Hi guys.
I'm freaking out here, I'm 8 yrs post Ivor Lewis and over the last couple of weeks I've found when I swallow it feels like something stuck in my throat, if I burp it goes away momentarily but then comes back, I don't like to bother the Docs, I feel they think I'm a hypercondriac. I'm not sure if my panicking is causing it or not, I'm terrified of cancer returning, any advice
Popsic
If i were you, I would have it looked at right away. I'm 7.5 years put and still get 2-3 EGD's pee year to stretch me out. It also doesn't hurt that the doc takes a look around when he's down there.
Thank you for your reply,I've been trying to get hold of a doctor for weeks, I've finally got a video call tomorrow morning, so I shall see what he says, hopefully he will refer me, personally I think we should have check ups yearly anyway, but it seems once your past the 5 years they don't bother.
I was told once that I might have to have a " stretch." but nothing more came of it. Thank you.
Dear Popsic,You should never feel like you don't want to bother the doctors with your concerns, and any doctor who makes you feel that way is irresponsible at best.
I don't know how bad it is, what you eat or how thoroughly you chew your food, but if you are doing all the things you should be, and are still suffering, then go to see your GP ASAP.
If, as we all hope, there is no cause for concern, your doctor should be kind, reassuring and make you feel welcome to visit whenever you feel the need to.
Thank you for your kind words Makulit, I wonder sometimes if they ever read our notes, when I tell them what I've had done the response is always " oh, have you, when was this" 🙄 I never get to see the same doctor, so it's hard to build a relationship, I have a video consultation today, so we shall see what happens.Thank you once again 🤗
Hi Popsic,
I don't really have any advice as I'm not quite two years post op but do you still have access to the specialist nurses at the hospital where your surgery was done. On the odd occasion I have had any concerns, I've always found that the nurses have been easy to access and always offer reassurance and advice. I don't think I've ever spoke to my GP surgery about anything related to my post op niggles.
Best of luck with your video call, hope you get some answers.
Hi CBG1965I can speak to my nurse at the oncology, but again I always feel guilty taking up her time, also with covid there is no access to the Mcmillan centre at the moment. But I have been considering phoning her, which I think I will, depending on the outcome of the video call. She has told me in the past that it's highly unlikely that the cancer would return there, but you never know, do you?
I hope your doing well with your recovery, I wish you well.
Thank you for your reply, much appreciated.
June
You should never feel guilty of taking up their time, I’m sure the nurses / doctors would want you to reach out with any concerns.
I was never one to go to see the doctor and always just got on with things but if I have learned one thing in this whole process it’s that early detection of my condition saved my life. There are always constant reminders of what we have gone through and how lucky we are but that fear still lives at the back of my mind so I will never put off seeing a doctor again.
Best wishes.
I know the feeling, I suffered with heartburn for 20+ years before I sought help, by then I already had Barrett's, it took 4 yrs for it to turn, I had yearly check ups and it was caught a Tb1, they missed me for my regular apt and I was 4 months late for it, but they said had I gone on time it would have been missed, I thank God for that missed apt,
It is very rare for OG cancer to return in the same place. It is also unusual, if you have gone 8 years without needing a stretch, to suddenly need one now, though I wouldn't rule it out. The chances are that it is something completely different, which may or may not be a result of your original surgery. Speak to your doctor.
I am 9 years post op for a total gastrectomy and have always had the problem of food hurting initially plus regurgitating food on first few mouthfulls. Strange thing is I can eat crisps, cheeslets etc with no issue whatsoever but normal meals I generally have these issues . Was told that it could be psychological and I am expecting it to happen so it does? I would be interested in what you find out as to reasons understanding that every case is different. Rob
Hi RobCongratulations on your 9 yrs!
I'm like you, snack food I'm fine but meals have always caused a problem, I suffer with sinus infections too so I'm wondering if it could be that, I will keep you updated as to what happens.
All the best
June
It does get to be a pain literally having the same issues but sorry to say one gets used to it and I tend to look at it as what is normal for me as I am not normal anyway without a stomach. I also get spasms after eating, not always but quite regularly a bad pain right across the chest that lasts a couple of minutes or so that to be honest nobody has ever really explained why. I am 83 in September still very active and surprised to still be here so whilst I suffer the inconveniences of the eating, spasms out of breath etc I have come to think of it as being normal. Would not suggest that that philosophy is for you but it helps me understand it. Do keep me advised on how you get on, thanks Rob
Hi RobI know what you mean about being " normal" I've accepted I'm not normal, I get intense pain at times when I've eaten, I was told it's because our food pushes through so quickly, I also suffer late dumping syndrome, which I hate, but it's part of me, I've learnt to deal with it. Can't believe your 83, you look amazing! I was 59 this year, and I have every intention of reaching your age and beyond if possible
. It's been a hard 3 yrs, I've lost my mum, dad and last year my brother, also our beloved doggo. My brother had cancer of the bladder, which spread to the bowel and stomach, he died within 18 months.
It made me question my own mortality, frightened me tbh. I do the wrong thing and read the Internet,
Thank you for taking the time to chat to me, I will keep you updated on things.
Stay safe
June
Goodness you have had so much to deal with outside of your own issues that must have been and still is difficult for you and I feel for you for sure. You sound positive however and thats the way to look at things I believe . I need to update my photo as that was a couple of years ago now and since grown a lockdown beard.Reading the internet not the best idea but understand it as I do the same .
I play golf once a week and couple of the guys are nearly 20 years younger but I do okay, it wears me out totally and hopeless for a day at least afterwards but determined to keep doing it, as we say at least we are this side of the grass!! So whilst life throws these health issues at us keeping a positive approach does help and there is always someone worse off somewhere
Rob xx
It has been very difficult, I'm just grateful they all lived to see me marry again, I miss them so much.I am a Christian and I truly believe the Lord has more in store for me yet! I'm not always positive, I have my days as we all do. But on the whole life is good. I always say there's someone worse off than me, seems we share the same approach.
I admire you still golfing, after all you've been through, but I agree you must try to keep it up, I go gym 2 /3 times a week with my daughter, I can't do as much as her but I do what I can. I have a son who is a personal trainer so he gives me tips 😉 always helps.
June xx
I had my Op in 2018. I don't know whether it was an Ivan Lewis or just an Oesophagectomy (nobody has told me tbe difference), but i find certain foods can still feel uncomfortable to swallow, a prime example being chips, especially those big thick ones that restaurants seem to serve and sometimes bread and like you I've wondered, but people tell me it happens to them too. Perhaps with you it's just certain foods.
Thank you for your reply.Ivor Lewis is the way the operation is performed I believe. So you have abdominal surgery by keyhole and right handed thoracic surgery to remove your oesophagus. The operation will also depend on your surgeon and what he / she prefers to do. I do have problems sometimes with certain foods, I eat little or non of them. I have also suffered with weight gain, which I've now found out is due to slow gastric emptying!
Hopefully the next endoscopy on the 10th will be more favourable.
Well as I have a scar that stretches almost from belly button to left armpit i'm going to assume mine wasn't keyhole surgery.
Oh no, it doesn't sound like keyhole, I hope your doing well
nausea and sugar dips
Diabetes and oesophagectomy 
Bad dumping incident?
Post op sleeping position 
