Blimey I had no idea despite being warned that my post op chemo would affect me far more than my preop. I have been unable to tolerate anything but sips of water for 2 days. I’ve had diarrhoea and lost 6 lbs in that time too.
I rang my specialist nurse but she reassured me that because my Ivor Lewis is so major, this is quite common. Not looking forward to the next 3 cycles but then it’s a means to an end .
Hope everyone else is getting on ok
Yeah i found it harder goin tbf..they did say if I can get to 3 ,they would drop the 4th ..so all the time I was thinking 3 it is then..But when I got to it ..I was thinking if I don’t do the fourth and it came back ,I would be kicking myself..Not trying to put you off but the last was the worst..however I told myself I’ve given myself the best possible chance and now it’s over..14 months later and it’s all pretty much forgotten,and moving on well (touch wood) ..so after all we been through,give it your best shot..and try and put this horrendous experience behind us ..❤️ You’ve got this 💪🏻
So sorry your suffering I didn’t have chemo after my op. so can’t really help you but thinking of you and hope that things get better for you soon xxx
Sorry to hear you are having such a hard time. I too remember the post-op chemo as being particularly unpleasant. They were dark days, but they do pass. Just keep going and you'll make it.
So sorry to hear you struggle I didn’t have to have any chemo after my Ivor Lewis so my thoughts are with you dig down deep into that strength pocket thinking of you
Hi Deeedals... I didn’t have Chemo post IL just pre op but I can imagine how crap you’re feeling. Take one day at a time. You’ve been through so much already and this is the last push, the belt and braces so gather all your strength and concentrate on the wonderful plans you have for life after. Xxx
Hi sorry to hear that. They can give you something for the sickness if they havnt already. I found the post chemo very hard. They altered the dosage and dropped one of the drugs red one shortened from 3weeks tablets to 2.I had many side affects. I think also it is a psychological you know what's coming.I used to heave before treatment started. I went off many foods. Now 5 years on I'm here it was worth it. Best Wishes
Debbie
I think the fact that I sailed through my preop chemo, I wasn’t quite so prepared for how hard it would hit. I’ve also lost 2 stone in weight and the oncologist didn’t change the dose. Glad to hear you’ve made a great recovery x
Hi yes I lost 3 stone altogether but managed to settle. Your body is still learning to tolerate food with chemo. Your own Dr might give you something I suffered the opposite constipation. Best Wishes
Debbie x
I fortunately did not require any chemo after my Esophogectomy.
I hope things get better for you real soon.
I am 3 1/2 years post surgery and things will really get better down the road.
I can sympathise with you as I found the post-op chemo almost unbearable after the first week or so. I think I listed over 20 possible side effects to varying degrees. Things did get better after about half way through the course for me. Now 2.5 years on seems a distant memory or perhaps nightmare at the time. Hang on in there, you will get through this. Best wishes.
Aw thank you, you ‘ve given me some hope. Went to get bloods done and they’ve changed my meds for diarrhoea so hopefully I’ll feel better soon .
Hi Deedals,
Yep it seems to be much more difficult to tolerate than the first for many of us. I found I couldn’t take meds or anything really, all my anti sickness tabs I got in liquid form and took a cocktail of them to try and stop the nausea and throwing up. I also lost nearly3 stone, I couldn’t face food, and the fortisip drinks forget it I threw up at the thought of them. I ended up with cream and puréed fruit, custard, soft meringues ice cream, ritz crackers and dips, many homemade by friends as my tastebuds went haywire occasionally towards the end of the cycle I tolerated or fancied other foods and the cns said go for it just eat what you fancy when you fancy forget eating healthy for the duration any nutrition is better than none and if you fancy cheese and chocolate just eat it. Others I know had cravings like pregnant women for popcorn, fresh pressed orange juice, cabbage soup, foam prawns, I didn’t manage to leave hospital at the start of the cycle and they put me on a drip to keep me hydrated for a few days, the nurses had even booked me a bed for the last round. I was told by my chemo doc that i had done well to complete the course as many stopped it, I didn’t even know it wasn’t compulsory! Good luck and thinking of you, just rest and let your body cope if you can, hugs Lizzy
Hi Deedals, I’ve sent a prayer for you that your body will recover well and be strengthened in readiness to tolerate well the remainder of the chemo sessions. Be brave and courageous as you are about to finish this hurdle. There is a light at the end of this tunnel…. soldier on 🙏🏼
17 months post op
5 years post op
Cancer Outlook post op
Swallowing discomfort Post-Op. 
Stretch post op
