Ivor Lewis Recovery

Hi Susannabanana, that's great news about your husband. I used to drink coffee made with warm full fat milk in between the snacks, with a couple of plain biscuits just for extra calories. It's rare to feel hungry but I did occasionally get hungry although generally learned to eat by the clock. Good luck and kind regards Frank.

Thank you so much for sharing I'm hoping I become operable in the near future and it's nice to read success stories like this. How does it impact him in other areas of life is he able to do physical activities. My target is to play football again with my mates, that would be a dream for me

We made sure we walked everyday and still do. This was recommended post op to ensure his lungs got back to capacity after being collapsed during operation.

His aim was to reclaim his bowling prowess and is certainly on target this year if Covid allows a normal season. 
Ask me in September if he succeeds

Hi there, I’m about 10 weeks post op snd really struggling with pain and food sticking when swallow. I do chew well but still have problems. Awaiting a barium swallow to see if I need a stretch. Does eating become easier would you say? Also suffer from poor appetite. 

Moggie, I haven't had an operation yet so apologise if my advice here isn't what you are looking for, but when I started treatment I could barely eat solids, even rice was rubbing against my tumour and causing a weird feeling and often me to throw it back up. My wife designed a liquid diet for me based on soups, juices and the protein shakes that I got from the Dr called fresubin which when frozen were delicious. I stick with this diet and slowly introduced more solid foods as the tumour I assume began to shrink. The details of my diet are in my profile for you to see I really do hope this helps. Maybe it's a case of patience and not running before you can walk.

My diet is super healthy that I've shared not something I am used to, but it's worked for me. Others on here I've seen have focused on calories and foods they really enjoy stuff like trifles are great. Here is a site than can make things more interesting which i haven't tried, but may give you some ideas example https://www.specialistnutrition.com/our-products/softer-foods/puree-meals-level-4/?gclsrc=aw.ds&gclid=Cj0KCQiArt6PBhCoARIsAMF5wajkFY6uHAXahLksN-jYByaWRUioefyUVNnMP818Yflg7wuMAkz8aLoaAujiEALw_wcB

Again sorry of it's not what you are looking for, but I hope it helps. I really took things slowly building myself up I'm now on full solids and haven't been sick on 4 months. Good luck to I know it's frustrating, but you will get there.

Eating does get easier. There will be times that something that didn't stick before sticks this time but the key is to suffer the indignity and pain knowing that it WILL be better next time and soon you'll rediscover the real simple joy of beans or yogurt or cream of tomato soup. Nutritional drinks are available from NHS and the fruity ones are palatable and keep the calories going in.

Appetite is a strange one post op. You're never really hungry but just know you've got to eat. You will eventually fancy something in particular so think that's as good as you can expect. Stick to a clock routine and if you're looking forward to the next meal time, you're in!

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply Vinnie. Everything is helpful! I took Fresubin during chemo when I couldn’t face food but haven’t tried it frozen-sounds nice though as it can be quite sickly. I’ll read your diet info-I’m used to eating healthily but wonder if I’ll achieve that again. I guess it all takes time. Wishing you all the best on your treatment journey. 

Thank you for your advice- always helpful to hear others’ stories. Yes it’s strange how one day I can’t face a particular food, the next it’s quite appealing. Yoghurt and beans have been lifesavers! Day at a time I guess

The toffee ones frozen are delicious mate it was heaven for me before I started treatment. Rice pudding is also great or mix up some fruit with a bit of added protein powder and freeze it is deliciois. Having them soft frozen seemed to be the only way for me to get solids in and was enjoyable. Maybe ask your oncologist if frozen things are ok posr surgery I don't know the rules good luck to you to on your recovery I imagine you have come so far and should be proud. Just keep positive 

Thanks for your great advice! Definitely giving the frozen fresubin a try. Wishing you a positive future ️