Recent MIE at USC in LA

Great to hear from you again!!!!!!
John,

So nice to hear from you and happy to hear things went well!!!!

First of all, I assume you have a dietary guide but just in case:

http://www.upmc.com/HealthAtoZ/patienteducation/Documents/Esophagectomy.pdf

One of the challenges that I had post surgery was “dumping syndrome” so in case that may be an issue:

http://www.upmc.com/HealthAtoZ/patienteducation/Documents/DumpingSynDiet.pdf

I also found the following rules helped me avoid abdominal discomfort after eating:

1. Chew all food thoroughly (In my case about twice as much as I did before surgery)
2. Start out with foods that are easy to swallow and digest (see Esophagectomy diet)
3. Focus on foods that are high in protein and carbohydrates
4. Eat small meals at least six times a day
5. Sit down (in an upright position) for at least a half hour after eating
6. Avoid eating two hours prior to bed time
7. Do not drink significant amounts with meals, drink at least an hour after meals
8. Avoid items that are high in simple sugars
9. Avoid very spicy foods and carbonated drinks
10. Avoid drinking high calorie supplements like Ensure or Carnation Instant Breakfast in one sitting (can cause dumping) keep them in the refrigerator and sip them slowly over a few hours.

I have found sleeping in an elevated position helps to avoid reflux. I started out with a wedge but later invested in an adjustable bed that allows me to elevate both my upper torso and my legs so I do not have a tendency to slide down when I sleep. I also found that sleeping in that position caused lower back pain so I put a 3 inch memory foam topper on my bed and that gives me the support I need to eliminate the back aches.

I seem to have become a bit lactose intolerant after surgery but I find that I can eat frozen yogurt with no issues. I find frozen yogurt makes a great replacement for ice cream in treats and in shakes.

It has now been about 13 months since my Ivor Lewis surgery and I can now eat more at a single sitting then shortly after surgery and I can now eat almost anything I want. The only thing I still need to avoid is items high in sugar.

Great to hear things are progressing John.

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
6/21/2010 CT Scan NED

Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!

So glad it went well
I am so happy to hear your MIE went well and you are back home. I am sure you are relieved to have this behind you. I have thought about you and prayed your surgery was successful. Did you get your pathology reports? I hope there was no more cancer and you can work on healing.

My husband Jim just had surgery 4 days ago in Portland, Oregon at OHSU and is supposed to be moving to a normal room tomorrow. He is waiting for those chest tubes to come out. He has had some complications due to his heart issues, but the surgery went very well, about as long as yours. I am glad that is over! I am anxious to see the responses you get as we will be facing the same thing.

God Bless!

Linda