“Positive” Esoguard Test

Charissa
Charissa Member Posts: 129 Member
in Esophageal Cancer #1

After six months of swallowing becoming more difficult, I had an Esoguard test done January 31, 2024.

On February 13, I got the call it came back positive for Barrett’s Disease and/or adenocarcinoma esophageal cancer. It doesn’t specify which one.

My PCP gave me a referral to a GI doctor, but most are booked out until July. In the meantime, the tightness in my chest is non-stop, with food becoming more difficult, by the day, to swallow. it’s becoming painful, as it tries to move to my stomach.

I can’t swallow pills, as they get stuck. I’ve resorted to opening the powdered pills and putting them in a smoothie. This seems to work.

Never seeing a GI doctor before, nor ever having an upper GI test, I’m not sure what symptoms are related to the esophageal cancer or something else (ie, stricture).

Everything I’ve read about Barrett’s Disease, says there aren’t any symptoms.

I’m contemplating going to the emergency to have all the tests done there - sooner than later. Reason being…I had this same cancer (adenocarcinoma) in my uterus 7 years ago. With this particular cancer being extremely aggressive, there’s not much time to wait.

It would be greatly appreciated if those here, could give me information on symptoms you experienced, so I know how to proceed. I’m hoping it’s simply Barrett's Disease, with a stricture.

Thank you, kindly, for any information you can share.

Comments

  • Srinipartha
    Srinipartha Member Posts: 10 Member
    #2

    Dont wait. Go out of network and find a GI asap. Get this sorted out. I had a similar situation last October - it was cancerous and ended up doing esophagectomy.

  • annoulla
    annoulla Member Posts: 5 Member
    #3
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/327717/positive-esoguard-test

    Hi Charissa

    I'm so sorry to hear about what you’re going through. It must be incredibly stressful to deal with these symptoms while waiting for a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.

    Based on my experience with my husband’s esophageal cancer and from what I’ve learned, the symptoms you’re describing – difficulty swallowing, tightness in the chest, and pain as food moves to your stomach – can indeed be associated with esophageal cancer, but they can also be caused by other conditions such as strictures or severe inflammation.

    Barrett's Disease itself often doesn’t cause symptoms, but it can lead to changes in the esophagus that might result in symptoms similar to what you’re experiencing if complications arise.

    Given your history with adenocarcinoma and the aggressive nature of the cancer, I understand your urgency. If your symptoms are worsening rapidly, going to the emergency room might be a wise decision to expedite the necessary tests and potentially get you faster access to a GI specialist.

    In the meantime, continuing to manage your medication as you have been by mixing the powdered pills into a smoothie is a good strategy to ensure you’re still getting the treatment you need.

    I hope this helps, and I wish you all the best in getting the care and answers you need soon. Please keep us updated on your situation. You’re in my thoughts.

    Best wishes and may God give you strength,

    Anna


  • Srinipartha
    Srinipartha Member Posts: 10 Member
    #4

    Hi Charissa

    Very sorry to hear this - stay positive

    You can come out of this. I had my esophagectamy in March and am recovering well. I would be happy to share my experiences

  • JSPIEGELHAUER
    JSPIEGELHAUER Member Posts: 6 Member
    #5
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/327717/positive-esoguard-test

    Don't wait! It could be spreading. Call around to other GI who takes your insurance and have an opening asap and ask your PCP to send referral to them. I would get the referral yourself and drive over and hand it to them. Several times I've gone to a doctor and they never received the referral. You need to be aggressive in getting scans and tests done asap. I was pissed off when the scan place told me they need to verify my insurance but it could take a week! I called around and found the place that had an opening right away paid out of pocket then filed a claim with the insurance. I complained to 3 doctors about my throat and they kept telling me acid reflux. It was almost 6 months before I finally convinced them it wasn't and by then it was stage 3. I wish I would've been more persistent with them, I could've caught it earlier. Just finished radiation and chemo in February trying to find a surgeon. First surgeon turned me down saying location was too risky. Good luck and be agreesive to find answers.

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