In the three incision esophagectomy, the esophageal tumor is removed through an abdominal incision, right thoracotomy, and left neck incision. The esophagogastric anastomosis is located in the neck.
3 months 2 weeks since op, neck healed ok, but still numb in many places and the feeling of being strangled still,, and when i wake in mornings, and stretch neck, its like velcro !! Have asked if this is cause of my (what i call lump in throat) they say no? Now been told its secretion what im feeling,, and stopping me eating, DR says be ok next week, erghhh don't think so,, had this since OP, and had worsened 100% since last chemo 3 weeks ago,,,
Really don't know what to do, who to tell anymore, as nobody seems to help,,,
Well done you for getting this far through your ordeal and I wish every success and victory on your road to recovery. I'm three years out from my oesophGectamy Nd I think my lowest point was the one. Where you are now, that is just after post adjuvant chemo. I thinning there it's because at this point we are at our lowest both physically and psychologicall. The best comfort I can offer you is that things can only get better but you need to be very kind to yourself, take the time to recuperate and don't set yourself (or let anyone else) set any unrealistic goals. One aspect of recovery that tends to get overlooked by the medics is the psychological and emotional one. What you have been through is the same as a soldier being seriously wounded in battle so you may have too endure something akin to PTSD I know I did. I went to my local McMillan centre and had six weekly sessions of counselling, which they provide free , and that helped me enormously. I cannot recommend that enough.
I hope the above helps. I now run a sell group for oesophageal patients. There are a number of these around the country you can find out where they are by contacting the oesophageal patients association (OPA). I would send you a link but I can't work out how to embed it is this mIl so bet if you google it.
Where do you live?
My private email is prendergastmichael@hotmail.com if you want to continue to correspond that probably easier than using this site and I can attach some useful bits of info and tips on eating. I know you probably detest the idea of food right know but that will get better and there are some things you can you to help that process.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.