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Surgeon called, entire stomach needs to be taken too
So just 5 days before my ivor lewis surgery after my surgeon told me about a week ago he may have to take more of my stomach than normal, he called and said he's likely going to have to take the whole thing, a full gastrectomy. He'll scope it at the start of the surgery to determine for sure. So, won't know till I wake up.
So, aftermath even more terrifying now. Not even scared of the surgery itself at this point, just the aftermath and life after it.
Anyone else have a full gastrectomy?
I've been researching what foods I'll be able to eat and not eat and holy crap is it complicated and confusing. I thought just the ivor lewis alone would be difficult to deal with eating, but now so many foods and ingredients that were still on the menu for that surgery now seem to be off the menu completely with no stomach.
Anyone else that has had this done can chime in and hopefully, give me some hope? I could really use it about now.
Surgery is Tuesday the 28th.
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Hello mcdonsco! I have some questions. Are you saying your team will not be able to use even a part of the stomach as a conduit to replace the esophagus? Will they be using a piece of your colon instead? Why do they need to remove your entire stomach? I underwent esophagectomy surgery last December. They carved out the usual portion of the stomach in order to access the outer curve to build a conduit long enough to reach up to my throat. I was told that after the surgery I no longer have a functioning stomach, only a conduit that leads directly to the small intestines. Could that be what your doctor was proposing? At almost eight months post surgery I’m doing pretty well. Still trying to regain the five pounds I lost (I was only 100 lb at surgery, so lost 5% of my weight), but feeling much better, exercising, living mostly a (new) normal life. Recovery from this surgery is no picnic, but I believe you will get through it. Sending positive vibes your way!
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2 ReactionsThe cancer is showing up in most of my stomach too, that's why they need to take it. Last pet scan showed most of stomach lit up.
Good to hear you're doing well! At this point I'm not even scared about the surgery itself, just terrified of the aftermath and what life will be like afterwards.
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1 ReactionZoom call starts in 2 1/2 hours (Sunday, 9am Eastern). Here's the one-touch Zoom link... pop in . Our calls last 2 to 3 hours and we have no rules... just us EC patients and caregivers helping each other. We'll discuss your TG and Esophagectomy... and the aftermath.
Gary
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4550284795
@mrgvw I got to the zoom meeting Sunday by clicking the link, when I try tonight it wants a passcode.