Transhiatal Esophagectomy Surgery

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monica_sss
monica_sss Member Posts: 54
in Esophageal Cancer #1
During my weeks reading this board it seems that most people comment on MIE or Ivor Lewis surgery (did I get that right?). We got good news today that Mom's post chemo/rads scans are clean and she's got the green light to go through with surgery. The surgeon uses the transhiatal esophagectomy method (THE). Are there any other THE members that can share their post-surgery experience?

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  • captdave
    captdave Member Posts: 153
    #2
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    Monica, I had a THE two
    Monica, I had a THE two months ago. I'd love to share my experience with you. If you'd send me an email on the site here I'd be happy to respond to any questions you have or have you call me and talk to you about my experience. The first question I'd have is where is your mother having the surgery. That and the surgeon I believe have a huge part in determining the recovery from the surgery. prayers and thoughts are with you and hope to hear from you soon.

    Dave
  • mruble
    mruble Member Posts: 174
    #3
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    My husband
    My husband had THE. two years ago. While recovery wasn't a walk in the park, it was definitely easier than recovery from Ivor Lewis. If you're Interested, you can check out Chad's CaringBridge site - just enter chadruble in the search box. I started doing the CaringBridge in the days leading up to Chad's surgery so you may find something helpful in the early entries. And like Dave, I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

    Best of luck to your Mom!

    Mary
  • monica_sss
    monica_sss Member Posts: 54
    #4
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    mruble said:

    My husband
    My husband had THE. two years ago. While recovery wasn't a walk in the park, it was definitely easier than recovery from Ivor Lewis. If you're Interested, you can check out Chad's CaringBridge site - just enter chadruble in the search box. I started doing the CaringBridge in the days leading up to Chad's surgery so you may find something helpful in the early entries. And like Dave, I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

    Best of luck to your Mom!

    Mary

    Chad
    Mary, I just read through your caringbridge site. I'm so sorry about Chad's passing. It's obvious through your writing that you were as upbeat and as faithful a caregiver as is possible. I enjoyed Chad's posts too, he seems like a very sensible and humorous man. Thanks for sticking around here to share your story with those of us (like me) looking for any bit of information.
  • TerryV
    TerryV Member Posts: 887
    #5
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    Nick had THE on 09/08/11
    Monica,

    Nick had a great experience with a THE surgery. He was scared (rightfully so) of the surgery, but we heard one really telling thing from our surgeon. He said the surgery while not easy would be easier than the treatments he had already completed. Our surgeon was right!

    Nick was in surgery 4 1/2 hours, never in ICU and up walking the floor halls the same day. I believe his total hospital stay was 6 days, maybe 7. The scars aren't bad and he truly did "get over" surgery faster than he recovered from either rads or chemo. And he had a fairly easy time with both.

    Your mom should do her best to be in good physical condition going into surgery. A strong body (as strong as is reasonably possible) going in will help getting through.

    Like others have said, you are welcome to email me here for either my personal email or a cell number.

    Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!

    Terry
    wife to Nick, age 48
    dx 05/19/11 T3N1M0
    28 rads / 2 weeks inpatient Cisplatin and 5FU
    THE 09/08/11
    Clean Path 09/13/11

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