The Endoscopy

We were only at the "Endoscopy Center" for a short time when they called E. back and began prepping him for the procedure. They sedated him and gave him an "amnesia cocktail," reminding me that he may not remember things even for several hours after the endoscopy. Although he was scheduled for 9:30, he didn't actually go into the operating room until 9:50 a.m.

Approximately an hour and twenty minutes later, I was called back to join E. in his recovery room. He was in an out of consciousness and clearly would have been entirely happy if we left him alone and let him sleep. He opened his eyes several times, but would then shut them again. The nurse explained that he was struggling a bit to come out of sedation, but would come around shortly.

The nurse stated that they had found a blockage and it was obvious why he had had difficulty swallowing. She explained that the doctor had prescribed two different medications: Omeprazole (essentially Prilosec) - to be taken 30 minutes before meals and which would help decrease the amount of acid in the stomach and Sucralfate (Carafate) - to be taken 60 minutes before meals and which would form a protective coating over the irritated lining. She also stated that the doctor ordered a CT scan. A CT scan is like a high-tech x-ray that uses sophisticated computers to produce multiple images of the inside of the body. These scans provide greater clarity and reveal more details than regular x-ray exams. In order to prepare for the CT scan, E. would need to drink barium contrast (to create a better CT image) as well as submit to blood work (creatinine and BUN - to obtain a pre-CT kidney functioning level).

We were then shown in to a small room, where we sat on the couch and waited for Dr. N. Dr. N. sat down with us and explained that a mass, or tumor, was discovered in E.'s esophagus and was clearly the cause of his swallowing difficulties. He repeatedly referred to the "mass" or the "tumor," but had yet to use the C word. When I could stand it no longer, I asked, "Are we talking cancer here?" He firmly stated, "Definitely" and the nurse shook her head in agreement. Dr. N. described the tumor with a variety of adjectives (I think I recall one being "fizzy") and said he was confident that it was cancer as it had all the markings of such. He informed us that tissue samples had been collected to be biopsied and he anticipated the biopsy results would confirm his suspicions. He recommended that surgery be scheduled as soon as possible, which his office would help facilitate. Like the nurse previously explained to us, he also ordered a CT scan to see if the cancer had spread to lymph nodes or other organs.

We left the office with two prescriptions for medication, one prescription for Barium contrast, two lab slips, one CT order, and dazed looks on our faces. I might add that E. had a dazed look because of sedation and doesn't remember any of these events, nor the majority of the rest of the day. On the other hand, I had a dazed look because my little brain was overwhelmed with the magnitude of the information we just received.

S.