I just received the diagnosis of gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.

Posted by rschreib @rschreib, Feb 3 5:42pm

I just received the diagnosis of gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. However, I don’t have any of the symptoms described by others in the support group. Do you think I should get a second opinion?
Here’s my situation:
My symptoms came out of nowhere. Last Sunday night I began vomiting blood after dinner. I went to the ER at UNM Hospital at which point I was intubated. The doctors did an endoscopic ultrasound, found a mass in the area between my esophagus and stomach, which they biopsied. When I was in the hospital, I also had a CT scan and PET scan. By Thursday I received the pathology report indicating that I have gastroesophageal cancer. I met with oncologists who told me that my liver will need to be biopsied, as an area lit up on the PET scan. Once we have the results, we will have a better sense as to whether this cancer is localized or has metastasized, which will enable my oncologist to determine staging and a treatment plan.
However, I am wondering if I should get a second opinion.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Esophageal Cancer Support Group.

dave640 | @dave640 | Feb 4 5:50am

Personally, I think the biopsy and diagnosis can be relied upon, but then you'll have a lot of research to do and choices to make, probably to include second opinions.
Dave

mrgvw | @mrgvw | Feb 5 7:56am

No doubt you have been properly dx'd... by EUS, biopsy, and scans. That's the trifecta for diagnosis. Now to get treatments going. Treatments in America will not vary much since tumor boards will see things the same way. However once surgery eligible, shopping for where to have your surgery is another matter. And going to Mayo is never a bad idea.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 11 1:31pm

@rschreib, should you wish to inquire about a second opinion at Mayo Clinic, here is where to get started http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

How are you doing? Do you have more information about staging and your treatment plan? What is next for you?

nan1953 | @nan1953 | Feb 16 1:51pm

I diagnosis with gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma stage 2 this Monday, Feb 12. I guess we are both in the same boat.

rschreib | @rschreib | Feb 19 10:33am

In reply to @colleenyoung "@rschreib, should you wish to inquire about a second opinion at Mayo Clinic, here is where..." + (show)

The Liver biopsy showed that the cancer had spread to my liver. I am Stage IV. I went to MD Anderson to meet with Dr. Ajani last week and will be in Houston for my treatment.

reservoirdog | @reservoirdog | Feb 21 9:52pm

Best to you and yours. Thanks for posting. It sucks that the price is so high, but you are going to meet some amazing people. Courage, friend. Life still holds some incredible secrets for you to unlock.

bryan18603 | @bryan18603 | Mar 15 2:49pm

Pet Scan shows tumor at level 3 and possibly at the adrenal gland. Pet scan also highlighted a lymph node in the upper left chest area. Nothing showing in other areas. Doctors seem unsure as how to proceed. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 15 2:59pm

In reply to @bryan18603 "Pet Scan shows tumor at level 3 and possibly at the adrenal gland. Pet scan also..." + (show)

Welcome, @bryan18603. I moved your post to this existing discussion in the Esophageal Cancer support group:
- I just received the diagnosis of gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-just-received-the-diagnosis-of-gastroesophageal-adenocarcinoma/

Like you @rschreib and @nan1953 are starting on this journey. Click the link to read their stories and tips from veteran members.

Bryan, have you considered getting a second opinion at a comprehensive cancer center of excellence like Mayo Clinic?

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Mar 15 2:59pm

In reply to @bryan18603 "Pet Scan shows tumor at level 3 and possibly at the adrenal gland. Pet scan also..." + (show)

Here's another discussion to review:
- Just diagnosed with gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. Very scared
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/adenocarcinoma/

bryan18603 | @bryan18603 | Mar 15 3:28pm

In reply to @colleenyoung "Welcome, @bryan18603. I moved your post to this existing discussion in the Esophageal Cancer support group:..." + (show)

I have a Medicare Advantage PPO plan so I am not sure how that works with the Mayo Clinic.
Since I live in Central Pennsylvania Geisinger is the main healthcare provider in my area. But I have also spoken with a doctor at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and he is also looking over my case.
I would love to get a opinion from someone at the Mayo Clinic but I’m not sure how?

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