After treatment for esophageal cancer ends, talk with your doctor about developing a follow-up care plan. This plan may include regular physical examinations and/or medical tests to monitor your recovery for the coming months and years. If the treatment has destroyed the tumor, follow-up treatment may include evaluation with CT scans and upper endoscopy to watch for possible recurrence.
People who have undergone an esophagectomy (removal of the esophagus) should sleep with the head of the bed elevated to avoid acid reflux, as the stomach has been surgically moved up into the chest.
People recovering from esophageal cancer are encouraged to follow established guidelines for good health, such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, eating a balanced diet, and having recommended cancer screening tests. Talk with your doctor to develop a plan that is best for your needs. For esophageal cancer survivors who smoke, quitting smoking can help recovery and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Learn more about Tobacco.
Moderate exercise can help you rebuild your strength and energy level. Talk with your doctor about helping you create an appropriate exercise plan based upon your needs, physical abilities, and fitness level. Learn more about Healthy Living After Cancer.
To learn about the terms used in this section, read the Cancer.Net Feature: Cancer Terms to Know: After Treatment.
Last Updated: December 18, 2008
