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

Posted by deemold @deemold, Nov 12, 2025

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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tullynut | @tullynut | Dec 10, 2025

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.

lleigh | @lleigh | Nov 26, 2025

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.

v132077 | @v132077 | Nov 13, 2025

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.