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Recovering from the esophageal cancer treatment like surgery, chemotherapy or radiation involves not only routine follow ups with the doctors but also eating healthy foods and receiving the necessary nutrients to remain healthy. Eating well during cancer treatments is to get enough calories and protein to control weight loss and maintain strength. Eating well will help people with cancer to feel better and have more energy.

However, people with esophageal cancer find it difficult to eat well as they have the difficulty in swallowing. Patients feel like not eating when they are uncomfortable or tired. Also the foods may taste different. After the surgery, the patients generally receive nutrients directly into the veins (this way of getting nourishment for the body is called IV). Some may also need a feeding tube from mouth to stomach until they are able to eat on their own.

Generally, the patients are encouraged and advised to eat several small meals and snacks throughout the day rather than trying to eat large meals. Though swallowing may be difficult, the patients can still manage soft and bland foods moistened with sauces and gravies. Foods like puddings, ice creams, soups etc are nourishing and are usually easy to swallow. It may also be helpful to use a blender to process the solid foods.

It is also important for the patients to perform breathing exercises after surgery to expand the lungs and eliminate any fluid build up which may lead to pneumonia. Frequent coughing and taking deep breaths can help keep lungs healthy after surgery. The patient is asked to breathe into a spirometer which indicates the strength of breathing. The patients must be given confidence and encouraged to walk a little bit each day and also must be engaged in some physical activities.

Another important task that is to be considered is the warning signs of complications after the surgery such as fever, chills or pains which cannot subside or be controlled by medication are all the symptoms which require special medical attention. Apart from this, if any drainage around the surgical incision sites is noticed it should be treated immediately.

Pain management is also an important part to be taken care of for the patients who under went esophagectomy. The patients should feel comfortable and manage the pain according to doctor’s instructions. The medication has to be followed correctly after the treatment for attaining full and complete recovery from the disease. Routine follow ups with the doctors also should be done by the patients after the treatment.