surgery is on for 8th jan left oesphagectomy, christ that came round quick!

Hi Jules 

Such good news ! wishing you well for the 8th ! Have a great time on the 4th. 

will be thinking of you please keep up updated when you can 

Stay strong 

hugs Tricia x

Hi Jules,

That’s great news that your scan results came back clear and that you now have a date for your surgery (albeit rather earlier than you were expecting). At least, from following others on here, you have no illusions about the road that lies ahead for you. Happy New Year to both of you and to being in a very different place by this time next year. CB

thank you, it was nice to go in there with,  thanks to you guys, knowing what was ahead, and not all sugar coated, really helps going in with eyes wide open, amazing how people lucky enough to be totally unaware of this type of cancer to say " youll soon be out at all your favourite restaurants tucking in", due to the frank and honest posts you have all been kind enough to share, we both know that 2025 will be all about cutting out the cancer, recovering from the op, getting the weight on at some point, doing our car shows, with our friends, enjoying the boat, even if she isnt out much, and eating a little bit and often at some point further down the line.

thank you all, sending hugs jules and neil

ps op cant be worse than xmas day, thats all im gonna say!!

just asking some more advice, i brought up the epidural, surgeon not a fan, but said if they get it in!! best for pain relief rather than something plugged into your ribs, also sorry to ask, is a catheter also involved initially, had horrible experience having one in after seizures after breast cancer chemo.

hes not going into the stomach with micro surgery, he said its a left oesophagectomy, round the back and through the ribs, Cool blue was this your procedure, remember the picture of the scar.

if all goes ahead straight forward, can hubby visit later,

thank you, pre op booked monday 6th

ta jules

Hi Jules,

They spent nearly an hour in the operating theatre (2 different anaesthetists) trying to get an epidural into my back before giving up so my pain relief was provided by IV line. I think a catheter is pretty standard as getting to the toilet with all the tubes you’ll be connected to would be a bit of a challenge! My surgery was a right orsophagectomy with about 4 laparoscopic incisions in my stomach. Tightness in the chest is one of my remaining side effects. My wife was able to visit me after the surgery. I don’t remember anything about her visit but it put her mind at rest after a very long day waiting for the phone call from the surgeon. Please remember (and make sure that friends and family know) that your recovery from this surgery will be many months and a lot of patience will be required (not one of my strengths I’m afraid). Remind any hospital visitors not to bring you up any food. You won’t be able to eat it anyway. Hope all goes well. CB

thank you so much CB, patience pretty poor usually,!! so that will be interesting, neil husband wants to do same as your wife, just to come in and see that i have come through it, although a 2 hour trip, shame the weather is looking so dodgy this weekend, but we will do something to distract a little bit , thank you again

jules

Wishing you all the best for your operation next week. A very long day for your husband to wait through but It will all be worth it in the end though for both of you. I am very glad  now that I took it on albeit it was 0daunting at the time.

Hi I think the epidural is the way to go of possible as it's the best way to control pain management.

Yes a catheter is par for the course as CB has already mentioned. Although I think the experience is more traumatic for us guys than you gals I understand! 

thank you people, especially for the info from those of you who have been there, seen it, got the t-shirt and still going through it some time on, knowing whats coming is really helpful, and the aftewards when home is so important, still worrying a bit, but info so helpful.  had all the info on eating after the op from the dietician, the word puree just makes me want to retch but understand its going to be new best friend at some point.

totally get that food is fuel, after the op, given up explaining that on discharge we arent going out for a curry or roast dinner, sounds like the sofa will get some good use, And now know when they say there will be a few tubes, well understatement, just hope those hospital gowns do up tight at the back!!

thank you all so much again, few days yet to go, but think its going to come round super quick.

love and hugs jules xx

Just wanted  to wish you Good Luck for the 8th The fact you’ve been offered the surgery shows your medical team think you are fit enough to handle it and I’m sure you’ll be in excellent hands .I had a bout of butterflies reading your post and I don’t even know you lol .It just took me back to two years ago on the day of my husbands surgery .

If it’s any comfort my husband has always said the surgery wasn’t the ordeal he was anticipating , but that’s just his experience of course . Long road of recovery ahead as you know but just take it one day at a time ️‍ 

Best wishes  J x