Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Post Ivor Lewis surgery

Louise1998
  • 1 reply
  • 41 subscribers
  • 422 views

Good afternoon

my husband had surgery nearly 4 weeks ago to remove cancer of the oesophagus. He’s doing generally well however has started having chronic stomach ache over the past week or so. We’ve looked into dumping syndrome and it doesn’t appear to be that as he’s got no symptoms other than the stomach ache. He doesn’t feel it’s worth contacting the doctor for. I understand that this is probably normal and expected given what is involved in the surgery, and he is still adjusting and healing, but just wanted some advice.

Thank you 

  • Hello Louise1998

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the Macmillan online community. I hope you find it supportive.

    I’m glad to read that your husband has had his surgery and is generally well.

    People can have a variety of different effects from this surgery. At 4 weeks post-surgery your husband is still recovering from the procedure and having some discomfort would be expected. However, given that you have said it is a chronic pain we would recommend that he be assessed.

    On the support line we do not have access to people’s notes or the NHS systems. We would always recommend that any new or worsening symptoms are reported and assessed.

    Given that it is the Easter weekend your husband should contact 111 to get advice regarding this ongoing pain.

    I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.

    Best wishes,

    Fiona M,

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref/HM

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007