1. < Esophageal Cancer

Barrett's esophagus to Esophageal cancer

Posted by ricknclermont @ricknclermont, Feb 22, 2018

I have had Barrett's esophagus for several years. I take Omeprazole on a daily basis. It's been about two years since my last endoscopy procedure and I am scheduled for another in April. My Barrett's symptoms have been worse than usual and I wonder how long it takes to transition to Esophageal cancer?

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 8, 2023
In reply to @parki33 "Barratts to T2 Diagnosed in October 22 after 5 years of monitoring Barratts. Started Chemo, final..." + (show)
@parki33

Barratts to T2
Diagnosed in October 22 after 5 years of monitoring Barratts.
Started Chemo, final dose in two weeks then assessment for full surgery to remove.
It’s a tough regime but there is light at the end of the tunnel and reading the experiences of others who are on my journey at different stages really helps so thank you.

The hardest part is just abandoning yourself to the decisions of others and the awful taste of food for weeks after the chemo, chocolate tasting like fish is the weirdest thing ever and not conducive to a good appetite which is essential

Thanks again
YNWA

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Welcome @parki33. I'm sorry to hear that after watchful waiting, the Barrett's esophagus has become stage 2 esophageal cancer. I moved your message to this existing discussion:
- Barrett's esophagus to Esophageal cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/barretts-esophagus-to-esophageal-cancer/

Click the link to read through previous posts and you'll also to get to know and be able to connect with other members like @nanny23 @dandl48 @l3440r @naomicanada @lisapullen

You may also be interested in these related discussions:
- My treatment journey with chemo and radiation https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/2nd-round-chemo-and-radiation/
- Chemo for esophagus cancer: Any advice on things I should or not do? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/esophagus-cancer/

Changes in taste are really hard to deal with when getting enough calories is necessary. Have you been able to find foods that you can tolerate?

REPLY
rexsan20 | @rexsan20 | Jan 9, 2023
In reply to @dandl48 "Not familiar with the area; how far are you from Mayo in Florida? If you are..." + (show)
@dandl48

Not familiar with the area; how far are you from Mayo in Florida? If you are close, I would go there. What stage is your BE at, BE, no dysplasia, dysplasia, or High-grade dysplasia? Good luck to you.

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No sure what grade
Thank you

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Nanny23 | @nanny23 | Jan 9, 2023
In reply to @l3440r "I also take 80 mg per day in two doses of 40mg each. I worry about..." + (show)
@l3440r

I also take 80 mg per day in two doses of 40mg each. I worry about the dosage when they have come out that it can cause liver problems etc but am told that I must take it also. The problem I have is that I don’t think I have many symptoms of GERD. I GUESS I have what they call silent GERD. I am hoping I can be cured of BE. BUT I wonder if that means cancer will not happen. What are your dietary restrictions. I worry if fresh orange juice which I love is too much citrus or sugar both of which I am told to restrict. I have tried to limit my intake of red meat but I get so tired of chicken and fish. I also have to have one mug of morning coffee and I like dark chocolate. I do eat a lot of plain wallaby yogurt which is the best very creamy and soothing. Any other suggestions from anyone out there who has succeeded in getting over Barrett’s esophagus with no more dysplasia and goes in only every six months instead of every three months for endoscopes?

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I have silent reflux. I take Pepsid. These doctors give medicines that a so dangerous and have so many side effects. I don’t know I have reflux so that is scary itself. I’m very Leary of PPI’S. Everyone is so different.

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1 reply
Linda Robertson | @l3440r | Jan 10, 2023
In reply to @nanny23 "I have silent reflux. I take Pepsid. These doctors give medicines that a so dangerous and..." + (show)
@nanny23

I have silent reflux. I take Pepsid. These doctors give medicines that a so dangerous and have so many side effects. I don’t know I have reflux so that is scary itself. I’m very Leary of PPI’S. Everyone is so different.

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I am afraid I have cut ck on my taking even 40 mg per day. I do in once a yea now for my check up and so far everything has been alright. But I do worry about it. I try to watch what I eat and it is healthy with more fruits and vegetables, lots of soup and omit Mexican, tomato sauce and barbecue. But I basically eat what I want with moderation, So far , So good and only ocasionally do I notice a bit of GERD sometime after I go to bed. I worry abut that but it is occasionally. good luck to you. I am just not a big pill taker, unless I can see an immediate improvement.

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Linda Robertson | @l3440r | Jan 10, 2023

I love fresh squeezed orange juice too and do buy a quart at least once month. I have gone in for my check ups only once a year for the last three years every summer on late July and so far my doctor has not seen any evidence of BE so I am thankful for that. And that has made me loosen up on taking the 40mg pantaprozole and I worry but it do take it occasionally with Vitamin D3 and calcium. So far so good.

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huntelli | @huntelli | Sep 22, 2023

Hello! I was diagnosed with Barrett’s Esophagus in 2019, but was never told by word of mouth. It was in my digital chart that I didn’t know you could access for test results (guess I’m from the old school). So, not knowing this info, I just basically kept living life…no special diet, smoking, no med management, and now my reflux is out of control. I’m showing a lot of scary signs: acid taste in mouth, constantly clearing out throat from lump feeling, no relief from Pepcid, Protonix, or Carafate. I’m having an endoscopy in a few days, and I’m absolutely terrified. Advice?

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2 replies
riflemanz64 | @riflemanz64 | Sep 23, 2023

Get the scope and then ask the Dr. why they didn't tell you to go on a low acid diet? No smoking, no drinking.
I'd fire that Dr.

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1 reply
huntelli | @huntelli | Sep 23, 2023
In reply to @riflemanz64 "Get the scope and then ask the Dr. why they didn't tell you to go on..." + (show)
@riflemanz64

Get the scope and then ask the Dr. why they didn't tell you to go on a low acid diet? No smoking, no drinking.
I'd fire that Dr.

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I just feel like it’s too late now to correct this😓

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riflemanz64 | @riflemanz64 | Sep 23, 2023

It’s probably still ok but start the low acid diet. No fast foods, Mexican, Italian, cut out fried foods. No soda or carbonated drink. Drink water, unsweetened almond milk which is alkaline. I drink 2 cups of healthwise low acid coffee with almond milk as a creamer. No eating 4 hours before bedtime. No citrus fruits, melons are ok and bananas. Cut out salt and
Pepper. Good luck!

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1 reply
johnstawicki | @johnstawicki | Sep 24, 2023
In reply to @huntelli "Hello! I was diagnosed with Barrett’s Esophagus in 2019, but was never told by word of..." + (show)
@huntelli

Hello! I was diagnosed with Barrett’s Esophagus in 2019, but was never told by word of mouth. It was in my digital chart that I didn’t know you could access for test results (guess I’m from the old school). So, not knowing this info, I just basically kept living life…no special diet, smoking, no med management, and now my reflux is out of control. I’m showing a lot of scary signs: acid taste in mouth, constantly clearing out throat from lump feeling, no relief from Pepcid, Protonix, or Carafate. I’m having an endoscopy in a few days, and I’m absolutely terrified. Advice?

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Relax until you get some answers , I did about the same thing , only I blame poor handling of covid …2019 was told I had Barretts , and was given a prescription , with all the delays in getting in to see a doctor and other things , mine devolved into cancer , I had my esphogus removed and now im doing ok ….dont over think it you will lose , one day at a time , everyone is different and treatment are the same everyone reacts differently to them . Good luck and keep positive

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