1 year later

My father in law had surgery to remove cancer at the bottom of his esophagus, they removed the flap at the bottom so he has hiccups alot and acid reflux. 

My concern is he seems to fall asleep alot.  He will be sitting there and all of a sudden he is asleep.  He seems confused abit and somewhat lost.  He doesn't sleep at night and has trouble taking sleeping pills ( they make him tired the next day) Is this a normal part of the recovery?  Its been a year since the surgery.  He has had many follow up appts. and everything looks good.  He has gained weight and does some exercise but is still so weak. 

What can or should he be doing?  I think there is a lot of depression also.

Hi, Lisa: Depending on the resources in your area, your father-in-law may want to look into adjunctive therapies that are not a regular piece of mainstream medical cancer management. Fatigue is a common issue that comes from many things, not just cancer and/or surgery. Medical doctors are not particularly invested in helping out in this arena. Body therapies that can support healing and system functionality may help. For instance, his liver, while not deemed in crisis according to cancer doctors may be sluggish. This is not unusual. A skilled naturopath or wholistically oriented clinic could help with a gentle liver cleansing approach that might help him to absorb and/or clear medications more efficiently. Or accupuncture. Or a skilled physical therapist. Or... Or... Good luck. Nutrigirl

On 5/9/2007 Lisa29 wrote:

My father in law had surgery to remove cancer at the bottom of his esophagus, they removed the flap at the bottom so he has hiccups alot and acid reflux. 

My concern is he seems to fall asleep alot.  He will be sitting there and all of a sudden he is asleep.  He seems confused abit and somewhat lost.  He doesn't sleep at night and has trouble taking sleeping pills ( they make him tired the next day) Is this a normal part of the recovery?  Its been a year since the surgery.  He has had many follow up appts. and everything looks good.  He has gained weight and does some exercise but is still so weak. 

What can or should he be doing?  I think there is a lot of depression also.