How does it hurt?

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ArchTB
ArchTB Member Posts: 150
in Esophageal Cancer #1
Hi everyone,

It's been nearly 6 months since Tom's MIE (May 17th). He is scheduled for a CT scan in the end of this months. I am so hoping for good scan results because I have reasons to worry. Tom's recovery seemed very fast in the first few weeks after the surgery, but after about two months his condition stabilized at what he calls "75%". He gets tired pretty fast and often complains about back pain. We did tell out doctor about the back pain, but got only a refill for oxicodine and reassurance that recovery takes time.

The pain is not sharp and bearable, except after dinner. For some reason it's only dinners, not other meals that cause problem although he does not eat much or does not eat anything special. But every other evening after dinner he would start complaining about cramps in his belly - not stomach but abdomen part - and pain in a lower back that makes him restless. The pain could be controlled by oxicodine but he tries to take less of it.

I was wondering how other people feel after having a meal. How does it hurt if you eat too much? how does it feel if you eat something that you cannot tolerate? he does not have dumping syndrome, just back pain and belly cramps. Also, for how long after the surgery have you been taking pain killers?

Wishing everyone good news and fast recoveries!
Olya

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  • Ginny_B
    Ginny_B Member Posts: 532
    #2
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    My mom was recently
    My mom was recently diagnosed with EC Stage 3 TxN2M0 and early on she complained of back pain. As it was explained to us, the location of her tumor (between the breasts) has nerves that shoot straight back and cause the back pain. She has not complained of any pain since beginning radiation.

    She has not had surgery nor will she.
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    #3
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    Hi Oyla, I had surgery three
    Hi Oyla, I had surgery three 1/2 yrs. ago. I am still uncomfortable a lot after eating. I don't like the way my stomach feels. a lot of time I will have pain in the upper abdomen. It doesn't make any difference, if I eat a lot or a little, it just happens.I'm thankful it only last about 15 min. This usually occurs after supper. I will rest and then usually will be back to normal. Because of this short time, I haven't discussed it with the drs.
    Good Luck on the upcoming scan.
    prayers, Sandra
  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,391 Member
    #4
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    sandy1943 said:

    Hi Oyla, I had surgery three
    Hi Oyla, I had surgery three 1/2 yrs. ago. I am still uncomfortable a lot after eating. I don't like the way my stomach feels. a lot of time I will have pain in the upper abdomen. It doesn't make any difference, if I eat a lot or a little, it just happens.I'm thankful it only last about 15 min. This usually occurs after supper. I will rest and then usually will be back to normal. Because of this short time, I haven't discussed it with the drs.
    Good Luck on the upcoming scan.
    prayers, Sandra

    Upper abdominal pain and pain below right shoulder blade in back
    Oyla,

    I had surgery almost two years ago. From time to time (normally after dinner) I have discomfort in my upper abdomen just below my rib cage and sometimes the pain runs into my lower back just below my shoulder blade. It normally subsides after an hour or so. It does not seem to be related to how much I eat or what I eat. It just happens sometimes.

    I have discussed it with my oncologist and my surgeon. They just shrug and say it takes a long time to recover from such invasive surgery. I did notice a big difference in my stamina after about a year.

    I know I just sound like your doctor, but it does take time.


    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!
  • Janet Runge
    Janet Runge Member Posts: 34
    #5
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    Cramping
    Olya,
    My husband had his MIE on May 27th 2011 so we are close in this together.
    Charlie also did good after surgery until he did his post op chemo ( Neg pathology after surgery but chemo 2 long round anyway) This last 1 month he has been having alot of cramping after eating and coughing and mucous. Last week his surgeon recommended a dilation of the juncture of the stomach and small intestines. This week I can see his is doing better and eating more and more comfortable. Our PET/US was in September and NED.

    I know how hard it is for you. I feel the same way I can't understand all he is feeling I just push him every day to eat more. I would be careful with the meds because they could be causing some cramping

    take care Janet
  • ArchTB
    ArchTB Member Posts: 150
    #6
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    Janet Runge said:

    Cramping
    Olya,
    My husband had his MIE on May 27th 2011 so we are close in this together.
    Charlie also did good after surgery until he did his post op chemo ( Neg pathology after surgery but chemo 2 long round anyway) This last 1 month he has been having alot of cramping after eating and coughing and mucous. Last week his surgeon recommended a dilation of the juncture of the stomach and small intestines. This week I can see his is doing better and eating more and more comfortable. Our PET/US was in September and NED.

    I know how hard it is for you. I feel the same way I can't understand all he is feeling I just push him every day to eat more. I would be careful with the meds because they could be causing some cramping

    take care Janet

    Thank you all
    Thank you all for your feedback. It is important to hear once in a while that things are going to be okay. I truly hope so!
    Olya
  • sandy1943
    sandy1943 Member Posts: 824
    #7
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    paul61 said:

    Upper abdominal pain and pain below right shoulder blade in back
    Oyla,

    I had surgery almost two years ago. From time to time (normally after dinner) I have discomfort in my upper abdomen just below my rib cage and sometimes the pain runs into my lower back just below my shoulder blade. It normally subsides after an hour or so. It does not seem to be related to how much I eat or what I eat. It just happens sometimes.

    I have discussed it with my oncologist and my surgeon. They just shrug and say it takes a long time to recover from such invasive surgery. I did notice a big difference in my stamina after about a year.

    I know I just sound like your doctor, but it does take time.


    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!

    Paul, I'm so glad you
    Paul, I'm so glad you posted. Since your surgery, like mine, was a while ago, it makes me feel better to know I am experiencing some of the same things as others. Maybe it is just one of them side effects we will have to live with, but that is certainly alright with me, because I am able to eat.
    Sandra

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