Eating -still frustrated 10 months after surgery

Josie60
Josie60 Member Posts: 80
in Esophageal Cancer #1
I know that eating patterns have been altered forever, but I am so frustrated especially at night. I had a jtube reinstalled last Oct to supplement my nutrition. I am still undergoing chemo so I don't know if has a direct impact.

Here's my routine. I wake in the morning and normally within a half hour I throw up mucus and some stomach juice. I can then eat breakfast which is usually at least a cup of dry cereal or maybe half a bagel and cream cheese. Eggs dont seem to agree with me taste wise. I eat way to many carbs but they seem to process easier. Lunch might be a half of sandwich or half a can of ravioli . I try to snack throughout the day but if I eat things like cheese or nuts but much after 3 it impacts my "supper". Supper if I eat an once of protein and a tablespoon or two of a vegetable that fills me up, then usually if I don't throw up within an hour or two I will when I brush my teeth.

So frustrated. I don't know what to do to improve my evening consumption

Comments

  • LauraandLarry
    LauraandLarry Member Posts: 184
    #2
    So sorry

    So sorry that you are having such difficulty. I wish I could offer some suggestions but we are one of the new kids on the block. I will pray that you will find a way to not only be able to get some nourishment, but enjoy it as well.

  • callerid
    callerid Member Posts: 96
    #3
    No advice

    No advice but I am glad to hear from you. Hopefully someone else can help. Have you tried fruit smoothie with vanilla protein powder. It's kind of like a milkshake only much better nutrient-wise.

  • Josie60
    Josie60 Member Posts: 80
    #4
    I still on oxaliplatin as

    I still on oxaliplatin as part of my chemo, that drug makes handling or eating cold things a bit of a challenge, the nerves in the mouth kind of go haywire.

  • callerid
    callerid Member Posts: 96
    #5
    Josie60 said:

    I still on oxaliplatin as

    I still on oxaliplatin as part of my chemo, that drug makes handling or eating cold things a bit of a challenge, the nerves in the mouth kind of go haywire.

    Oxaliplatin

    I understand. My husband was also on Oxaliplatin (along with Herceptin and Xeloda). It drove him crazy this winter because he would forget sometimes about reaction to tasting/touching cold objects.

  • Joel C
    Joel C Member Posts: 174
    #6
    callerid said:

    Oxaliplatin

    I understand. My husband was also on Oxaliplatin (along with Herceptin and Xeloda). It drove him crazy this winter because he would forget sometimes about reaction to tasting/touching cold objects.

    Just a thought

    Hi Josie,

     

    Do you think it is possible that you may have delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis)?  I was diagnosed with this and at the early stages my symptoms were very much like you described and over time progressed to the point that I could not eat at all.  The issue was corrected by simply dilating the pyloric valve.

     

    Joel

  • LauraandLarry
    LauraandLarry Member Posts: 184
    #7
    Joel C said:

    Just a thought

    Hi Josie,

     

    Do you think it is possible that you may have delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis)?  I was diagnosed with this and at the early stages my symptoms were very much like you described and over time progressed to the point that I could not eat at all.  The issue was corrected by simply dilating the pyloric valve.

     

    Joel

    delayed emptying

    I agree with Joel, funny I was thinking of that last night. Larry's surgeon widens the pyloric valve when he does the esophagectomy. I don'y know why other surgeons don't do this.

  • dwhite0002
    dwhite0002 Member Posts: 126 Member
    #8
    My experience

    Hi Josie,

    I am a 6 year survivor. I still have issues with eating. In fact, I maintain a j-tube with nightly feedings. I have found this much easier than constantly worrying about caloric intake, making myself sick when I eat, etc.

    I take in 1500 calories a night, right now. During the day I eat what I feel like. Some days I eat better than others. I find I eat home cooked food better than restaurant food.

    I actually manage eggs fairly well (2 maximum in one sitting).

    I would be happy to talk with you.

    Godspeed,

    David,

    Hillsboro, OH

    dwhite0002@aol.com

     

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