Esophageal Cancer Support Group
Esophageal cancer is malignancy of the esophagus. There are various subtypes. Esophageal tumors usually lead to dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), pain and other symptoms, and is diagnosed with biopsy. Small and localized tumors are treated with surgery, and advanced tumors are treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or combinations.
Yesterday was a great day. It was exactly five weeks since my surgery and the surgeon removed the J-tube. He wanted me keep track of the food I was eating and so I logged it all onto My FitnessPal.com. That calculated all of my calories and proteins, etc. I was staying around 1600 calories each day. The doctor was very impressed.
The problem? I could add 720 calories to my total each day to account for my tube feedings (32gms protein!). I came home from my appointment and quckly realized I didn't know how I was going to consume another 700 calores in a day. I am eating every 2-3 hours, but can only tolerate about 3/4C servings each time. I only take sips of water when I eat and actually and finding it difficult to drink much more thoughout the day.
Does the capacity increase? Does the appetite increase? Any tips or words of wisdom would be helpful.
The problem? I could add 720 calories to my total each day to account for my tube feedings (32gms protein!). I came home from my appointment and quckly realized I didn't know how I was going to consume another 700 calores in a day. I am eating every 2-3 hours, but can only tolerate about 3/4C servings each time. I only take sips of water when I eat and actually and finding it difficult to drink much more thoughout the day.
Does the capacity increase? Does the appetite increase? Any tips or words of wisdom would be helpful.
I find it best to stay off any water for about 30 min before eating and 30 after. I also sip water alot ans try and do that all my waking hours other than meal times
My bride kept trying to feed me sweets, which I didn't like any more. I used to love them.
If you can get it down ensure is a heavy dose of good stuff.
I went from 270 down to 182, and then came back to 195 and have been there for a year.
This is the part no one tells you about before, because they have not been here, it gets better trust me
good luck
Take it slow. I think many things will come back in time, as you heal and your body adjusts. Somewhat, like when you first get reading glasses. Although I don't mean to minimize the extensiveness & seriousness of the surgery. Hopefully, in time you won't even know you had that surgery from any physical feeling. Brenda
For several months after my surgery, I lost a few other functions. I'm wondering if other did, too? Sneezing, yawning, crying, laughing were all lost to me. Sneezing, crying and sort of a low-key laugh have returned. I'm thinking this was due to having my diaphragm cut in half, but that's just a guess!