Has anyone had esophageal cancer surgery? What should I expect?

Surgery for esophageal cancer can feel overwhelming to think about, and it's completely natural to want to hear from others who have been through this experience. This community has many members who have navigated various treatment paths and may be able to share insights about what helped them prepare and what the recovery process was like for them.

I'm in a similar spot and would really love to hear from others who've been through esophageal surgery too. It definitely feels overwhelming to think about, so knowing we're not alone in having these questions is reassuring.

I had surgery in 2023. They cut out the lower part of my esophagus and the upper part of my stomach. They stitched them together. Now I have an abbreviated stomach.

I was told I was in remission in December. Had my pet last week, just waiting on results. I am trying to be positive, but it isn't easy. The thought of that surgery scares the hell out of me. Best to you all.

Anonymous, can you tell me about quality of your life after surgery? I enjoy golf and pickleball. Just wondering if I can do these things.after the surgery.

Becky, surgery has many side effects that may last years, depending upon your treatment regimen. I am 79 years old. My exercise is confined to walking and working out. These plus my supportive friends and family, have given me a good quality of life. ✌️

I have four rounds of chemotherapy and surgery afterwards with three or four more rounds of chemotherapy.

David, may I ask what stage was your esophageal cancer?

Stage 3

I will be praying for you.

Thank you Becky. I woke up at 2am with my mind racing. Too many unanswered questions 🙏🙏🙏

I had chemo radiation and surgery The chemo radiation shrunk the cancer, but the biopsy after surgery showed the cancer was still alive The surgery saved my life Now out 22 years and cancer free God's blessings

Life after surgery is a different norm I am able to do anything Thankful for having had surgery

I was diagnosed with Stage 3 esophageal cancer in July 2023. I had chemo and radiation followed by a 7 1/2 hour largely robotic surgery to remove much of my esophagus including the remaining cancer and part of my stomach. I then did a year of immunotherapy. My cancer has been undetectable since the surgery in October 2023. It is a challenging process. My weight plummeted from 210 to 155. But I would do it all over again. I am nearly 75 years old, back to about 190 pounds, working full-time, and very much appreciating and enjoying without any extensive physical restrictions this bonus time I have been given —- one day at a time.

I had chemo radiation and surgery They all helped but the surgery was truly beneficial The tumor was still alive when they did a biopsy on it The surgery saved me Now 22 years out from my surgery and still working

I am new here. I was diagnosed with stage 2 esophageal cancer. I will have to have surgery soon. I have a blockage. Thanks listening

Good luck with the surgery. Keep us posted.

After surgery and recovery I was able to do everything I did before. Even referring HS soccer.

Yes I had the surgery and it was no joke I wouldn't wish that pain on my worst enemy but I healed pretty quickly I was supposed to be there for 14days but I went home after 8 days, I had a feeding tube though and was on a liquid diet for a few weeks but I healed from that pretty quickly also, and I gradually got up to solids.

To me the surgery sounds awful!

I have the same situation. From March 4 months of chemo with immunotherapy added. Then I will have the surgery. We estimate it should be around late August or early September. Depends on if I have another white cell crash. That throws it off a month each time. I could only eat liquids for over a month so I have lost too much weight. Went from 168 to 127. I’m 5’10”. That’s a dramatic change. My surgeon said I will need to get back as much of that muscle mass as possible before the surgery. I was told there is about a month between the last chemo and the surgery. I can swallow now so I’m trying to build back up. When I look in the mirror it’s difficult. I was able to hike 12 to 15 miles and climb 2000 feet on any given Sunday. Not bad for a 69 year old man. Now I’m a mass of skin on bones. Probably won’t ever get back to where I was but I would welcome 155 to 160. I have read a lot about the surgery and I have to admit I am a little scared about it. But it will happen to save my life. Not looking forward to it though. Good luck with yours Becky.

Rob, I had big weight loss too. No more hiking or lap swimming. I do resistance workouts. Also gym bicycles and Nutone seem helpful. I try to drink protein drinks. Good luck!