Day 7 (Sunday)

Bit of a set back today, seems to be two steps forward and one step back. Since moving on to puree food, I’m not able to swallow it and only manage five or six mouth fulls over a 30 minute period. My surgeon came to see me this morning and witnessed first hand the struggle. This it not normal, but it’s not rare. It’s likely to do with swelling in my neck. I’m okay on fluids, so soup, yogurt, ice cream, smoothies are fine, but anything more substantial than a fluid is a problem.

He ordered a CT scan today which I had. This was to montior the flow of fluids and identify any leakage from the new join in my chest where my new stomach is attached to the remaining 3rd of my oesophagus.

Tonight I will be nill-by-mouth as tomorrow the surgeon wants to put a camera down my throat to visible check to see how things look like.

This has delayed my departure from hospital. It’s now very likely I will be moved to the Nuffield suite, possible tomorrow and when the surgeon and dietitian are happy with my food intake, I will be released.

Physically, I’m getting stronger each day, doing more walks, and I’m still dependent on Oxygen as my lungs have not fully recovered and become breathless quite quickly. Ilke came over and we played Okey, and I finally beat her this time! It’s useful to keep mind active and pass the time here.

Finally, my voice has been impacted. It’s suspected due to swelling that is pushing on the vocal chords, so makes it harder to speak for longer periods of time.

Apart from that – all good! 😊