1. < Esophageal Cancer

Mass found on CT scan, going for an endoscopy and scared

Posted by klsmidwestmom @klsmidwestmom, Aug 15, 2022

Hello there,
I took myself to the er a few weeks ago because of a heart burn that was concerning to me, ct scan showed something in my esophagus. I also had some enlarged lymph nodes. The er doc said it could be inflammation or food, but the gastroenterologist is a little more concerned. My family doctor thinks it’s very unlikely that it’s a tumor, but either way, I’am absolutely terrified. I’m terrified of the endoscopy, as I have a horrible gag reflex, I’ve never been under sedation of any kind, and I have two more weeks to go before the procedure. I can’t stop obsessing about this whole situation, and I just don’t know if I can go through with the endoscopy. I’ve considered canceling it because of my fear. I have a lot of medical anxiety, I would rather do a barium X-ray (although I know they can’t biopsy a mass)

I’m caring for my father, my first grandchild is about to be born any day now, and my youngest is starting her senior year of HS, I’ve always been the one to take care of everyone, two grandmother’s, my father now, and I work in a nursing facility. I don’t really have the support of anyone encouraging me because I’am the one everyone comes too.

I guess I just want to know what symptoms you all experienced with esophageal cancer, how it was diagnosed (meaning what symptoms brought you to get a diagnosis) how your experience is with an endoscopy and what to expect, will I know right away if it’s a tumor and the doctor feels it could be cancer? How did you deal with the diagnosis, what do you do for severe anxiety when you can’t focus an anything and feel this terrible dreadful feeling deep in the pit of your stomach every day?

I hope this doesn’t sound a bit ridiculous not really knowing yet, but I would appreciate prayers and any advice right now. Thank you so much!

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

klsmidwestmom | @klsmidwestmom | Aug 19, 2022
In reply to @astaingegerdm "@klsmidwestmom - I have had several endoscopies- lucky me!- and I don’t remember any of them...." + (show)
@astaingegerdm

@klsmidwestmom - I have had several endoscopies- lucky me!- and I don’t remember any of them. It would be very hard for the doctors to perform them if they started with the patient awake. There is absolutely no gagging!
They bring you in to the endoscopy room on a cot, you may have to move to another cot. There probably is an IV inserted already by the nurse getting you changed and getting your vital signs.
There will be an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist there who will give you the sedation in the IV and they put an oxygen mask on your face. Nowadays, I’m doing my best- for fun- to see how far I can count before I doze off! I never get past 5!
It’s not a long procedure and when you are done they take you to the recovery area where a nurse checks you and forces you to wake up! I resist, because I’m having such a nice nap. Anyway, you are awake fairly soon and you may get something to drink. They will also let your family member come in then. After half an hour or so, you are getting dressed and placed in a wheelchair to leave. The doctor may see you, or not, depending on their schedule.
This is an accurate description of my experiences- will you tell me yours after it’s done?

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Yes, I will let you know how mine goes. I hope mine is as easy as yours! Thank you for trying to give me some peace of mind.

REPLY
riflemanz64 | @riflemanz64 | Aug 19, 2022

Once they put the knock out juice in your IV it's lights out. Next thing you'll be waking up after it's done, easy peasy! You have nothing to fear about this procedure. That day you can't drive or sign any contracts due to being sedated.

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Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Aug 18, 2022
In reply to @klsmidwestmom "I love music, so yes, I need to turn to it during this time, thank you!..." + (show)
@klsmidwestmom

I love music, so yes, I need to turn to it during this time, thank you! Do you remember anything about the endoscopy? I’m just so terrified for it, I’ve never gone under sedation.

Jump to this post

@klsmidwestmom - I have had several endoscopies- lucky me!- and I don’t remember any of them. It would be very hard for the doctors to perform them if they started with the patient awake. There is absolutely no gagging!
They bring you in to the endoscopy room on a cot, you may have to move to another cot. There probably is an IV inserted already by the nurse getting you changed and getting your vital signs.
There will be an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist there who will give you the sedation in the IV and they put an oxygen mask on your face. Nowadays, I’m doing my best- for fun- to see how far I can count before I doze off! I never get past 5!
It’s not a long procedure and when you are done they take you to the recovery area where a nurse checks you and forces you to wake up! I resist, because I’m having such a nice nap. Anyway, you are awake fairly soon and you may get something to drink. They will also let your family member come in then. After half an hour or so, you are getting dressed and placed in a wheelchair to leave. The doctor may see you, or not, depending on their schedule.
This is an accurate description of my experiences- will you tell me yours after it’s done?

