Desperate for reassurance.

Cancer
1

Hello. My mother is awaiting tests because she has been feeling pain after swallowing for a while now.

She's 64 and a non smoker who doesn't drink.

I've been online and terrified myself into thinking she has oesophagael cancer.

Any words of reassurance to calm me? Please. The doctor mentioned an obstruction. What else could it be?

I will hugely appreciate any kind responses. I'm frantic. Thank you in advance.

2

Good morning tracy. I am not a medical professional and not at all qualified to offer advice. However as the wife of someone who was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in august 2015 i would sayvto you: dont google. If you want to look things up stick to mcmillan or cancer research. The statistics on some sites are out of date and your mum is not a statistic. Try and stay calm, keep busy. Until you get results panic will not help. I know i have been there. If it does prove to be what you fear there is a lot can be done. My husband had chemo followed by radiotherapy as his tumour was inoperable and at tge time of writing he has no visible sign of cancer and is well. So i hope my reply has offered some comfort at this hard time. Keep strong. Lesley

3

Pain on swallowing might be some form of stricture, an ulcer, or some form of oesophagitis.   There is only one way of finding out, and that will involve an endoscopy, a miniature camera placed down her throat, and it is normally advised to have sedation with this as it can then often be a painless procedure.

​Most people who worry about cancer in these cirumstances are reassured by the result of the tests, but there is, of course, no guarantee what the result will be.   All best wishes for it.

4

Hi Tracy

Your mum is blessed to have yiu as her child. .

in my case it turned out to be a stricturing if the esophagus...they just stretched it back out!

hugs for both you and mom

judith

ps . Google does not know everything...just saying

5

Thank you so very much for your reply. It's genuinely appreciated.I wish your husband the very best too. :-)

6

I really appreciate that you took the time to reply. You're very kind. Thank you! :-)

7

Judith, thank you! I'm so lucky to have her too. She's just amazing.

Your reply is appreciated more than I can tell you.

Take care. :-)

8

Hi Tracy,

I hope that means that you gals will stay in touch...

hugs around

judith

9

Without a doubt! :-)

10

She's okay! It was scarring from acid reflux. I am so relieved. Thanks for your support, Judith.

11

She's okay! It was scarring from acid reflux. I am so relieved. Thanks for your support, Alan!

12

She's okay! It was scarring from acid reflux. I am so relieved. Thanks for your support, Lesley!

13

Good news and a great relief I am sure!

14

I am so happy for you.

Both of you have a Merry Christmas!

hugs

judith