Post operative comfort

Hello,

I hope all goes well for your father this week and he is soon home.  I bought my husband a large wedge shaped ‘pillow’ - if you contact the Oesophageal Patients Association they have a good discount available through a company called Putnams.  Just a suggestion but it might be worth a look.

J x

Hi Hun 

my dad has just found out he has oesophageal cancer we are such a close family and it’s literally devastated us. He has had a biopsy 3 weeks ago today and a pet scan a week ago and will finally get to hear some results Wednesday I’m absolutely dreading this outcome of the meeting he is 65 my dad how about yours ? 
I’m worried surgery won’t be a option for him. 

I hope it all goes well for your dad 

Alison x

Hi Alison,

My Dad is actually 88! I understand he will be the oldest person to have qualified for the surgery but has passed all the fitness requirements, he is otherwise fit and has played golf twice a week right up to his isolation period before surgery. I know there are lots of consIderations given the stage of tumour etc and each case is done on an individual basis. For my Dad, he would rather choose the surgery option and understands the difficulties of his recovery….rather than chemo which would not cure him and would also make him feel dreadful as a result during it! As a family we have to admire his motivation and bravery, and we put our faith in the team around him to do the best they can. I wish your Dad and your family all the best. Xx

Thank you! We looked at the wedge pillows but I wondered if they were comfortable? It is always nice to hear when someone has used something and found it helpful. I will look into it for him. Many thanks and I wish your husband well in his recovery. Xx

Hi Frosty74 

I'm on my second wedge which is available at discount from the OPA at https://opa.org.uk/bed-wedge-special-offer/. I was treated in 2018 FLOT --> Surgery --> FLOT and am still in remission!

Hi, I hope you managed to find something for your dad and he is recovering well.  Some wedge pillows are quite evenly triangular but the Putnams one is very gradual  - 0 to 6 inches over about 2.5 feet so it is much more practical (more like a nice wedge of Parmesan than a Toblerone!). It makes it much easier to add pillows and create a comfortable support. 

My husband had his surgery 12 years ago and he is fully recovered, we are thankful every day. J x

Hi Anon, I'm glad to hear that you are doing well after your treatment. My husband is currently going through the same treatment - surgery tomorrow (6th Dec). A wedge pillow hasn't been mentioned, but given the time of year, I thought it would be good to be prepared. I'm a bit bemused by the choice of sizes and materials. As you're on your 2nd wedge, I'd appreciate if you could share which you have used. Thanks, Tiny D 

Hi Tiny Dancer, 

Apologies in the delay in answering. I buy the 24" width, standard material. It suits me fine and I can put one in the boot of the car if I'm sleeping away from home. 

Hope your husband is recovering well?

That's great. Anon, thanks.

He's not doing too badly, but his perception was that he'd only be in hospital for about 8 days. He has now adjusted his expectations and is hoping to be home for Christmas.

All the best, Tiny D