Ivor Lewis surgery is not just an operation — it’s a life-altering event. For many people, it represents hope, survival, and a chance at life beyond cancer. But what often isn’t spoken about enough is what comes after the surgery. The long, complex, deeply personal process of recovery — physically, emotionally, and mentally. Recovery doesn’t begin the day you leave hospital. In many ways, that’s when it truly starts. The early days: learning your body again After Ivor Lewis surgery, your body feels unfamiliar. Eating is no longer instinctive. Hunger cues change. Portions become smaller. Fatigue is overwhelming in a way that sleep doesn’t fix. Simple things — standing, walking, breathing deeply — can feel monumental. Pain may come and go in unexpected waves, and progress is rarely linear. Good days can be followed by setbacks, and that can be emotionally tough to process. Patience becomes essential, even when it feels impossible. Food, weight, and trust One of the biggest...
PLEASE NOTE: To follow our story from the beginning, please start at the bottom blog and work upwards! Thank you! We are not medical professionals, we are writing from our own experiences. We accept no responsibility for conflicting, incorrect or inaccurate information. All NHS trusts are different and your experience may differ from ours.