Has anyone had an oesophagectomy without reconstruction or living long-term with feeding support?

Hi - I'm new to the group. I've been coping as well as I can but struggling at the moment.

I was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer March 2025. I received chemo, then had surgery to remove the tumor. They performed an Ivor Lewis procedure which went wrong (leaked). I was rushed to theatre after a few days where they had to remove the whole oesophagus. I had more chemo, then just as we were discussing reconstructive surgery (using the colon this time), they discovered my cancer had returned, metastisized to my liver. I'm now not suitable for the reconstructive surgery. So my life now is one where I cannot eat food or drink liquids. I wear a stoma bag on my neck to catch my saliva which exits through a hole in my neck. All food and liquids are through a peg and directly into my stomach.

 I've been using my peg since July 2025 and now with no prospect of eating or drinking again, I'm finding this on top of my cancer treatment a double whammy - its difficult to stay positive especially as I'm still going through my new chemo sessions so don't know the longer term outlook. I have one more chemo before the first CT scan since cancer returned.

Is anyone else living like this? how are you coping?

Wishing any of you on the cancer journey the best of luck, my thoughts are with your all.

  • Hi Bert1e69,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat.

    It certainly sounds like you've been through and are dealing with a lot. I can understand what you say about finding it difficult to stay positive. Sometimes it can feel there is pressure to do this when actually it can be really tough to do so.

    Trying to focus on the little moments here and there, and taking things day by day, can sometimes be a helpful approach.

    We're always here for support whenever you may need it, even if it's just to write things down. The forum is a safe space and a supportive community and I hope that it can be useful for you.

    My reply here will give your post a little boost so a few more people should see it, and hopefully you'll get more replies. From the homepage of the forum you can also use the search bar at the top to find other discussions and people to connect with, if you'd like to.

    Best wishes,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator