Reaching: (Happy New year to all) I w... - Oesophageal & Gas...

Oesophageal & Gastric Cancer

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Reaching: (Happy New year to all) I wonder if anyone else has this problem. l am nearly 8 years post op oesophageal/total stomach.

cherrybailey profile image
6 Replies

I have always had the reaching to be sick early days in hospital bringing up liquid feed and recovery. Settled down with time and just odd occasions experienced it no reason. The last few months been daily can be taking a tablet, sip of a drink or nothing! I have like all had to adjust and learn to live with the new body. I am nearly 56, under 7 stone learned to live with the fatigue no bowel control etc. Had scares early years tests. One of them stress/anxiety cause!

Could this be it? has anyone experienced this! I am torn do I need another stretch swallowing food at times a struggle too! I don't think cancer back still get pain now on and off join of the two, lower bowel tubes get tangled!

On a happy note make you laugh telling my grandson off potty training, follows me in the bathroom "Naughty Nanny you have pood yourself"

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cherrybailey
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pferries31 profile image
pferries31

Hi. I am 2 and half years post op. I suffer from quite a bit of left side pain. I was put on oxycodone and oxynorm medication and right now my dumping syndrome has lessened so much. It's kind of the opposite for me now and I very rarely go to the loo so I tend to eat quite a bit more (mostly junk food). I also get a stretch every 4-6 months. My last stretch was my best. I was under anasthetic and they said to put it bluntly it's a more brutal stretch. I do believe this is life for me now and it's something I need to accept. I just wish people understood it more. Good luck xx

cherrybailey profile image
cherrybailey in reply topferries31

Thank you and good luck you sound like you are doing really well keep it up! x x

Eight years after the surgery, I think you are entitled to feel a bit cheated that you are not feeling better than this. Being better than the alternative should not mean that nothing else can be done!

There are significant issues, largely digestive, following cancer treatment of many sorts, usually to do with radiation around the pelvic area, or chemotherapy. There is in fact a Pelvic Radiation Disease Association. Macmillan also did a report on this a couple of years ago. macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinfo...

There are also a small number of units that are trying to do something for longer term consequences of cancer treatment, the most notable one being Jervoise Andreyev and his gastroenterology colleagues at Royal Marsden. But gastroenterologists generally are trying to improve the way that they deal with cancer patients some time after their main treatment.

I am putting in a link to an article about digestive problems after cancer treatment, and suggest that you try and get a referral to a gastroenterologist who has a lot of experience with this. I think it would probably be best to do this through your original hospital just in case there is a need for a stretch. You are a success for them so they should be sympathetic about the long term issues. Do not wait for a routine appointment; make it a specific request.

medscape.com/viewarticle/77...

I suppose that they are bound to test you for further cancer problems, but it does not sound like that - much more like some kind of problem in the digestive system somewhere.

Meanwhile, it might be a good idea to get your mineral / vitamin levels checked, as that can contribute to fatigue. It does sap your morale as well. Stress / anxiety does not help, but not normally to the extent that you describe.

One of the criteria for proper recovery is life without ruining underwear, so you are quite justified in getting a referral to get things looked at thoroughly.

cherrybailey profile image
cherrybailey in reply to

Hi Alan Thank you for your prompt reply, help and empathy cheated! I am not good on here communicating as you have probably noticed. Did not give you enough information. I lived in Croydon when I got cancer had my treatment and op at Sutton/ London Marsden. The care and treatment was amazing, got me here today!!!

I had all the tests with Jervoise Endreyer, work on my diet to help. Over active bowel! Not a blockage used to see my food go down get stuck suffer! I feel so much better another thing to live with. Jervoise got me on mineral/vitamin Forceful, must take all my life. Thought at the time Really? Suffered badly when it was taken off the market for six months my arms looked like I had been attacked by a cat overnight. Not going to waste specialist time my reaching!

I agree. The team at Royal Marsden are excellent. I suppose it is a matter of wondering whether anything has developed over the last six months that might need a bit of attention?

cherrybailey profile image
cherrybailey

Thanks Alan I don't have check ups any more just a number I can ring if I have any concerns will call and see what the nurse says. I know I wont get an answer on the phone they will want me to see someone. I just hate the thought of hospital visit!! Was hoping someone would say yes normal!! ha Let you know how I get on thank you again for your help and support.

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