I used to work for the NHS and I'm not sure that I'd ever trust a PALS service as they are anything but independent, they usually work for the local Trust and are part of the corporate team.

The one time I had a complaint about an NHS service (not Cancer related)I made it in writing to the Chief Executive and when he hadn't responded within 28 days I made a separate complaint about him to the Trust Chairman, threatening to go to CQC and the local commissioners if things weren't resolved.

I hope you manage to sort the complaint out before long and save some other patient going through the same trauma. Meanwhile, good luck with the palliative treatment - let's hope the symptoms can be managed.

Best wishes

Dave

Yes my hubby was told straight away that a cancerous growth had been found. 

Hi responding to the biopsy situation. My gullet only works 40% but I live with pain etc for the rest of my life as there's no cure of yet. Any more info message me x

Plz don't worry. Think positive as I've had few scares with oesophagus biopsy. Don't stress ok I will support u through it if u need to chat 

My husband had the tests 18 months ago and was told no cancer.  He now has been told he has oesophagus cancer and is having chemo sessions before his operation.  I really dont know what to say or do at the moment. Sue 

Please help

i have had difficulty swallowing for approx 3months which is not getting better

had an endoscopy 4weeks ago which was cut short cos i awoke from the sedative, no pics or biopsies taken

can the surgeon tell by just 'looking' that its not cancer?

he diagnosed a small hiatus hernia and no further scope required - i am not convinced and worried like crazy

my gp has put me on Adizem-sr tablets to relax my oesophagus but they are not doing anything for me

do the symptons of oesophagus cancer come and go?

i am pushing myself into a corner and cant cope - wishing i was dead to get away from the worry 

i am  a 48 yr old dad with three daughters - please help if you can

Hi,

I'm not medically qualified, just another patient, but I do know that when my stage 4 oesophageal cancer was spotted during an endoscopy even my untrained eye could tell there was a large lump there (I only had the local anaesthetic as I wanted to see for myself what was down there). 

If he saw a hiatus hernia, that would explain your symptoms - the symptoms of both oesophageal cancer and a hiatus hernia are almost identical. Unless there was a lump there too, there would be nothing to take a biopsy of. 

You've almost literally dodged a bullet - you've been diagnosed, your diagnosis matches your symptoms, you are a very lucky guy. Your worst fears have not been realised, but your mind is refusing to accept that. Knowing this probably won't stop you from worrying straight away, especially as anxiety can also trigger acid reflux, adding to the symptoms of the hernia. 

You could ask for a second opinion, or go private for further tests, but that might not stop your anxiety and disbelief in your good fortune. Maybe you could discuss this with your GP? 

Best wishes 

Dave

Hello Dave

You are clearly a remarkable person - to send me a helpful reply when you are in your situation is astounding. I do have trouble keeping things in perspective and thanks to you, I feel a bit more at ease now (I should 'man up' as they say).

i hope that your treatment goes well and that you make a full recovery.

Thanks again

Rich