My partner, Stuart, had an oesophagectomy over a year ago. He has been unable to eat, getting nutrition through a nasal gastric tube. He had vocal cord palsy as well but it was treated in August but sadly only had his voice for two months. Since October his voice went due to paralysis of the vocal cord. This was caused by an enlarged lymph node pressing on the nerve linked to the vocal cord. Unfortunately cancer cells were found in the node. He started chemotherapy mid January but it was halted due to a crisis with his breathing due to the vocal cord palsy. He’s now in hospital waiting for a tracheostomy procedure on Tuesday. We’re told this will be permanent and he’ll have to learn to talk. I’ve researched aftercare of the airway and it looks tricky. This is a particularly cruel cancer and we’re told that he’s been unlucky. We’re also having to deal with palliative care though the oncologist has said there’s an outside chance of cure. However, the damage has been done. After the last two visits I have cried in the car. He’s been so diminished. I can’t believe the difference to him over 14 months. He looks more like man in his 80s, he’s 73.
Hello Galloway
I am Brian, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community. I have noticed your post has gone unanswered. I can't answer it myself as I have a different cancer, however by me replying it will be "bumped up" to the top of the Oesophageal Cancer group and I hope seen and answered by members of the group.
You did say Stuart was having his procedure today and I trust this has gone well and I wish him a speedy recovery. Don't forget our Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 9pm 7 days a week) is there for you if you wish to speak to someone for additional Support.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
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galloway i so feel for you, not had the issues with talking but know exactly what you mean, how this disease changes everything, there is so much support on here and wise words, ive definatley used this forum for support when things werent brilliant at home, i think sometimes the mental side is worse than the physical.
sending hugs, keep reaching out, and ignore dr google, awful advise.
take care jules 
I just want to say how sorry I am for all you are going through. All on here have different and wide ranging experiences of this horrible illness but you will find support and understanding from all.
Sending love
Geraldine 
hi galloway, hopefully he will be on some serious pain killers to help him sleep and have a rest from it all. Not had this procedure, but looks like we are back on a new cancer train ourselves, 3rd time unlucky. I know when i spoke to some of our guys, the general thought was that if its the man who has the condition, the women will have meds on a military grade spread sheet, appointments down to a tee, meals and medication on a clock, as we are the organised one, think that is why i struggled when i kept thinking if this was the other way round i would be doing everything for you, not really realising i was so wrapped up in my own frustration, anger, anxiety and crying so much, and he genuinely didnt know what to do. Know when i came home after the op and 7 days in hospital, felt so alone and scared, as i had nurses round the clock doing meds, food and general welfare. so as much as i was glad to be home, still felt very out of sorts. i have vowed this time that i will be more forgiving, and that we need to focus on this new challenge together. so talking does help, but i wasnt the same through all of this. So dont panic if he isnt himself, we hear the word PTSD alot, and like my husband didnt really want to talk, we are trying to use our previous experience to make appointments and scans less scary, its taken us 16 months, so hang in there, and feel free to just talk on here. You look after yourself, as you will need some time out to digest it all.
sending hugs
Jules
