Newbie. Not diagnosed...yet.

Helengregson
Helengregson Member Posts: 3
in Esophageal Cancer #1

Hello everyone,

Like the title says, I do not have a diagnosis yet, so I hope it's okay to post here. 

I am a 39 (almost 40) year old female. I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia and gerd approximately 15 years ago. Since then, I have self-mmedicated with Zantac and Rolaids. I am overweight, and have gained weight over the last two years or so. About six months ago, the reflux seemed to worsen. Most nights, I would be up with severe pain behind my sternum, and would often awaken coughing and choking on stomach acid. Would also experience painful reflux during the day.

Finally, this week after a particularly rough night, I went to urgent care, where the doc prescribed Omeprazole, and was instructed to increase the Zantac. I have felt quite a bit better with these med changes. I also came away with a referral to GI. That appointment was Wednesday. Upper endoscopy set for Friday 10/27.

So, why am I here? Not sure, exactly. I am so overcome with anxiety I can hardly function. I have read dozens and dozens of personal accounts on this site and others of folks with symptoms just like mine who have been diagnosed with EC. I don't have difficulty swallowing, per se, but do sometimes have a sensation of something lodged behind my sternum. 

To throw another wrench into this situation, three years ago, I was diagnosed with a very rare non-Hodgkins lymphoma that typically only effects people over 65. No treatment yet, just watchful waiting.

The thought of leaving my husband and 7 year old daughter is more than I can fathom. I am on the brink of tears constantly.

Any words of wisdom would be much appreciated. God bless each and every one of you!

Comments

  • Deathorglory
    Deathorglory Member Posts: 364 Member
    edited October 2017 #2
    Hello Helen

    Hello Helen,

    From my (decidedly not a medical professional) personal perspective, you are certainly at risk of getting EC, but there really isn't anything to indicate that you actually have it.  It sounds like a smart decision to get yourself checked out and monitored by a gastroenterologist.  I see  some parallels between your situation and mine.  I was 40 when I started having trouble swallowing.  I had  particularly bad reflux for 20+ years.  I self medicated with rolaids for years.  

    As far as the anxiety and fear goes, I suggest to folks that they not worry about things until they become actual problems.  We can kill ourselves with worry if we let ourselves worry about what might happen (hit by a bus, drunk drivers, mass shootings, etc...).  It's a lot easier said than done, sure, but why kill ourselves with worrying.

    Hope you get good results back from your endoscopy,

    Ed

  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,392 Member
    edited October 2017 #3
    An endoscopy is the best next step

    Your symptoms are certainly similar to mine when I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, but I had those same symptoms for 20 years prior to diagnosis. Acid reflux, a feeling of pressure behind your sternum, and acid indigestion are also common issues of hiatal hernia.

    It sounds like your doctor is taking the right next steps in terms of referring you for additional investigation with a gastroenterologist. I know it is difficult to deal with the anxiety while waiting for the test results. As an esophageal cancer survivor, I have learned that anticipating the results of tests does nothing to change the outcome and only negatively impacts the current moment. I have learned to take one day at a time, sometimes one hour at a time. The fact that omeprazole is helping is promising. Do you sleep on an incline? That may help with your night time issues. I assume with a hiatal hernia your doctor has cautioned you against eating two to three hours prior to bedtime.

     

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams

    McCormick, South Carolina

     

    DX 10/2009 T2N1M0  Stage IIB - Ivor Lewis Surgery  12/3/2009
    Post Surgery Chemotherapy 2/2009 – 6/2009 Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
    Seven Year Survivor

  • Helengregson
    Helengregson Member Posts: 3
    #4
    paul61 said:

    An endoscopy is the best next step

    Your symptoms are certainly similar to mine when I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, but I had those same symptoms for 20 years prior to diagnosis. Acid reflux, a feeling of pressure behind your sternum, and acid indigestion are also common issues of hiatal hernia.

    It sounds like your doctor is taking the right next steps in terms of referring you for additional investigation with a gastroenterologist. I know it is difficult to deal with the anxiety while waiting for the test results. As an esophageal cancer survivor, I have learned that anticipating the results of tests does nothing to change the outcome and only negatively impacts the current moment. I have learned to take one day at a time, sometimes one hour at a time. The fact that omeprazole is helping is promising. Do you sleep on an incline? That may help with your night time issues. I assume with a hiatal hernia your doctor has cautioned you against eating two to three hours prior to bedtime.

     

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams

    McCormick, South Carolina

     

    DX 10/2009 T2N1M0  Stage IIB - Ivor Lewis Surgery  12/3/2009
    Post Surgery Chemotherapy 2/2009 – 6/2009 Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
    Seven Year Survivor

    I definitely avoid eating

    I definitely avoid eating three hours prior to bedtime. My next step is to elevate the head of my bed.

    Another question: Is frequent burping a common  symptom of EC? I seem to burp quite a bit while eating or even changing positions - for example, reclined to upright, or turning over in bed.

  • paul61
    paul61 Member Posts: 1,392 Member
    #5
    Frequent burping and hiatal hernia go together

    I had a hiatal hernia for years prior to being diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Because the cardia of my stomach (the upper portion of the stomach) was being compressed by my diaphragm food and air would often collect in that area rather than moving through my stomach as it should. As I moved around and things “settled” trapped gas would escape through my esophagus. I would feel pressure behind my sternum that would be relieved if I burped. 

    Best Regards,

    Paul Adams

    McCormick, South Carolina

     

    DX 10/2009 T2N1M0  Stage IIB - Ivor Lewis Surgery  12/3/2009
    Post Surgery Chemotherapy 2/2009 – 6/2009 Cisplatin, Epirubicin, 5 FU
    Seven Year Survivor

     

  • Helengregson
    Helengregson Member Posts: 3
    #6
    Since my first post, I have

    Since my first post, I have undergone several tests. 

    lots of labs: slightly elevated liver enzymes 

    upper endoscopy: white patches on esophagus, but nothing else particularly remarkable, pathology said no malignancies 

    abdominal ultrasound: possible fatty liver

    2 chest X-rays: nothing particularly remarkable 

    CT chest/abdomen/pelvis: thickening of esophagus, liquid and debris in esophagus

    Am now scheduled for barium swallow test on 11/20. Could theses tests have missed something nefarious? What are they looking for?

  • Deathorglory
    Deathorglory Member Posts: 364 Member
    #7
    Hello Helen

    Hello Helen,

    Sounds like your worst fears haven't come true.  Good for you.  I think they're doing so many tests just because they can't yet identify the cause of your problems.  At least you know that whatever it is, it's not the worst case scenerio.  Sleep soundly, if inclined.

    Best to you,

    Ed

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