Do I have cancer or not!
Discussion
Well, I'm a bit frustrated at the moment.
Went to the doctors 2 weeks ago, complaining of bad heartburn. About 3 days non stop. I've never had it before, so it was a new experience for me.
I explained symptons to doc. Also had a tickly cough for many weeks, which seemed to be in my throat more than the chest.
She examined me and said because of my age (57) she would refer me to the hospital for a a camera down the throat thingy. I would get an appointment within 2 weeks. She then went on to say it was a possibilty I had stomach cancer. To say I was stunned was an understatement.
So the last 14 days have been a nightmare. Some days I'm ok and others I'm planning my own funeral!
Anyway, today I received a letter from the surgery saying I do not meet the criteria for an urgent referral and to pick up a prescription on Monday!!
The good news, as far as I can work out for myself, I don't have any sudden weight loss and my appetite is pretty normal. Also, heartburn has almost gone and replaced with a dull ache, which comes and goes, just under my rib cage.
Personally, I think the doc was too blase. She should never have mentioned the "C" word unless it's comfirmed.
In a way I'm relieved, but also annoyed at the surgerys attitude. Next time I think I'll go private and bugger the expense!
Went to the doctors 2 weeks ago, complaining of bad heartburn. About 3 days non stop. I've never had it before, so it was a new experience for me.
I explained symptons to doc. Also had a tickly cough for many weeks, which seemed to be in my throat more than the chest.
She examined me and said because of my age (57) she would refer me to the hospital for a a camera down the throat thingy. I would get an appointment within 2 weeks. She then went on to say it was a possibilty I had stomach cancer. To say I was stunned was an understatement.
So the last 14 days have been a nightmare. Some days I'm ok and others I'm planning my own funeral!
Anyway, today I received a letter from the surgery saying I do not meet the criteria for an urgent referral and to pick up a prescription on Monday!!
The good news, as far as I can work out for myself, I don't have any sudden weight loss and my appetite is pretty normal. Also, heartburn has almost gone and replaced with a dull ache, which comes and goes, just under my rib cage.
Personally, I think the doc was too blase. She should never have mentioned the "C" word unless it's comfirmed.
In a way I'm relieved, but also annoyed at the surgerys attitude. Next time I think I'll go private and bugger the expense!
Sounds like a fluff up on the part of the GP, sounds like they forgot the exact criteria for a two-week urgent referral. They get bounced back unless you meet the urgent criteria.
The criteria are based on evidence to catch the people most likely to have cancer, therefore if you don't meet them, then the evidence says you're unlikely to have cancer. Not definite but unlikely. Not very reassuring for you perhaps, but just keep an eye on it and if anything changes or as you say, you start to lose weight etc then go straight back.
The criteria are based on evidence to catch the people most likely to have cancer, therefore if you don't meet them, then the evidence says you're unlikely to have cancer. Not definite but unlikely. Not very reassuring for you perhaps, but just keep an eye on it and if anything changes or as you say, you start to lose weight etc then go straight back.
I can sympathise with you as I was recently told by a GP that I had probably had a heart attack. (Turned out to be a quirk of the ECG). However, in fairness to the GPs, they often only have a few minutes of contact time with you and limited information. They have to communicate the information to you in an effective way. They also have to communicate with a range of patients; some have a poor grasp of English, while others will consider the nuance of every term they have used.
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Doctors often give the worst case scenario. Believe me, I should know.
Your symptoms do match the diagnosis, but wait until you get the results before assuming the Grim Reaper is on his way.
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cancer-of-the-stomach...
Your symptoms do match the diagnosis, but wait until you get the results before assuming the Grim Reaper is on his way.
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cancer-of-the-stomach...
I have been in the same spot as the o.p. It really is a shock when a Doctor Mentions the big C. I had the camera down plus they took a biopsy, turned out wasn't cancer but my stomach was producing way too much acid that had also caused some scar tissue up in my Oesophagus. I was put on Lanzamprazole to sort it out and its been fine since. Why they tell you cancer without knowing god only knows. Hope your doing fine mate.
The OP sounds like the GP mentioned cancer was a possibility, not a diagnosis. It's a point of debate whether or not to mention the C word in a GP setting. There is a box On the referral forms (or there was the last time I saw one) to tick if you have mentioned a possible cancer diagnosis to the patient. This is so that the hospital team don't drop it in without prior warning. However, the urgent referrals on the 2 week wait system are basically cancer clinics, so it would be odd not to mention this and just refer the patient naively.
Glad everything's clear for you guys above :-)
Glad everything's clear for you guys above :-)
evilmunkey said:
I have been in the same spot as the o.p. It really is a shock when a Doctor Mentions the big C. I had the camera down plus they took a biopsy, turned out wasn't cancer but my stomach was producing way too much acid that had also caused some scar tissue up in my Oesophagus. I was put on Lanzamprazole to sort it out and its been fine since. Why they tell you cancer without knowing god only knows. Hope your doing fine mate.
I know all about that!Lost my voice in January, went to docs and was given a nose spray. Three weeks later, no better went back, Nurse Practitioner mentioned a growth in my throat may be the cause. Never said the C word, but you do tend to jump to conclusions.
Had camera and was given the excess acid causing scarring on the oesophagus, and given lanzaprazole and gaviscon. Told not to eat within three hours of bedtime.
Went through the google thing and frightened myself silly.
Question is, what causes the excess acid, and could this have any long term effects?
Keep your chin up OP, whilst no-one except the specialist can tell you for definite, the ENT specialist I saw said that it is more common to be things other than cancer, but people always fear the worst.
Word of advice regarding the camera down the throat mate. i have had it twice, first time under a sedative type thing, that was horrible coming round , made me feel really sick. Second time I opted for the numbing throat spray, It was much the easiest way for me and I could leave hospital straight after the endoscopy.
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