Fiance having surgery on 11/19

I was very happy to find these messageboards, the positive stories of survivors have been inspirational, and give me reason to hope.  Ed & I became engaged on May 1st of this  year...he was diagnosed with stage III esophageal cancer a month later.  He immediately offered to let me break the engagement....I told him no way, that's not how I roll...lol.  You see, I lost my husband of 26 years to liver disease 7 years ago, Ed didn't want to put me through that again.  We met online 2 years ago and have been inseperable ever since...leaving him was never an option.

He had gotten to the point in August where he could barely get liquids down.  After 28 days of radiation, and once a week chemo, the tumor totally shrunk and he can eat normally again, it's wonderful.  His recent PET scan looked great, his doc told him he's a poster boy for how the treatment should go.  We're just both very nervous about the esophagectomy, but can only pray it goes well.  He's 57, no heart problems, lung tests were very good (he smoked for 40 years, but quit cold turkey in July).

 He's trying to keep a positive attitude, and plans on being back to work in a few weeks (??).  He's a salesman that can work from home for a large part of the day...but we'll see.  I just want him well so we can plan a wedding :)

I'll be checking back here often for advice.  Thanks for listening.

Firstly congratulations on hour engagement.  I got engaged over 6 years ago when I knew that I probably had oesophageal cancer and married 2 weeks after chemo and before the surgery.  I am still here, we also have a 17 and 31 month old now.

I was not in any shape to work for at least 6 months post surgery and I was 32 when I was diagnosed.  I was unable to swallow even liquids when I was diagnosed and here I am still.

Best wishes,

Aoife

On Nov 12, 2012 10:44 PM SandyR wrote:

I was very happy to find these messageboards, the positive stories of survivors have been inspirational, and give me reason to hope.  Ed & I became engaged on May 1st of this  year...he was diagnosed with stage III esophageal cancer a month later.  He immediately offered to let me break the engagement....I told him no way, that's not how I roll...lol.  You see, I lost my husband of 26 years to liver disease 7 years ago, Ed didn't want to put me through that again.  We met online 2 years ago and have been inseperable ever since...leaving him was never an option.

He had gotten to the point in August where he could barely get liquids down.  After 28 days of radiation, and once a week chemo, the tumor totally shrunk and he can eat normally again, it's wonderful.  His recent PET scan looked great, his doc told him he's a poster boy for how the treatment should go.  We're just both very nervous about the esophagectomy, but can only pray it goes well.  He's 57, no heart problems, lung tests were very good (he smoked for 40 years, but quit cold turkey in July).

 He's trying to keep a positive attitude, and plans on being back to work in a few weeks (??).  He's a salesman that can work from home for a large part of the day...but we'll see.  I just want him well so we can plan a wedding :)

I'll be checking back here often for advice.  Thanks for listening.

Recovery is slow but steady,He will be happy to have a drink of water days after surgery,then creamed soups for a couple weeks   then soft foods.My husband is 2 & 1/2 weeks out of Ior Lewis minimally invasive surg. Can eat many normal foods and small portions.We supplement with a large16 oz shake to keep the calories up.We were discouraged at times with the eating however when I look back the recovery has been staedy albeit slow at times. Every one is different with recovery time.Follow the doc's advice to a t.after surgery get up and walk allot as soon as possible .The feeding pump is daunting but doable and as a caregiver keep pushing the eating as they do not feel hungry but eating is the way to get off the pump. God bless you for hanging in there.

Thanks so much for the responses Aoife and Outthere...it's nice to talk to those that have been though this, or going through it.  My biggest concern is the after care. We don't live together, but I'll be staying at his place to care for his dog while he's in the hospital, and caring for him when he gets home, but I work full time. My boss is very understanding, but I'm hoping Ed can have a nurse come in if need be. Is that something he'll need? He's not having the minimally invasive, it'll be be the full surgery with incisions.  I think after surgery will be harder than he thinks.  Ed is a drummer and expects to be out with the band in the Spring...wishful thinking perhaps?  I don't say much about that to him....he needs something to strive for.

Thanks again...

My husband was scheduled for the MIE which turned into an abdominal and cervical (neck) incision. I do not do well with blood. I was very worried about caring for him at home. The Dr. arranged for a Home Health Care nurse to come the first night after he was released from the hospital. Thankfully, the intake nurse pushed to have a nurse come in the morning and the evening to pack his wounds wet to dry. They came to the house for 2 weeks. If this is something that is available to him, I would push for it. Especially with incisions.

My husband is a cabinet maker and went back to work full time 4 months post surgery. I think he struggles a bit at work as it is a physical job and he stands on his feet 10 hours a day.

I was able to go on family medical leave and work up to my normal hours by remoting in to my office. Not that I was able to work full time with caring for him and our 2 daughters ages 8 & 11. My 11 year old, broke her foot 2 weeks after David came home from the hospital. She is also now in need of surgery on her foot as it did not heal properly.

Shelly