Hello everyone.
My dad had Esophageal Cancer Surgery end of July 2012. He had his surgery at Shands in Gainesville by a great doctor. He was in great hands and I thank god that we caught it and he was able to have the surgery!
Since his surgery he has lost (to date) 65 pounds. This is within 3 months. He is not eating at all. When I say not eating, I mean not eating. He may eat a 1 piece of fruit for the whole day, or a piece of toast. That's it. He says when he eats he feels like throwing up and feels terrible. He also complains that everything tastes extrememly salty (even when there is no salt in the food). He obviously is very low on energy and weak and just feels like crap all the time.
Is all this normal? Since his Dr. is at Shands which is 3 hours away it's kind of hard for him to make an appointment and walk in. He has called there and spoken to the nurse pract. who informs him it is completely normal.
I understand this is a MAJOR surgery, but it just seems like he should be starting to feel "a little" better by now.
He was rehospitalized after the surgery for dehydration already. I don't want to see that happen again. But he is very stubborn and won't eat and drinks very little.
Has anyone else experienced this?
Joined: Jul 2012
crunchy foods..crackers, popcorn, toast, bagels toasted. I'm at my three months since IL, and at times you have to force yourself to eat. Jan
Joined: Apr 2010
While it does take some time to get used to eating after surgery it seems that your Dad's case is something that should be discussed with his surgeon. Nausea after eating could indicate some motility issues that could be improved with an endoscopy or medication.
You did not mention if your father has a feeding tube like a "jejunostomy tube" or "J tube". These tubes are typically placed after an esophagectomy to supplement nutritional needs while a patient becomes used to his new digestive system.
In any case, it is not normal for someone to eat as little as your father is after surgery. I would say medical intervention is in order.
Best Regards,
Paul Adams
McCormick, South Carolina
DX 10/22/2009 T2N1M0 Stage IIB
12/03/2009 Ivor Lewis
2/8 through 6/14/2010 Adjuvant Chemo Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
Two year survivor
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!
Joined: Sep 2012
hi, i don't post o