Oesophagectomy and after

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Hi,

My partner, Stuart, had an oesophagectomy November 24. Since then he has been unable to swallow safely relying on nasal gastric tube for nutrition. He also had unilateral vocal cord palsy but the damaged cord was injected and he could speak clearly again. However, early October he developed strider due to the other vocal cord not working. We had 3 1/2 hours in A&E and was checked out. Within 10 days he saw the ENT consultant and was referred for a CT scan which showed a swollen lymph node pressing on his vocal cord. His team have referred him for a PET scan with a wait of up to 3 weeks. To say we’re devastated is an understatement. Has anyone had this complication?

GeoFerret 3 hours ago

Hi Galloway. I had my Oesophagectomy in Sept 23. Everything was fine after the op. Fortunately I didn't need e feeding tube. In august of last year I was diagnosed with a recurrent Adenocarcinoma on the right paratrachael lymph node. Initially it was descibed as inflamation of a lymph node. It wasn't that big at 14mm but a pet scan and (EBUS) Endobronchial ultrasound and needle biopsy showed it to be cancer. While waitig for treatment it got larger and pressed on my vocal chords, reducing my voice to a breathy whisper. It couldn't be operated on because of its position so I underwent chemo and daily radiotherapy for 5 weeks. The cancer shrank and my voice returned. Subsequent scans have shown thet it has not gone completely but that it has not grown and has not spread.

As you well know, we are all different and Stuarts condition may just be inflamation. If it turns out that it is similar to mine I just wanted you to know that there is a way forward. Good luck to you both.

Galloway 3 hours ago in reply to GeoFerret

Thank you so much for your prompt and supportive response. I’m most grateful and glad you’re doing well. Anne

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