Longterm hiatus hernia and GERD sufferer.
Late last year I noticed my acid reflux was getting worse after several years respite, which I thought was weight-related. Spoke to GP who arranged for a gastroscopy.
* 14/01/19 - gastroscopy and biopsies taken. Gastroscopy consultant reported some inflammation of the gullet, caused by acid reflux, nothing sinister apparent. Biopsies all clear.
* 11/05/19 - suffered an odd event where food got stuck in gullet, wouldn’t go down nor come back up. Couldn’t even stomach water. After a pretty sleepless night, called NHS 111 and was admitted to local Urgent care unit. System cleared itself before I was taken to X-ray, so no further investigation at that time. Discharged with referral to gastro consultant.
* 06/06/19 - appointment with locum gastro consultant who suggested another gastroscopy.
* 02/07/19 - gastroscopy and biopsies taken. Senior Gastro consultant reported some inflammation of the gullet, caused by acid reflux, nothing sinister apparent. However, a week later received a call from locus gastro consultant regarding biopsies and recommendations from Multidisciplinary Team. Results showed focal low grade dysplasia with possible high grade dysplasia at Gastro Oesophageal Junction (GOJ). Asked to increase omeprazole dosage to reduce any remaining acid reflux to give the gullet more chance to heal before having a third gastroscopy.
* 12/08/19 - gastroscopy and biopsies taken. Another Senior Gastro consultant reported some inflammation of the gullet, caused by acid reflux, and again that nothing sinister was apparent. However, once biopsies analysed and, following MDT meeting, gastro dept called to advise that I needed a CT Scan. Travelled over to have face to face meeting with gastro nurse specialist who dropped the “c” bomb…. “cancerous cells were found in oesophagus gastroscopy biopsies”
* CT scan 28/08/19.
* 03/09/19 - met gastro nurse specialist. Confirmed that cancerous cells were found in oesophagus gastroscopy biopsies and evidence of thickening of the GOJ from my CT scan with contrast.
Initial staging T3 N1 M0
* 11/09/19 - PET scan
* 13/09/19 - Results received. PET scan results showed METs on liver and possibly in bowel
My original Curative treatment plan has now switched to palliative only
* No timeframe yet but colonoscopy is the next step and then need to meet my oncologist for the first time and get her prognosis
Trying to keep a positive mental attitude and still ready to fight this as much/long as possible
Early days, and without clear information I’ve been terrified, (and still am) although the help and support I’ve found on here has at least made things easier.
I’m still learning, processing the information as it comes in and I appreciate any help, guidance and advice that anyone can offer.
Dum Spiro Spero
“While I breathe, I hope”