Neck incision won't heal after esophagus surgery

[Swimread25]

I am a 44 year old female. Diagnosed Nov 2024 after months of heartburn/reflux.Did 3 rounds of FLOT. It was grueling and symptoms reached a peak at the end We thought might have to cancel our wedding-pre planned before diagnosis, but -miraculously I came right! We had a beautiful day, and honeymoon by the beach.

I had the surgery in Feb- 4 days after our return. The tumour was 30cm and perforated, but cancer only spread into my lung, which they cut sliver off.

They got the whole tumour out.

I recovered well mostly,but the neck incision got infected.

They have used leak bags, vacuum assisted bottles, 3 surgeries so far!

It is healing, but not yet. Still emitting saliva-not infected now, but it's still open.

They will unfortunately have to start final 4 FLOT, then radiotherapy to stay in the effective window neck week. I'm scared as it could get infected and healing will slow or stop.

Has anyone experienced this? I'm told the time-frame is rare. Appreciate any other stories.

Leila

[234me]

I have no experience with what you are going through, but, just wanted to say I wish you well in your journey ahead of you.

[Swimread25 in reply to 234me]

Thank you 😊

[Bonsaigardens78 in reply to 234me]

Make sure there isn't a retained stitch. My husband had this and it took about 8 yrs of different tests and me telling the docs what the trouble was (but nobody listened). Eventually a different GP probed about in his wound and pulled out a knotted end of the stitch. Hey ho who are we but mere public. Good luck. x

[Swimread25 in reply to Bonsaigardens78]

Oh wow! That's awful! Can't believe it ended up being something like that, the surgeon/s must have been mortified?!Thanks, that's a very good point, but the surgeon has already been inside the throat to have a really good check. He cleaned all the infection out, and took all the stitches out.

It was the infection initially keeping it open, but now not infected.

It does appear to be healing, it's just very slow. I've heard if the body has endured chemotherapy, this can slow healing.

Just gutted, as its close to healing, but my chemo starts tomorrow. If it's not closed by then it likely won't for another 8 weeks as chemo slows or stops healing.

So still no liquids or food for another 8 weeks!

But when you tell me 8 years, I think I am moaning about nothing! I'm so glad they finally found it for him. Must have been awful though. Was he on feeding tube whole time?