First Symptoms

I was diagnosed with acid reflux and a hiatal hernia 3 years ago but honestly l have never taken medication only Gaviscon when needed,  only  issue l had was a  dry cough every so often.  Never even went to the doctors after being diagnosed  Long story I was diagnosed with breast cancer 2023 went through all the treatment chemotherapy and radiotherapy the acid reflux started to play up and l was put on omeprazole and all the doctors  thought it was from my treatment , finished all treatment December 2023 , January 2024 it got worse I could manage to eat but the pain in my chest was horrendous, I went to the Doctors and they said to leave it  and see how I got on.  I  paid for a endoscopy luckily enough I could afford to pay and to be honest I knew that something was not right.  and the results have shown oesophageal cancer it came as a shock to me ,starting treatment in a few weeks. It you are not happy go back 

Hi JaneyM1, thanks for your reply. Sorry to hear about the time that you have had and I wish you all the best with your ongoing treatment.

I definitely think I will take your advice and go back.

Hi and thanks for posting. I was like you with the reflux. Had it over many years, to the point I'd be up all night with it. My advice would be to go back to the doctor and insist on them checking it out properly. Tbh I was absolutely dreading the endoscopy as my gag reflex is awful but it was fine as they're checking your esophagus NOT your trachea so there's no pain and no choking sensation at all!

Let me know how you get on, wishing you all the very best 

Anthony 

Hi JaneyM1,

Like yourself, I paid for my endoscopy as my GP informed me that I could be waiting 6 weeks for one on the NHS (even with a red flag) and my swallowing was getting quite difficult by this stage. Could be the best money I ever spent….

That's terrible! I saw the doctor on the Monday and had the endoscopy on the Friday! They should make sure you're seen within a maximum of two weeks after the referral 

Hi Anthony, thanks for your reply. I will definitely go back to the doctors and ask them to refer me. It’s the rattling breathing sound that is quite unusual and new for me. I’m very never had it before. I too have a really bad gag reflex so was dreading the endoscopy. What you’ve said eases my mind about it a bit, thanks.

That is terrible to have to have to wait so long. I went to the GP on the Friday and had endoscopy the following Tuesday. They saw the tumour and so I had CT scan the Saturday of the same week. My chemo started not too long afterwards. This was in West London, Charing Cross Hospital. They don't hang around.

Honestly I promise you it's absolutely fine. I pleaded with them to give me a Barium meal instead but as they pointed out if that showed anything I'd have to have the endoscopy anyway! You have the option of either being sedated or just have the numbing throat spray. I chose the spray with an option to sedate if I couldn't cope! Five minutes later it was all done, the worst part was the taste of the spray tbh! 

That's uber fast! They're under an obligation to start treatment within 62 days of the initial referral. I'll be starting my treatment around 48-50 days after mine. Mind you it would have been faster if I wasn't going to Spain tomorrow! Then again the morale and mental wellbeing boost that will give me is worth it!

Hi Cool Blue

best money l spent even the specialist I seen private to do the endoscope thought I didn’t need it , but I insisted and l am so glad I did, all these consultants say to me you are so healthy walking everyday , your weight is good , your blood test are excellent you are really fit,  believe me it’s not true I think sometimes the healthy you are it backs the symptoms 

jayne