Weight loss

sandy1943

Hi, I wish I had found this site when I was diagnosed with stage 3 esophagus cancer in Nov.'07. It also involved a couple of lymph nodes in stomach. I had chemo before surgery, then my surgery in May '08. I didn't know there are different types of surgery until I read it here: but mine was the bad one. The surgery was fine with a hospital stay of 14 days. I slowly regained my appetite and strength. I have been disease free since a ct scan in Nov '08. Now to talk about my exsisting problems. I still have problems with dumping syndrome, even though it is getting better. I"ve also had two dilations which haven't been successful. The past couple of weeks my swallowing has become a lot worst with food getting stuck. I moved my appointment up to see my gastrologist on Thursday. One of my biggest problems is weight loss. I have lost 98 pds.and i"m still losing. I do love to eat, so that's not my problem. The dr's seem to be puzzled over this. All my test are good, so they don't think it's hidden cancer. I am 67 now and was hefty before the cancer, but now I am skinny. I've tried the nutritional drinks but they caused dumping. I "ve read some things on here that I'm going to try. I hope i haven't been rambling too much. It just feels so good to be able to talk to people who have had the same cancer. I'm one of those that never had acid reflux- only a little heartburn and pain in my chest---Never had to sit up at night because of acid. I went to an excellent hospital and had a dr' that was well known in thoracic surgery. He has since retired and I am looking over Dr.s that are at the same hosipital.

BMGky

Weight loss
There are many people on this site whovare very helpful. I'm relatively new to site. Husband had recent "bad" surgery type. Is recovering. Great results. Managing dumping has been a problem as well as weight maintenance. Hope you get some answers as I'm interested in their suggestions.

Donna70

BMGky said:

Weight loss
There are many people on this site whovare very helpful. I'm relatively new to site. Husband had recent "bad" surgery type. Is recovering. Great results. Managing dumping has been a problem as well as weight maintenance. Hope you get some answers as I'm interested in their suggestions.

watch amounts
Hi Sandy,
I just had the open surgery in December. I found that dumping can occur if I eat too much and especially with high calorie drinks like Ensure or Nestle really high calorie if I try to drink the container all at once then I go thru dumping. I keep the stuff in a cup and just sip it throughout the day. I don't have trouble with dairy products so I know it is the amount giving me the trouble. Also if you can tolerate it and swallow it, I gained 4 lbs in 2 weeks eating tspns of peanut butter the creamy kind between meals. I kind of let it melt in my mouth. My main problem has been coughing with vomiting and then I lose the whole meal, once or twice a week. I am sure others will come forward with suggestions too. Welcome to the board. This is a wonderful place. take care, prayers always,
Donna70

sandy1943

Donna70 said:

watch amounts
Hi Sandy,
I just had the open surgery in December. I found that dumping can occur if I eat too much and especially with high calorie drinks like Ensure or Nestle really high calorie if I try to drink the container all at once then I go thru dumping. I keep the stuff in a cup and just sip it throughout the day. I don't have trouble with dairy products so I know it is the amount giving me the trouble. Also if you can tolerate it and swallow it, I gained 4 lbs in 2 weeks eating tspns of peanut butter the creamy kind between meals. I kind of let it melt in my mouth. My main problem has been coughing with vomiting and then I lose the whole meal, once or twice a week. I am sure others will come forward with suggestions too. Welcome to the board. This is a wonderful place. take care, prayers always,
Donna70

I love peanut butter. I'll
I love peanut butter. I'll try it, I am unable to vomit because of the surgery, so that has not been a problem. I will see my doctor this afternonn. Hoping he will go ahead with another dilation. My swallowing has gotten a lot worst lately. Thanks for any advice anyone has to offer.
Sandra