Surgery booked for September 12th

Frances

i have lots of positive thoughts for you and I am happy to share my hospital experience with you. However I am basking in upper 20s in the Italian lakes at the moment, even though it is late evening. Not bragging just to say there is a wonderful life still to enjoy after surgery. 

As soon as I get back and I can review the very useful journal that I kept at the time, I will tell you of my not so unpleasant hospital stay and the pleasure of my jelly and ice cream experience a few days after leaving the high dependency unit. Till then look forward to it all being over and the road to recovery and being cured. 

Awe thanks ....my target is to travel again . I love my holidays 

Enjoy every minute in Italy....I'll hear more from you when you get back 

avere una buona vacanza !!!

Hi Frances, eat as much as you can and enjoy it! I had the surgery in the Edinburgh royal infirmary and was in for 12 days. I think I was in the high dependency unit for 4 days then moved to a general ward. To be honest much of it was a blur, when I came out of surgery they had difficulty controlling my heart rate. They discovered that for some reason the epidural wasn't working on me so quickly put me on something else and something to help the heart rate. It was fine and I found the nil by mouth, so no drinking water was hard, take some lip balm to avoid chapped lips. I was only allowed an ice cube on a swab for a few days. I spent a lot of time dozing off during the day, have you been told to practice deep breathing? It's worth it, and I'm sure everything will be fine so don't get yourself in a stooshie. Feel free to ask anything and we will answer you, Brent is a great source of information, as are others. Good luck and kind regards Frank.

Thanks Frank. 

I'll pack the lip balm !

I've been practicing using my sprirometer religiously.  I feel ridiculously healthy just now which is amazing as I really struggled at times during chemo..

I must admit I'm not looking forward to the surgery at all ....but I see it as a necessary evil. I've got a lot of living  to do and ambitions to fulfill!! 

I hope I am a good patient ...... unfortunately I am a nurse and I hate being on the other side of the bed !! Its not always so good understanding all the medical terminology etc.

But I'll do my best 

I'm going to the Glasgow royal infirmary....the hospital  I did my training...so I know I'm in safe hands .

Frances 

Morning Frances,

I am a week away from beginning my third cycle of ECX, I also have a date for my Op of 13th November, so running up behind you.

Good Luck and positive vibes...

Ricky

Awe bless you 

Good luck to you too fellow warrior !

I'll save any hints and tips I learn and share with you 

Frances 

Hi Frances

Very best wishes on the 12th !! we'll all be rooting for you.

I am coming up to my 2 year anniversary (23rd Sept) and feeling fitter than I have in years.

As Brent & Frank both mention - the time in hospital can be a bit of a blur.

I was quite nervous through the 1st Chemo stage (ECX 9 weeks) until a good friend of mine reminded me that I would know nothing of the operation - it was family and friends who would find that time most challenging. The swabs/ice are a great suggestion and reminder as I was so thirsty coming out of surgery (11 hours) and I can still remember it's the first thing I asked for. I'm sure you are well aware the NHS ICU staff are world class (My op was at the Royal Surrey) and offered excellent monitoring and pain relief if needed.

I think it was a day or 2 before I had a cup of tea ( felt like nectar !) and gradually I moved to soups, blended foods etc. 

I don't ever remember feeling hungry and spent my days either reading, taking regular short walks (aided , but up to 6 times a day) or napping - ( of which I still tend to do , particularly after a 'main ' meal).

Here's a link to my blog that's just been updated by my daughter.

myoesophagealcancerjourney.wordpress.com

You're in great company on this site - great and genuine support from so many good , positive people.

Ask anything - anytime !!

Rgs

Pete

Thanks Pete 

You are right I'm more worried I think about how my hubby will cope on the day of surgery  and the next few days ...I'll pr6 not know a lot about it . I've tried to prepare him ..... but not sure I can do justice to what I may be like .or what it will be like for him 

However he knows I have a definite " can do " attitude to all this.  He calls me...my mrs positivity .

Once again..thank you fir the support . It's so good to be able to communicate with like minded warriors!

Regards 

Frances 

Hi Frances, after reading Pete's post it came to my mind that it's worth warning your husband that when you come out of theatre, you will have more tubes coming out of you than the underground. With the weight loss prior to surgery I was 57 kilo's and extremely slim for me. My wife complained that I had no bum! I have now regained my Buddha like figure and since the surgery in October 2016 I have gained 40 kilo's. I've got more chins than a Chinese phone book.  Teach your husband how to post here so he can keep us informed of how you are doing, until you feel up to it. All the best for the surgery, kind regards Frank.

Good advice Frank, but to be honest my wife knew that there would be tubes and wires but she was shocked all the same, it’s something that is difficult to prepare for.

I have regained all the weight that I lost during chemotherapy and surgery. My muffin top is proudly displayed and the hospital were very happy to see it return! (Not so much my wife).

Wishing you all the best for the 12th. You’ll be posting again before you know it!