Early or later symptoms?

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I have had acid reflux on and off over the past 2 years but the past 6-8 months it because more frequent and severe. I’ve been able to use over th counter medicines to ease it but recently over the past couple of weeks I have had the following:

struggling to swallow food and drink

struggling to swallow saliva

pain in my chest when swallowing

tightness in my chest

feels like I have something constantly stuck in my throat and I’m forcing things past it

I visited my GP today and was told they would discuss with a senior clinician and either text or call me. They called me this afternoon so I stepped out of class (primary teacher) and was told they were referring me for an endoscopy becyase they have suspected it is cancer.

I was somewhat shell shocked but instantly broke down from hearing the word cancer…. I have lost my Mum, Aunt, Uncle and friend to cancer in the space of 3 years. I never thought I would hear that word for myself!

my headteacher kindly sent me home to take in what I had been told.

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worrying about it until they look…. I’m terrified! I have three boys between 11 and 18 and looking up information about what happens once symptoms hit its worrying me!

How long did it take anyone to get an appontment for an endoscopy?

Did they let you know on the day?

Has anyone had any change in bowels as well?

Thanks all so much and advice on first symptoms is much appreciated!

Bilious Bob 1 month ago

I was sent from my doctor for an urgent referral and was seen four days later. Yes they can usually tell from the endoscopy straight away if there's anything there.

They will take photos and a biopsy which will be sent off. Don't worry about the endoscopy as I have the worst gag reflex ever but was able to tolerate it without any sedation.

On the subject of bowel changes, mine went from maybe three times a day to one every two days but that was mainly because I wasn't eating properly

Good luck with everything

Anthony

BrentS 1 month ago

Hello “mum”

My endoscopy came through in two weeks.

i was nervous about the procedure rather than what they would find. I opted for sedation. I remembered nothing! Which was great. Unfortunately they were able to tell me that they could see a tumour and that it was probably cancer. I imagine you are going through all the emotions now that I experienced after my endoscopy/gastroscopy. It’s shocking to say the least. However I was guided by a wonderful team of specialist nurses, medics, radiologists and oncologist ( and other back room people I never got to meet).

As far as symptoms go, I just had difficulty in swallowing. No bowel problems at that time. But plenty of post surgery stories to share and laugh about.

That was almost eleven years ago. So it’s all a little hazy now. I keep a record of the number of days I have been cancer free: 3,751 days since my surgery. I’m not bragging, I’m just saying it’s not necessarily a death sentence. Just a massive bump in the road. Life is great for me. I’m happier since having cancer than I ever was before.

There’s lots of people reading these posts, all with experiences to share so ask away. But actually the best person to ask is your new best friend - perhaps you haven’t met them yet - your specialist nurse. But do share your journey with us here. Do keep as positive as you can. And good luck. They may just find you have a hiatus hernia.

Counting the days, making every day count.

Brent

Mumof3boys 1 month ago

Thank you.

I’m booked in for my endoscopy tomorrow morning!

Bilious Bob 1 month ago in reply to Mumof3boys

Wishing you all the very best and good luck

BrentS 1 month ago in reply to Mumof3boys

All the best.

Counting the days, making every day count.

Brent

Vonn 1 month ago in reply to Mumof3boys

Sorry to read your worrying news I hope the results tomorrow are happy ones.

Thinking of you

Vonn

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