Diagnosis of Barrett's Esophagus Saved My Life

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MARYJOSTL
MARYJOSTL Member Posts: 13
edited March 2014 in Esophageal Cancer #1
I have been around a bout a week reading all of your post's and gaining a lot of information
which has really helped me. My heart goes out to each and everyone of you,and your families. All of your stories are so much worse than mine. I just wish more people had more knowledg of Esophageal Cancer so there would maybe be more like me. I was diagnossed 6 yrs ago with Barrets Esophagus. As a result I had Fundoplycation surgery. So I thought it took care of my refux of which I thought I was having none. Just the same old sinus drainage ( Why don't they tell you this is also reflux)????? Two yrs later had Endoscopy done came back fine. In Oct 2009 had colonoscopy done and Endoscopy done. Was kind of worried about colon oscopy because there was a polyp but that was fine. But when my Gi Dr told me my Barretts was High Grade. I was very confused.
But he told me I was lucky most people are not caught this early. So I proceeded to see a wonderful Thorasic Surgeon had ultrasound endoscopy done to comfirm High Grade Barretts. Had
Pet Scan done to make sure there was no cancer.But were not 100% sure until they went in for the Surgery. So scared on death on Dec 10th 2010 on my 33rd Wedding Anniversery I had an Esophagectomy done.I had my entire Esophagus replaced with half of my stomach.The Barrett's was at the top of my esophagus. Which was due to sinus reflux. Was in ICU for 2 days hospital for 5 begged to go home. Went home with feeding tube but was removed 1 wk later.I went back to work after 6 wks and I think I am doing pretty well having some eating sleeping and getting used to all the different pains your body can come up with after this Surgey.I just hope more awareness of this disease get's out there.And to Thank you all for your information Oh I am 56yrs old, Mother of three and Grandmother to 2 wonderful little boy's.Being a Grandmother is one of the best thing's in the world and I am blessed that I am able to enjoy them

Comments

  • Donna70
    Donna70 Member Posts: 852 Member
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    Dx of Barrett;s
    Hi,
    Welcome to our board. Your story is amazing and I must say never have heard of sinus connection to reflux etc. Did you have a laproscopy procedure for the esophagectomy? I am truly amazed that you are working because I had a total esophagectomy on 12/8 and am still recovering mine was an open one with three major incisions including throat. We are all glad to help with any advice that you need or questions answered and we try to encourage family and patients as much as we can. Can I ask what stage you were diagnosed at? I love your comments about your grands, they are God's gifts to us are they not? You can see we are trying to fight for more awareness of the disease on this board so spread the word personally yourself, just tell people indigestion and reflux are not always what they seem Glad you have shared your story with us keep us posted. take care,
    Donna70
  • mumphy
    mumphy Member Posts: 440
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    Donna70 said:

    Dx of Barrett;s
    Hi,
    Welcome to our board. Your story is amazing and I must say never have heard of sinus connection to reflux etc. Did you have a laproscopy procedure for the esophagectomy? I am truly amazed that you are working because I had a total esophagectomy on 12/8 and am still recovering mine was an open one with three major incisions including throat. We are all glad to help with any advice that you need or questions answered and we try to encourage family and patients as much as we can. Can I ask what stage you were diagnosed at? I love your comments about your grands, they are God's gifts to us are they not? You can see we are trying to fight for more awareness of the disease on this board so spread the word personally yourself, just tell people indigestion and reflux are not always what they seem Glad you have shared your story with us keep us posted. take care,
    Donna70

    See how sneaky this disease is!!!!
    Hi,

    I am so happy that you had a good GI DR. I also have never heard of EC coming for sinus proplems.

    See how horrible this disease is.

    I am glad that you are recovering so well.

    Nice to meet you,
    Kathy (aka Mumphy)
  • MARYJOSTL
    MARYJOSTL Member Posts: 13
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    Donna70 said:

    Dx of Barrett;s
    Hi,
    Welcome to our board. Your story is amazing and I must say never have heard of sinus connection to reflux etc. Did you have a laproscopy procedure for the esophagectomy? I am truly amazed that you are working because I had a total esophagectomy on 12/8 and am still recovering mine was an open one with three major incisions including throat. We are all glad to help with any advice that you need or questions answered and we try to encourage family and patients as much as we can. Can I ask what stage you were diagnosed at? I love your comments about your grands, they are God's gifts to us are they not? You can see we are trying to fight for more awareness of the disease on this board so spread the word personally yourself, just tell people indigestion and reflux are not always what they seem Glad you have shared your story with us keep us posted. take care,
    Donna70

    Barret's
    I was diagnossed at High grade Barret's No stage of cancer. The linning was ready to turn to cancer. I have a 12 inch incisin on my stomach and about a 6 inch one on my neck.I think the sinus reflux is called LPR relux. Believe me I am still recovering but doing really well. I also sit and type all day.
  • K_ann1015
    K_ann1015 Member Posts: 500
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    Thanks Mary Jo!
    Wow!--who knew that sinus drainage could cause this too---thanks for posting and sharing this info! Check out the Esophageal Cancer Action Network Website (ECAN)---maybe you can share your info there too!!!
    I am glad it was an early catch! God Bless you--those grandbabies want you around for a long time!
    Kim