Seems everyone has their own unique challenges when returning to eating solid foods post surgery. I had major issues with dumping syndrome when I started eating again. I experimented with different foods until I found the ones that worked. Scrambled eggs, toast with peanut butter were a few that I tolerated best. I also cut back on the amount of liquids I drank before, during, and after eating. This really helped with the dumping syndrome. The gastric noises became a part of life, and still are occasionally. I eat yogurt (Activia with Fiber) daily and that helps with the noises.

lleigh | @lleigh | Nov 26 2:54pm

You will be happy to know it does get better. It takes time though to get things stretched back out. It’s been over five years for me and the dumping has stopped. I am lucky when I’ve hit my intake limit I get a runny nose as a warning to stop eating..I had all of my esophagus and 2/3 of my stomach removed.

tullynut | @tullynut | 4 days ago

I was a speech language pathologist before I retired. I work nearly in acute care hospitals mostly pediatric, but some adult. What you were describing in terms of your swallowing issues and your treatment protocol would suggest to me that a visit to a facility that deals with swallowing disorders, should be a masters to PhD level speech pathologist, would be beneficial. Specific studies of your swallow can be completed showing if and where problems exist. Follow up therapy can also be beneficial.

tracypage | @tracypage | 3 days ago

It gets better! The first few weeks were tough. I followed guidelines exactly though and was able to sail through. Softer foods, no nuts or crusty breads or anything that can scratch. Dr. Bowers at Mayo Jax did the surgery and gave excellent care instructions.

deemold | @deemold | 2 days ago

Update- turns out the issue was a stricture that got significantly worse after that post...but now that we know the cause I have had one repeat EGD to dilate, next dilation scheduled for 12/29 as they could not safely widen it in one attempt due to risk of tearing something.
It's a bit of an odd coincidence in that I originally thought I had a stricture back in June and my initial EGD to fix that was how they found I had cancer....in some ways I have now come full circle!
Progress not perfection.

jimbon | @jimbon | 1 day ago

Jim here,just getting site fig out,diagnosed, stage 1 still in esphogus only,last nov of 24,did 6 chemos and 28 radiation last Christmas, showed gone but opted for surgery April of 25,been crazy ever since, dumping syndrome, terrible non stop belching lost 20 lbs,never used feeding tube so deff a plus,also delayed dumping syndrome from to many carbs then dumps to much insulin and surgery can be at 50,dizzy shakes confused for period of time,but worse of all is bile acid pukey coming up at night even on elevated bed,cant get rid of taste for hrs,even with gaviscon, gargle salt water,nothing seems work,then the other day it happened during day while in sitting position, deff wonder if surgery was worth it?? Sorry for ranting ,deff life changing stuff,65 years old thanks for reading..