My journey starts here

Hello, I'm Yorkshire Lady, aged 56 and very scared. 

Bit of back story - when I moved house 12 months ago I also moved doctors. I had to have a health check. An ECG shower a possible heart block and I am seeing a cardiologist next month. 

The blood test showed  anaemia so I'm now on iron tablets. As a precaution, I was asked to provide a stool sample and this came back as positive for blood.

The doctor phoned me with the news that she was fast tracking me, the day before our Christmas holiday  to Florida. 

This put a huge damper on the whole holiday. But she suggested  we still continued with our plans and she would delay the referral. 

On 31/12 I went to hospital and had a brief examination and the Dr referred me for an endoscopy and colonoscopy. These were had yesterday. Despite entenox and optimum sedation they were unable to complete the colonoscopy due to a stiff bowel, hence sending me for a CT scan via fast track. 

The endoscopy was much more pleasant (!) and also showed a large hiatus hernia and Barretts oesophagus. 10 biopsies have been taken and I await the results with trepidation. Mainly because my cousin passed away from oesophageal cancer recently.

I had my CT Colonography a week last Friday and today received a letter saying they had discovered a narrowing of my colon close to my liver. I need a urgent chest CT scan and am booked to see my consultant next week. 

To say I'm scared is an understatement.

I promise to update you all when I know more  x

  • Hi YorkshireLady.

    What a rollercoaster few weeks you've had; it's no wonder you're feeling as you do. 

    It sounds as if the hospital have moved quite swiftly to get all your tests done, although we know that doesn't make waiting for the results any less stressful! 

    I'm so sorry to hear about your cousin, it's understandable that this has influenced how you feel. There's some information on our website about Barretts oesphagus which I've linked for you. Hopefully it may help with any questions you have about that condition and offer some reassurance. 

    Let us know how you get on at your appointment next week. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator