Oesophageal cancer surgery recoverery

Got the operation this month 24/1, must admit a bit apprehensive about it. Got nurse coming round to show me how to use pump to feed myself overnight. I’m very loose with stools always have been, wondering if this will be any worse after op, any advice would be welcome. Still very fit and active. All the best Haybag.

Hi Haybag. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I was apprehensive like you. Please stay positive, it's a big op but the folks looking after you are exceptional as they always are. I was in hospital for eleven days. There's always somebody who is out before you and others after you but it's not a race, it takes whatever it takes. Always be sure to ask questions about anything that concerns you prior to or after the op. On the day of the op I really struggled with those awful paper pants   Immediately after the op I spent two days in critical care, very standard, followed by a move up to the general ward and a few trips in the lift ensure the new version of stomach was connected correctly.  It's surprising how quickly you can be up and about and ready for departure back to home. Again, just because another patient has managed to run a marathon or rode a bicycle several miles a few weeks after coming home your own recovery is whatever it takes. Five years on I still sleep in an upright position albeit I always slide down and have to reposition myself, but it's pretty much the only thing I have to differently. Please get back to me if you have any specific questions. Are you having the Ivor Lewis op?

Winslow thanks for the message I'm not currently operable, but hopefully they changes in the future and its good to hear there can be light at the end of the tunnel

Thanks for the reply Winslowmark, how long was it for you before you were able to eat solids again. Not to bothered about the operation, as have had operations before, yes having the Ivor Lewis. Notooking forward too a long recovery period as I’m no good at sitting around doing nothing, I’m still a pretty active person, even through the chemotherapy I trained every day and took the dog for houlong walks, hope you are now doing well and living a full life. Onwards and upwards HAYBAG.

Hello Winslowmark, thanks for reaching out. My dad has just been diagnosed, he started chemo last week and has the op scheduled for the spring. He's feeling extremely anxious about life after the operation. I am trying to find someone who might be able to connect with him and talk him through their experience to give him some hope for the future . If you would be up for this please could private message me - although absolutely no worries if not. Thank you for posting 

Thats Brilliant news - thanks for sharing a positive post. Bravo

I am a bit behind you....hopefully will be 5 years for me in September. Have a chexk up scan this Friday and feeling fitter than I have in years. 

Hi Suzie

Sorry to hear your Dad has just been diagnosed. 

I am sure Winslowmark will support

If I can offer any help. Please reach out.

I have pasted a link to a blog my daughter helped produce to help anyone through their journey

https://myoesophagealcancerjourney.wordpress.com/

Best Wishes

Pete

Hi Pete, Thanks very much for this, I'll definitely take a read of your blog!

Hi Suzie,

Just replied to Haybag on this thread.

Happy to chat to your Dad about my experience in Sheffield and give him some support.

Paul

Hello Haybag,

I was diagnosed in March 2018 following an Endoscopy follow-up for my Barret's Esophagus issues. Fortunately it was an early diagnosis of Esophageal cancer at stage T0/T1. Initially they had hope to remove endoscopically but this was not possible. After CT scans and PET scans I was booked in for the Ivor Lewis procedure in April 2018 and didn't need chemotherapy. 

Following the operation I spent 5+ days in intensive care followed by 6 weeks on the ward during this time I was mainly nil by moth and had an external  feeding tube. That was a most challenging time but I slowly improved and came home with the feeding tube still in initially this being removed in August 2018. As I slowly got back to eating normally.

Eating little and often was a big adjustment and I still need to be careful I don't eat too much all at once.

However, the good news is I have been declared cancer free and simply have annual scans / follow-up to monitor the situation. No further treatment is planned.

Basically apart from being careful how late I eat and sleeping with four pillows to keep me a bit more upright in bed. 

I'm now 66 and able to do most things but do get tired easily but have made a full recovery.

All the best for your Op!

Paul