Zoom news
For the first time in 9 sessions we didn't have a guest speaker. Instead we opted for an open discussion sharing our experiences of four pre-nominated topics including 'appetite, blood tests for cancer, B12 and iron, and Creon supplements to combat weight loss'. We certainly had useful discussions, facilitated by Liz Ward and Dr Richard Owen, fielding various technical queries. As a summary, here's a few of the main points raised;
Appetite is affected by surgery. This relates to the removal of tissue that otherwise stimulates appetite through secretions. The sensation of fullness is also affected. Appetite slowly returns over a period of months, sometimes taking more than a year, and fullness is a re-learnt sensation, largely through experience and knowing one's own limits. Following surgery it's important to remember to eat little and often. Initially, keeping a daily record or using alarms are helpful reminders to eat. In the longer term, a reasonable sensation of appetite returns for most people and a more normal dietary routine can be looked forward to. The sensation of taste post-chemotherapy recovers quickly and isn't affected by surgery.
'Galleri' blood tests for Cancer. This is a new trial taking place to advance early detection of many cancers including oesophageal cancer, and might in the future also help to more effectively prevent cancers from returning after treatment. As with most trials, these take time to evaluate and bring online, and are unlikely to be of benefit to most of us now, who have already been through a diagnosis and treatment stages. Proposals led by Dr Sheraz Markar to routinely monitor patients after treatments using regular follow-up CT scans will complement a growing suite of tools that will benefit patients like us in the future.
B12 and Iron. These are essential ingredients providing us with daily energy. Low levels of B12 and iron can lead to fatigue and chronic tiredness. Almost all patients having had a gastrectomy become deficient in B12 and are likely to need quarterly B12 injection supplements from their GP. Whilst esophagectomy patients might not require additional B12 it is recommended that they ask their GP to annually check their blood for B12 and iron just in case supplements are recommended. In some cases, levels of B12 appear normal for several months post surgery due to reserves naturally held within the body. Over time these might become depleted, so it is helpful to monitor levels through a GP.
Creon supplements for weight loss. Creon is a helpful medication that improves the absorption of nutrients after a meal. It is usually only prescribed when symptoms of chronic malabsorption arise resulting in weight loss. Symptoms of malabsorption include partly digested food and pale-coloured, oily, floating stools. It is fairly common for up to 75% of oesophagectomy and gastrectomy patients to experience malabsorption, however for many this does't persist and body weight gradually and naturally stabalises . Although Creon isn't a 'silver bullet', it is a useful short term and long term solution, to improving absorption and maintaining weight. If a patient is concerned about their weight they should contact their dietician (Liz) or Advanced Nurse Practitioner, ANP (Anne, Anita, Julie, Gill) at the Churchill Hospital for advice.
|
