Surviving Esophagectomy Surgery
Facing the Next Step
The first phase of my treatment involved six weeks of combined chemotherapy and radiation. Now I was preparing for the next major challenge—esophagectomy surgery to remove the tumor at the junction of my esophagus and stomach.
Before surgery, I needed eight weeks of rest to allow the radiation to leave my system. My body had to be strong enough to endure such a major operation.
Emotional Turmoil
During this time, my mind was in constant turmoil.
Would I survive this? Would I overcome this disease, or was I facing the final chapter of my life?
I trusted my team at Memorial Sloan Kettering, but I also knew that survival depended on my own mindset. I held tightly to the belief that had carried me through treatment:
“God is with me, and together we can handle anything.”
That thought reminded me every day that I was not alone.
Understanding the Surgery
The operation itself would take four to five hours.
The surgeon would remove two-thirds of my esophagus and one-third of my stomach. Then, the remaining portion of my stomach would be pulled up into my chest and reconnected to what was left of my esophagus.
In the end, my stomach would sit much higher in my body—positioned in the middle of my chest.
This procedure is known as an Ivor Lewis esophagectomy, named after the surgeon who first described it in 1946.
It required two major incisions: one from my abdomen to my chest, and another from under my right arm to my back. Although no bones would be broken, one lung would be intentionally collapsed to allow the surgeon to perform the reconstruction.
Waking Up After Surgery
When I woke up in recovery, I was connected to multiple tubes.
A gastric tube ran through my nose to keep my stomach clear. Chest tubes on both sides of my body drained fluid from my chest cavity. I also had a urinary catheter in place.
I spent the first night in recovery before being transferred to the hospital’s thoracic unit.
Recovery: Week One
Within an hour of arriving on the thoracic floor, I was encouraged to get up and walk.
The goal was clear: 14 laps around the floor each day—the equivalent of one mile.
I was also given a breathing device called a spirometer. Every hour, I had to complete ten repetitions to strengthen my lungs. I knew my pre-surgery lung capacity, so each day I pushed myself to get closer to that level again.
I was also instructed to cough ten times every hour.
That simple task turned out to be the hardest. Each cough sent pain through my incision. I learned to hold a pillow tightly against my stomach to reduce the discomfort.
For seven days, I was not allowed to eat or drink. The focus during this time was managing pain well enough so I could keep moving, breathing, and coughing—all essential to recovery.
Recovery: Week Two
After seven days, I underwent a barium swallow test to ensure that the surgical connection between my stomach and esophagus was healing properly.
The results were good—no leaks.
That meant the tubes could be removed. It was an incredible relief. Without them, walking became much easier, and I was able to exceed my daily walking goals.
Learning to Eat Again
On day seven, I began a liquid diet.
By day eight, I progressed to soft foods like pudding, Jell-O, and scrambled eggs.
By day nine, I was eating from the regular menu.
This rapid progression is uncommon today, as newer protocols often require a slower return to solid food. But I was fortunate—my recovery moved quickly, and I was able to leave the hospital on the tenth day.
About the Author
Bart Frazzitta is an esophageal cancer survivor and the founder of the Esophageal Cancer Education Foundation (ECEF).
Continue reading his journey:
- Esophageal Cancer: A Brutal Diagnosis
- Esophageal Cancer: Overwhelming Emotions
- Esophageal Cancer Treatment: Chemo & Radiation