Esophageal Cancer Support Group

I'd be scared, too, Gramybear. I've lost too much weight in the last couple of months, so they moved my PET scan back two months. My doctors have said that they worry about weight loss because cancer is one reason for unexplained weight loss since cancer consumes calories. I'd sure get myself checked out right away!

Hi Grammybear

At the very least get an upper endo. Much of your worry comes from not knowing! And at least some of the weight loss is coming from the worry. I would hate to think that any Family Practitioner would refuse a referral to a GI doc, especially in light of the unexplained weight loss and accompanying worry.

My own Barretts was non-symptomatic for years. Once I started using my CPAP (at a high pressure) I never experienced acid reflux attacks. So for 6 years the GERD was building the Barrett's. Then last July I had esoph stricture and my family doc sent me for a scope. This is when I was diagnosed with stage 4a EC.

Knowing the facts will help the worry and allow you and your med team to build a battle plan against the weight loss and whatever is its cause.

Hugs and Prayers your way
John

Thank you John, and Dancin Grama! I was so worried that no-one would reply to my message. I really haven't been stressed over my weight loss, more frustrated because no matter how much I eat, including a half gallon of ice cream in one sitting! isn't making any difference. I since have changed to a new GI doctor and I see him the day after I see my regular doctor on the 9th of July. He took 9 different blood tests on me and an x ray on a female part that I don't have any longer, so I"m not sure what that was all about!!! I have always found it odd that I never had acid reflux or Gerd but when the doctor put the scope down my throat, he found Barrett's, a hiatal hernia, and diverticulitis. I was on Nexium for awhile but decided I didn't want to take that any longer because of what I heard. So, I changed my diet, raised my bed by 6", did my best not to eat 3 hours before bed, etc... Now I am eating a lot at night because usually we gain weight when we eat at night. I weighed myself again today, and I'm STILL at 100.8! I am just scared because cancer runs in my family. Mostly breast cancer and COPD and lung cancer. I do not smoke, I quit 13 years ago so hopefully I won't have that too. I have so many health problems, mostly dealing with chronic pain, I just don't need something else. Not understanding Barrett's doesn't help. Thank you so much, once again, and I would love to hear from you again for any suggestions, advice, or support, I will take anything right now. Thank you again guys!!!

Grammybear (you look like a young Debbie Reynolds): have you ever had a CAT or PET scan? Either of these would eliminate any concern about cancer right away, I think. As I've written, weight loss following my EC surgery has been an ongoing battle. I started at 135 and have sunk to 109. Like you, I eat most at night but can't seem to gain. My main concern is that, if I were to get sick from anything, I have absolutely no reserves since I'm "bone thin" already. I don't know why you'd think no one would respond to your post? You are important, and your presence on this forum valued, my friend.

Thank you dancing grama, your post made me feel really good. I don't know why I felt that way, I think part of it is due to fear of what is going on and I have no-one to talk to about it. It's hard enough having to deal with my Fibromyalgia and Chronic back pain. This just adds a little bit more. I'm glad I have a place to go. I spend a lot of time in the depression Forum. But I don't want to bother them about this. You guys have been so wonderful, answering my post. When the doctor said that cancer is rare with Barrett's, I felt better, but after seeing this Forum, I'm starting to doubt what he said. How did you all get through it? Is it hard to live with? I'm sorry for all the questions, I just don't know where else to get answers and I think people who have been through it are the best teachers, and professionals. P.S. I've never been told that I look like Debbie Reynolds, but a lot of people seem to think I look like Reba McEntire. I don't see it at all. Thank you again for your help!!!