Husband To Have Mie Surgery Next Month

Hi,

I am new to this site.  My husband was diagnosed in Dec 2007 with type 1 esophageal cancer.  We have been at MD Anderson in Houston, TX. for testing the past month.  His cancer was found very early for which we thank God.  He is not going to have to have chemo or radiation but we have a big decision to make.  He has the choice of having open esophagectomy or the minimally invasive surgery.  My husband sings Gospel music and it is truly his strength.  We were told that usually the stomach is stretched and connected in the neck area.  They told us that there was a chance his vocal cords could be efffected.  He has the option to have the stomach connected on the right side of his chest sort of under or behind the arm.  We still have many questions.  This is all such a blur to us.  It really caught us by surprise as I am sure it does each of you.  My husband does not read much about the surgery.  He says it really does not seem real to him yet.  I want to know what to expect.  I am very big on details.  I do not want to be surprised or shocked by what he will face with the surgery and recovery.  I know one doctor told him he could go back to work in 6 weeks.  The other doctor said 3 months minimum.  From all I read on here, it sounds like that is not usually the case.  I know everyone has a different experience, but sounds like the norm is much longer.  My husband works in a steel mill and has to walk up and down about 60 steps several times a day.  He also has to use a sledge hammer many times.  I am so full of questions and beginning to panic at times about all we have to face.  I have lupus and reumatoid arthritis and stress is my biggest enemy.  I have to stay well now to take care of and support him.  I am so afraid that I will get over stressed and tired and I just can't be useless now of all times.  I guess I am afraid.  I know that we do not know what the future holds, but we do know who holds our future.  HELP.  Any information anyone can share with me about the surgery and what to expect would be so helpful.  Thanks and God Bless, Debbie

Good morning-I don't want to sound scary, but if he has choices of surgery I would opt for minimally invasive, particularly if he anticipates work (I seriously doubt he could do that work after Ivor-Lewis type). The Ivor-Lewis left husband very weak in the voice department for months, although he can sing as loudly and sweetly as he did before (2 years post op, and 52 years old today). Pat is a locksmith and cannot do much of the work he used to do physically, could never make 60 stairs post op on a regular basis (stairs on worksites are one of the things that have kept him from ever getting back to more than very part time since surgery, as well as no longer being physically able to drill out more than 2 deadbolts at a time, needing to eat so regularly, etc.). He was in good shape pre op and is still, but just not able to do it all (not even close). Can't do overhead work like door closers, can't do safes, doesn't do cars. I feel very blessed he is still here, particularly on his birthday because I remember doubting we would make 50, but this cancer is life altering, and the one's who make it generally have altered their lifestyles. So sorry you are finding yourself here, and have other health issues of your own. So often I just wish I could make it all better for all of you here. I will keep you in my prayers.

Debbie,

First, I agree with tongrenhealer. Choose the least invasive, effective option.

Second, the long-term outcome of surgery depends on too many variables to list, however an important one is the overall condition of the patient going in. I won't even pretend to have the answers, but as one who has been through it, I have opinions. I had the traditional Ivor-Lewis esophagogastrectomy (esophagectomy) in July 2005, at the age of 54. I had no chemo or radiation at any time. I was in very good condition going in and had no complications. I returned to work in 10 weeks. If I did the kind of work your husband does it would've been more like 3 months - not sooner! I had no effect on my voice at any time. (Of course, I sing like a frog anyway so who would notice.)

Again, I don't do physical work but feel much better when I move. I expect to post a message on this site, by July, saying that I've cycled 10,000 miles in the three years since surgery. I have transplanted trees and feel good afterwards. I think your husband has a good chance of returning to his current job and doing well. The physical work may actually be therapeutic.

Don't forget to take care of yourself!!

Keep us posted. There are lots of people to help you on this site.

Good luck to you and your husband, KEEP MOVING,

Steve 

Hi Steve,

Thanks for your words of encouragement.  Good to hear about your very great progress.  What a great thing to be able to ride all of those miles on your bike since your surgery.  My husband is strong and in good health.  I think he too will do very good.  I know it will be an adjustment for us, but we really are strong willed and with God on our side there is nothing too big to conquer with his help.  Nice to know there are so many caring people out there.  I will keep you posted and I am sure I will be back for support when the going gets tough.  Thanks again and God Bless.  Debbie

Thank you for your sweet reply.  Nice to know you and others are out there ready to offer support.  I pray your husband will be stronger with each new day.  Keep us in your prayers and I will keep you updated.    Again, thank you and God Bless.  Debbie     

 

 

On 3/12/2008 trustinghim wrote:

Hi Steve,

Thanks for your words of encouragement.  Good to hear about your very great progress.  What a great thing to be able to ride all of those miles on your bike since your surgery.  My husband is strong and in good health.  I think he too will do very good.  I know it will be an adjustment for us, but we really are strong willed and with God on our side there is nothing too big to conquer with his help.  Nice to know there are so many caring people out there.  I will keep you posted and I am sure I will be back for support when the going gets tough.  Thanks again and God Bless.  Debbie

Debbie,

I think I am doing very well, better than some, but I am certainly not unique. If you really want to get encouraged, go back and read posts from "Barkley", another Steve. His 83 year old Dad had a transhiatal esophagectomy 2-3 weeks ago. I haven't seen a post in the last few days from Barley, but his Dad was making the rest of us look like wimps!

Steve 

 

Hey Steve,

I read the post about the other Steve's Dad.  What a remarkable strength and spirit for his age.  I only wish I could be that strong and determined.  Sure makes me feel bad about complaining about my aches and pains.

Looks like my husband may be having his surgery at MDA on April 14.  I will know for sure in the next couple of days.  Getting soon and he is getting a little scared, I think.  He was very restless last night and had trouble getting to sleep tonight.  I just pray that I will be able to be so strong for him and not whimp out.  He had an EUS a couple of weeks ago, his second in a matter of two weeks.  They told me 45 min. to hour.  After two hours no word and everyone in the entire area was gone.  Only a lady cleaning in the recovery room.  She did not speak English.  I really started to freak out and my mind imagine all sorts of things.  Finally they came out with him about 10 minutes later.  He was wide awake.  Said he woke up with about 20 minutes left to go.  Really was not pleasant for him.  They said they gave him all they could without slowing his breathing and heart down too much.  They had to do many biopsies.  Please pray that I will be strong for the many hours the surgery will take.  They tell me up to 7 hours.  I have such a hard time seeing someone I love suffering.  Too many losses too soon.  Lost my Mother to pancreatic cancer a few years ago.  My husband had tumor on his parathyroid removed.  Benign thank God.  The next month my daughter 25 yrs old had to have complete hysterectomy.  Two weeks later we were at MDA with her after a melanoma dx.  She had surgery  and a softball size removed from her back.  Again, thank God.  She is cancer free. Our best friend just died from colon cancer last month.  We were with him for the last several days. Could not believe it, he was in the same room my Mother was in before she died.  Too many bad memories.  I know God will not give us more that we can handle, I hope he does not get me mixed up with someone else. HA HA a little humor is needed right about now.  Thanks for listening.  God Bless  Debbie

If it's any comfort, my husband also woke during EUS, but was fine in surgery.