Hi. I didn't have severe pain in my back, but I would mention it to his Drs: surgeon(s), oncologist, gastro, family Dr... any Dr involved, so they can 1) try and find out why he is having this issue & 2) to help him find comfort from it. Perhaps someone else on the board has experienced this.

I was diagnosed stage 3 July 2008 had chemo/radiation & my surgery was end of Nov. 2008. I took liquid Roxicet for pain, but I wasn't on it for a long time, because I knew I shouldn't drive on it and I needed to drive, as I was my husband's caretaker. But, I wasn't in severe pain like your husband.

I remember 3 months after surgery I had a day that I didn't have even one thought of my surgery, EC, limitations,....at the end of the day - it was a "wow" moment, at my realization of that. I think everyday from surgery was an improved day, but we don't see it until all of a sudden we can do something we couldn't - and it helps us see we are improving...healing... I still had more healing after that day (3 months from surgery), but it was a reminder to me that I was improving.

I hope you get some answers. Did he have the Ivor Lewis where they cut behind the arm or shoulder & abdomen areas? Just curious. I had the "THE" surgery, I think they call it where there's a cut down the front side of my neck and another across my abdomen. Also, is he sleeping inclined? Any chance that is affecting his back? But, I wouldn't put off asking the Drs. why he has this pain 5 1/2 months post surgery. Hoping he gets relief from the pain. Brenda

Ohhh. I sent you a friend request and -- then -- read your "About Me" story. I see he did have the Ivor Lewis and that it has only been about 6 weeks since his surgery. I know some others on this board had the Ivor Lewis, so maybe they can say if they had back pain from it. I'm glad he's getting stronger every day! Hang in there & still be sure and tell his Drs his symptoms, when you see them or when they (symptoms) just don't feel or seem right to him - call them. Brenda

Thank you Brenda for your response! George is having good and bad days, more bad than good though. I am looking forward to "no thought of it day" ! I guess it has all gone so fast we really didn't have time to think. It was like a roller coaster ride each and every day. Then the surgery happened after thinking it wouldn't and now it's like everything has halted leaving us with woo what just happened thoughts. It is really hard to believe sometimes that so much can happen in such a short period of time. We are just so glad the cancer is gone even though the recovery is horrible. We are so thankful for a better than expected outcome. We go back to the surgeon on Tuesday and hopefully they will set him up with a dietician or something. I know he needs more nutrients but I just don't know how to give them without bloating him. The tube feeds make him miserable so I don't know if they will make him keep the tube or not. Any idea how long it takes before he will begin to eat a little more without discomfort?

I really admire you Brenda! I cannot imagine having this surgery and being a caregiver. You are a super woman and have inspired me with your strong demeanor. What an awesome person :)

Ahhh, thanks Terri. Someone posted once "You never know how strong you are, until you have to be"....or something to that affect, which I think is so true.

I wasn't a big fan of my feeding tube & didn't use it 8 days after my surgery. I'd had mine in a week before starting chemo, so had it for about 4 months. It was removed a month after surgery. That's the earliest they'd let me, but I think others have posted on the board sooner than my docs would let me.

I could eat better by eating lots of little meals...snacks - I should call them, as I couldn't eat meals. If I ate too much at a time, I'd get a weakness & queasiness come over me, that would seem to last 20 minutes or so. Plus in the beginning (after surgery), I think with healing and our body changing with our new stomaphagus(?) it can take a while for things to just adjust to the change.

I know there was a sprinkle of something you can add to food to increase the calorie intake - you might ask the Dr. about. If you need a name, I can pull out my records.

Otherwise, I'm sure the nutritionist can help with higher calorie healthy choices of food. I hope he keeps getting better & good reports! You're right, it was like a whirlwind to me, once I was diagnosed. So, it's even more appreciated when life returns to a calmer pace after treatment.