STAGE 3 ESPOPHAGEAL CANCER SURVIVOR - POSITIVE JOURNEY

Update from my husband....

I am a 56 year old non smoker and Stage 3 survivor of esophogeal cancer. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 on November 6, 2013. I was treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC.  My treatment began with 6 weeks of chemo therapy with infusion pump. My next 6 weeks consisted of chemo therapy with infusion pump and 27 radiation treatments. I then returned home for 5 weeks of rest and recuperation in preparation for my surgery.  My surgery was Friday, April 4th, 2014. I had the Ivor-Lewis procedure. I am now 12 weeks post esophagectomy surgery, I would like to share my personal experiences. I had been an avid golfer for 40 years, and was anxious to return as quickly as possible. That motivated me to aggressively begin my rehabilitation day 1 post op I was instructed to begin walking. My first day I walked nine laps around the hospital floor. 14 laps was equivalent to one mile. I increased my laps and pace daily, refusing to take a wheelchair to daily Xray tests instead choosing to walk a great distance and back.  Within 3-4 days I was walking 28-32 laps a day and was rewarded for my progress and released on day 9 post op.  I was previously told to expect to remain in the hospital for 14 days.  I continued this walking regimen and included climbing up and down stairs. On my 4 week post op surgeon follow up visit, I was told to begin golfing, exercising which included push ups and 10 pound dumb bell weights. During my 6 months of treatment, surgery and recovery, I had lost 43 pounds and weighed 137 pounds. For the last 3 weeks I have been 9 holes of golf  2-3 times a week with a golf cart. I have also carried my golf bag and walked 7 holes. My exercise regimen now includes 12-13 push ups daily and arm and shoulder dumb bell weights.  My strength has increased considerably and my weight has increased by 7 pounds.

I have had my challenges, but everything has been manageable. 

* First week Post op  - 2 naps a day - purchased an adjustable bed. Sleeping on the wedges was uncomfortable and deprived me of much needed sleep.

* Eating small portions, but not limited to what I could or couldn't eat

* Was Sensitive to milk shakes and protien drinks - caused the dumping syndrome

Today 12 weeks later, I am eating larger meals, still have occasional bouts with dumping syndrome. They are not as severe, however predicting when they will occur is still a mystery.

Overall, my complete experience from when I began treatment,  through surgery and now recovery has been easily tolerated and manageable. I believe a great surgeon, great oncologist, positive attitude, supportive family and my unbounding faith has been the secret to my rapid recovery.

Should anyone have any questions, I would be glad to help in anyway.