Care after Ivor Lewis

Hi. My husband had this operation in August last year. When he came home he was weak and uncomfortable but able to move around and wash and dress himself etc. The biggest problem was trying to provide suitable food for him and there was a lot of fetching and carrying of drinks, pillows, medications and snacks. To be honest it wasn’t as difficult as I thought and I managed well but I’m fortunate to be well and strong myself. After he’s been at home for a few days you will be able to get a clearer idea. 

Hi,

What age is your dad? I had my Ivor Lewis last February aged 59. I was in hospital for 16 days (8 of them in ICU as I had a bit of a setback a couple of days after surgery). When I came home, I was able to manage my own JEJ feeds, medication, dressing, showering, toilet, etc. My wife was invaluable in organising and collecting prescriptions, preparing foods that I was able to eat and reminding me not to overdo it or try lifting things I shouldn’t be lifting. I am, however, stubbornly independent and probably not a very good patient lol. Hope this helps. CB

Hi, he’s 65 and has been fit and healthy up until now so hoping his recovery smooth. Although my dad will probably be similar to you in wanting to do things himself lol. Yes your reply is helpful thank you! I hope you are doing well. 

I wasn’t so independent as previous comments, and relied on my partner a lot. On saying that I had a complication while in hospital of surgical pneumonia and cut a long story short put me back in my recovery. 
I think I was able to do most things the first few weeks was the hardest, and where I needed the most help.

I still after 7 years have days when I’m busy and doing a lot find i have to have a nap. 

I really don’t think you will know for sure until he’s home, might be worth having a conversation with your employer now in case you need that time off. 

Hope all goes well for you both

Thank you for your reply. I guess it’s like all the other stages of this awful process, just need to wait and see. 7 years post surgery is amazing! I hope you are well.

My brother aged 62 had the ivor lewis done in the Royal Marsden in Feb 2019 the first 6 months or so were pretty tough but he got through it and went back to work after the 6 months, sadly my other brother just diagnosed with the same cancer he is stage IV he has been offered CAPOX and Immunotherapy and awaiting to start treatment.

Hi, thank you for your reply. I’m so sorry your other brother has been diagnosed as well. How incredibly unfair. Send you and your family lots of positive thoughts xxx

I know its been incredibly difficult to get our heads around it happening for a second time and with a stage IV diagnosis, but I am finding comfort in the good outcomes, thank you.