REPLY
1 reply
klsmidwestmom | @klsmidwestmom | Aug 18, 2022
In reply to @socalkelly "Such great advice here from everyone. You are doing the right thing getting this checked out,..." + (show)
@socalkelly

Such great advice here from everyone. You are doing the right thing getting this checked out, if just for your peace of mind.
There’s nothing you can do at this moment so enjoy your family, your youngest’s first day of HS and loving on your dad. Remember to breathe and even meditate. Whatever you find relaxing, do lots of it.
We’re all here to share our experiences, when you’re at the next step.
In the meantime, sending you lots of loving light…

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I will, thank you so much for the reminder!

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klsmidwestmom | @klsmidwestmom | Aug 18, 2022
In reply to @gingerw "@klsmidwestmom Your screen name indicates for me that you may be a couple hours ahead of..." + (show)
@gingerw

@klsmidwestmom Your screen name indicates for me that you may be a couple hours ahead of where i am in Oregon. If so, I trust you have settled down for the evening. How to do that, how to distract yourself? Do you have a book you are reading? How about a quiet hobby? I crochet things for charity, and that will let me zone out. [my husband says usually I relax so much I fall asleep within a half-hour!] Or a coloring book to distract you? Purring ball of fur in your lap?

One thing that has helped me many times, is to write it out. Personally I do best with paper and pen, but many will journal in a word program on computer. The act of "getting it out of your system" gives anything less power, too. No one has to read it again, even you, if you choose not to. Try it!

Deep breath, in and out slowly, relax into it...
Ginger

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I did settle down Ginger, thank you, I’m from Iowa actually. I bought some coloring books and you are right, very relaxing! Thank you for the suggestion. Thank you for your kind, calming and uplifting words of encouragement, I need them badly.

REPLY
klsmidwestmom | @klsmidwestmom | Aug 18, 2022
In reply to @socalkelly "Such great advice here from everyone. You are doing the right thing getting this checked out,..." + (show)
@socalkelly

Such great advice here from everyone. You are doing the right thing getting this checked out, if just for your peace of mind.
There’s nothing you can do at this moment so enjoy your family, your youngest’s first day of HS and loving on your dad. Remember to breathe and even meditate. Whatever you find relaxing, do lots of it.
We’re all here to share our experiences, when you’re at the next step.
In the meantime, sending you lots of loving light…

Jump to this post

This means so much, what a wonderful group of people here! Thank you, I need the positive, uplifting words.

REPLY
klsmidwestmom | @klsmidwestmom | Aug 18, 2022
In reply to @astaingegerdm "@klsmidwestmom - You have gotten some very good advice already, but I just want to add..." + (show)
@astaingegerdm

@klsmidwestmom -
You have gotten some very good advice already, but I just want to add one distraction method that has helped me through many anxious medical times.
I still have an IPod(!) where I have different playlists. I will plug in my headset and pick one of my favorites and rest listening to the music and even doze off. This helped me through gallbladder surgery and most of all sailed me through chemo! Somehow, getting the music right into your head with headphones makes a big difference.
Endoscopy is a breeze- a nice nap!

Jump to this post

I love music, so yes, I need to turn to it during this time, thank you! Do you remember anything about the endoscopy? I’m just so terrified for it, I’ve never gone under sedation.

REPLY
2 replies
socalkelly | @socalkelly | Aug 18, 2022

Such great advice here from everyone. You are doing the right thing getting this checked out, if just for your peace of mind.
There’s nothing you can do at this moment so enjoy your family, your youngest’s first day of HS and loving on your dad. Remember to breathe and even meditate. Whatever you find relaxing, do lots of it.
We’re all here to share our experiences, when you’re at the next step.
In the meantime, sending you lots of loving light…

REPLY
2 replies
Lori57216 | @lori57216 | Aug 18, 2022
In reply to @klsmidwestmom "This made my cry, thank you so much for the support, and the kind and caring..." + (show)
@klsmidwestmom

This made my cry, thank you so much for the support, and the kind and caring message, it means more then you know. It’s settled me down for tonight, and yes, a cup of tea sounds amazing. Anything to relax and get some peace of mind right now. What are some things that I can do at night and during the day when my mind wants to run? Do you have any relaxation techniques that help you? Again, thank you so much!

Jump to this post

I relearned how to crochet and now make / design sweaters & cardigans!!!! It has really helped me with the anxiety (before, during & even after treatment & surgery).
Many prayers,
Lori L.
(midwest,MN)

REPLY
Lori57216 | @lori57216 | Aug 18, 2022
In reply to @riflemanz64 "Don’t worry about the endoscopy because it’s really nothing because you’re knocked out. I’ve had 4..." + (show)
@riflemanz64

Don’t worry about the endoscopy because it’s really nothing because you’re knocked out. I’ve had 4 of them and never knew anything was down my throat. They give you a great drug to sleep.

Jump to this post

Yup!!!! It's a nice nap!!!!

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