ECOG performance score has me terrified

Hi all,

My husband had an endoscopy last week, it was another routine endoscopy (last one he had was 2 years ago) he needed for a potential fundoplication surgery he is pursuing (I did post seperately about this) however on his notes it said an "area of nodularity" was found in GUJ and no sign of his Barrett's that he's had for years. Nothing was said to him at all on the day but I have however seen on his notes "fully active able to carry on all pre-disease performance without restriction"....isn't this the cancer performance score they use? Are they basically saying he has cancer without a formal diagnosis? Literally nothing was said to him and we have been going out of our minds with worry. My husband is convinced his biopsies (they took 2) will come back confirming cancer, especially as Barrett's doesn't just simply disappear. 

We are absolutely terrified and everytime I try to find an optimistic approach (I tell myself it could be dysplasia or something else that could be cured if treated quickly) I find something else that makes me so scared like this rating. Why would they put that on a normal endoscopy unless they saw cancer, and surely they would have mentioned something? 

Has anyone else had ab ecog performance score written on their endoscopy notes before anything is even said?

Thank you

  • Hi AngieGwen,

    I can understand this must be unsettling and the uncertainty is of course never easy. It's really only by getting the results and the opportunity to talk things through with the doctor that you'll know more, but I appreciate the wait will be difficult.

    You may find it helpful to speak with one of our nurses as they may be able to advise on some of what you've written, although of course not specifically to your husband. If you'd like to give them a call, you can reach them on 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator