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.
My husband is nine months post surgery and for about the past six weeks he has had diarrhea on and off. Not every day, it comes and goes. I have thought of dumping, but it can occur about twelve hours after he has eaten, and he doesn't get nausea at all. The onc said this is normal, even several months after surgery. He is able to eat pretty normally these days, I wonder whether it is just too much food at one time. Why is this showing up now, I wonder. Sorry for the graphic question. His energy level is good and he just had a clear scan.
My husband had surgery in July. He gets "dumping" (diarrhea) after eating a meal that's too high in carbs or without protein (for instance waffles with no protein). He does have another problem which drives us crazy. He gets intestinal discomfort, sometimes fairly severe) about 75% of the time after eating. But, usually not diarrhea.
It must have to do with absorption. It is strange that it occurred so long after surgery. I'm sure you've tried to figure out if he's eating more or if the ratio of carbs to protein has changed. It seems that you should discuss it with one of your husband's doctors - probably the surgeon.
I certainly will be curious to hear what the doctor thinks and what others on this site have experienced. The problem with these intestinal issues, is that it interfers with eating socially - either with others or eating out.
Linda