Surgery change of plan - any thoughts?

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hi guys,  Right had my meeting on Friday with my surgeon and all good to go for next Friday. Slight change of plan tho! I remember him saying after my laparoscopic staging in January that when he went in with the camera and had a look, he thought the cancer was more stomach than oesophageal. Anyway his plan is to do a total gastrectomy (complete stomach removal) rather than the Ivor Lewis oesophagectomy. He said things may change once he’s in there and I may end up with the full oesophagectomy but he’s going in with the intention of the gastrectomy. He explained that you can live a perfectly normal life without a stomach, recovery would be much quicker too as he would be only opening my stomach rather than my chest too so fingers crossed that’s what he’ll do. He explained that I won’t know obviously which op I’ve had til I wake up but he’s hopeful of just the tummy one. So all systems go! I’ll not lie, I’m absolutely petrified but needs must eh! Lots of love Jayne xxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Oh Jayne, I really hope you get 'the easy option' - if there's any such thing.  My friends father had his stomach removed and contrary to what we all think, he lived well without it, it's amazing how many 'bits' we can do without or get replaced lol.   I will be thinking of you (and Barry) on Friday.  These surgeons are amazing and doing this type of surgery routinely so they really do know what they are doing, I know that won't make you feel any easier but it's like you riding a horse - I would be terrified to be up there but to you it's 'simples'.  When you wake up, you'll only have your recovery to concentrate on and that will be fantastic!  Lots of love and all good wishes.  Jayne xxxx

  • Just dropped by to wish you good luck with the surgery and to hopefully give you some encouragement. I know how you’re feeling, it is frightening, but it’s good that surgery is an option and that your consultant and his team are so positive and optimistic, whichever surgery is necessary. That must be reassuring for you. These surgeons are at the top of their field and experts in what they do, so trust them and do what they recommend. Your post surgical care will be exceptional.

    My friend had her stomach removed 16 years ago and she is going strong, into everything, organising this and that.

    Today, I’m 13 years post oesophagectomy, (Ivor Lewis surgery) and am doing really well.

    Little steps become big strides. Stay focussed and positive.

    All the very best.

    Crystal x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to crystalclear

    Hi Crystal, aww thank you so much for your message. Your story is fantastic and long may it continue. It’s all abit surreal if I’m honest, I’m just busying myself with housework but keep thinking hopefully this time tomora, I’ll be waking up in recovery. Thanks so much again, I’ll post an update as soon as I am able. Lots of love Jayne xxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi Jayne, thanks so much for your message, it means a lot I’m in your thoughts. I’m so scared but just wish it was over.   I must admit my surgeon explained last week that the stomach is effectively just a holding vessel and with some modifications to lifestyle/eating etc, there’s no reason why you can’t live a perfectly normal life without one !  I think it’s just the not knowing, there’s still a chance  it’ll end up the full oesophagectomy but obviously I’ll not know til I wake up. Hope Alan is ok and let me know when you get some news too. I’ll be in touch as soon as I am able either on here or I’ll email you. Thanks again, take care both of you and catch up soon. Lots of love Jayne xxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Jayne

    Here to wish you good luck with your surgery, not that you will need it.  I felt just how you are and it is scary, but your in the hands of an amazing team . You will be on those horses again  before you know it. 

    keep positive.

    R

  • Hi Jayne

    All good wishes for tomorrow - the waiting must have seemed endless but now the time has come.  My husband had a full oesophagectomy in 2009 and he is fine, enjoying life (even in these difficult times) and hopefully you will soon be home and doing the same. 

    J x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi Scandsa, thank you so much for the kind message. I feel really wobbly tonight, I’m struggling with leaving my husband at the door and then not seeing him again.   I know it can’t be helped I just can’t imagine not seeing him for a week/10 days. Hopefully this time tomora night I’m settled and feeling relieved if nothing else in ICU. Thanks again and I’ll keep you all informed. Lots of love Jayne xxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to jayceeh5

    Hi J, thanks for your kind message and good wishes. I'm absolutely terrified and wish it was all over. I’m pleased your hubby is doing so well, that’s lovely and encouraging. Thanks again, I’ll keep in touch. Lots of love Jayne xxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Jayne, I just wanted to wish you good luck for your surgery, stay positive and you will get through the isolation and the surgery. It will all be worth it in the long run. Kind regards Frank.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to FormerMember

    Hi Frank, thank you so much for your kind words, it means a lot, everyone’s positive thoughts. I’ll post on here as soon as I am able. Hope you are well too. Lots of love Jayne xxx