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5/20/06
It is insane, but I am getting used to telling people “ I have cancer.”
I was diagnosed with esophagus cancer on 5/16. The following is the chronology of the discovery:

At the end of March, I went to see my primary care doctor (actually a nurse practitioner) for a physical (I turned 50 on 3/31) and to inquire about a persistent cough that had not stopped for 3months. I told her then that I occasionally have trouble swallowing food where the stomach begins. The nurse practitioner gave me a nasal spray, ordered a chest X ray and recommended taking H2 blocker (Zantac).

Nothing worked and the X ray came back clean. However, my discomfort at the stomach was getting worse. Even though I demanded to have a stomach X ray (I meant valium) right after the chest, she refused and made me go through the Zantac routine for another 2 weeks. When I finally had an upper GI endoscopy on 5/11, nearly one month and a half had elapsed.

The GI specialist, Dr. P, found a polypoid lesion during the endoscopy, and took a biopsy. On 5/16, he called me at home and informed that I have “squamous cell carcinoma, moderately differentiated,” then I became a patient of oncologist Dr. S on 5/18.

Both Dr. P and Dr. S were very efficient and kind. Dr. S met me after his usual office hours, and kindly explained the result so far and what will happen next. I will go though a CT scan, a PET scan, and surgical consultation during the next week to define the stage of my cancer.

For comment: lincicome@charter.net