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Urgent suspected cancer referral

RiaCW
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Dear all. I am totally new to this today. I have had GERD for 24 years treated with omeprezole (which I have to use gaviscon for as well). For 18month it has been increasingly hard to swallow food. I have dismissed it and slowly adapted without realising, by taking smaller mouthfuls and chewing alot longer.  Easter this year I had food poisoning however I had blood in my stools, although this can happen with food poisoning the GP said she wanted to test again when I was better. Sadly I totally forgot to get this done. My white cell makers have been high for years. 

Tuesday I started vomiting and it was only then that I realised how much more difficult it is to swallow compared to the first time I had noticed 18 month prior. I went to the doctor who said that she suspects cancer of the oesophagus etc. Upon abdo examination my stomach is incredibly sore, like I've been punched.

Today I received my urgent referral which says I will have my appointment by Tuesday.

I have had 2 abdo surgeries for complete bowel obstructions due to adhesions. The last surgeon, whilst on holiday in Italy, said "WHEN it happens again I won't survive". Cheers buddy!

Tbh I am looking for some support here by hearing your stories, good and bad. I am a realist so would rather hear best and worst cases so please reply freely.

Thank you for your time on reading my essay. Have a super fantastic day.

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    Hi RiaCW, 

    What a nightmare time you have had in the last few months and it's good you went to the GP after you vomited and realised how much harder it has been to swallow. It sounds like your doctor took your concerns seriously by doing this abdominal examination and I am glad that they have given you an urgent referral so that this can be properly assessed as soon as possible. Poor you having also two abdominal surgeries for bowel obstruction and it happening while you were on holiday in Italy. I think it's important that you get seen quickly and on Tuesday you should hopefully find out more and know what the next steps might be. 

    You have come to the right place though for support and I will now let our members come and say hello and share their stories and experiences with you.

    We'll be thinking of you on Tuesday. Do come back here and let us know how the appointment goes if you get a moment. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    I'm so sorry your going through this stress! I'm waiting for my ct scan results as they found something on my stomach  I'm a young mother with my youngest only being 2 months old, the stress is so extreme for me that on times I need alcohol to calm my nerves, I know it's not the answer but  i feel lucky to have even 10 mins peace where I'm not balling my eyes out, your not alone!, please let me know how it goes Tuesday 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Lucie

    Hello.

    Thank you for your kind reply.

    They said it is going down the esophageal cancer route but because of the lower abdo pain and bouts of diarrhoea, they wish my GP to get some investigations done quickly so they may combine lower and higher endoscopy. White blood cells and anemia need to be investigated etc.

    However, I spoke to the GP receptionist who cut me off and said its far too complicated so I have to write it down on the website.

    There was not enough characters on the form to write it all down so the form is a mess now. Lol.

    Plus I now have to wait 2 days for them to read it. Let alone a response!

    Therefore getting all these results before I go to hospital is looking pretty slim.

    Plus my work are asking me if I can come back in "but no pressure". 

    I run an IU in a secondary school, therefore, no one wishes to cover my absence. Bless them.

    I am not sure if to chuck myself back into work and try my best for my pupils or feel sorry for myself and buy a big tub of choc chip with senseless movies, Potter in the garden and read the long awaited book I started 3 weeks ago and have arrived at page 18 for 2 of thise weeks! Conflicted mind.

    I feel for each and everyone of our fellow friends who experience any of the related topics. 

    Best wishes. Ria

  • Offline in reply to kay890

    Hello.

    I am so sorry to hear your going through this experience too.

    My thoughts are with you and your young family. I posted an update on the post above. Feel free to read.

    Please don't turn to alcohol. Nothing is ever cured with that! Yoga or meditation? Not that I have tried anything like this nor do I expect such a young person in your care will allow you such time to do these things. Babies rock! I have 4. Not so much babies but my babies non the less.

    My reaction is get a big Danish, find a secluded open place and just relax, be free with my children, enjoy the air and freedom that it gives me. That was my go to this weekend just gone.

    Keep me posted please. 

    Best wishes.

    Ria

  • Offline in reply to RiaCW

    Thank you for replying, I think you should put yourself first and not go back to work, yes get a big tub of ice cream and watch films that's what I would choose. Im off out Friday to caerleon with my children and partner as I need to have a break and switch off from the anxiety, I will add you as a friend so you can keep me updated as well 

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