Hi Everyone,
Round and around we go again.
Last Thursday, we went to Baltimore for Jack to have port removed as he's cancer free (Yippee!) which was fine and also to have another esophageal dilation. (Previously, his main problem with not being able to swallow was due to strictures on the voice box but surgeon said with speech/swallow therapy this would improve over time). Well, this time, Jack's throat was closed at the top so surgeon decided to do another Tread procedure where they use a flexible scope through the stomach tube and at the same time go down the throat and meet and open up the throat. During surgery Jack's stomach collapsed and he had to have emergency surgery to repair that leaving him with a 4 inch scar and pain and a hospital stay for two nights. He came home Sat and again it's been really rough. He was back to working in the pms and we thought the worst was over and surgeon would resolve swallowing problem. No! He has to wait for stomach to heal then go back for Tread procedure on Nov 14 and have esophageal dilations every two weeks to keep throat open so he can swallow.
I am beaten down and so depressed and exhausted and it's so hard to keep upbeat and cheerful and positive when I'm feeling like this. Jack is back to being very depressed again and just sits in the same chair watching hours of television. I have to muster up every ounce of energy for myself and him! Boy! When does this end? Every time you think things are getting better something else happens. Jack says he feels like he's being punished. I said (I hope I was convincing enough) that it's another lesson in life for us and it's just another set back and we'll get through this too. Cancer Free is a Big Deal! Now on to Swallowing. Please!!!!
Sorry, I just needed to vent.
Pamela