"Oesophageal Cancer, test results and treatment plan"

In December my mother had an Endoscopy at VOLDGH for episodes of choking on food. She also went for an urgent CT scan at the Beatson and we were called to see the Gastroenterologist and Nurse Specialist the following week.  We were told that the biopsies were 'changing cells' and everything pointed to Oesophgeal Cancer but they wanted more information.

Then my mum had another Endoscopy at VOLDGH with biopsies. She was also sent for a PET Scan, ECG and exercise test. Again we were called in, this time we had to wait an extra week as the PECT scan results werent back in time for the MDT meeting and told this time that the biopies were the same types of cells but cancer was found on her Lymph node near the stomach.

Then GRI wanted to do a Laparoscopy and Endoscopy to get yet more biopsies and a better look at what was going on. The following week after the Weds MDT meeting we were told that there was no record of the Endoscopy/Biopsies so another Endoscopy was needed the next day. Mum had that Endoscopy last Thursday. We were told that it would be discussed today at the MDT at the RAH and a treatment plan would be decided. Today mum has been told that the pathology results haven't come back in time so we have another week to wait to see whats happening.

She also had an appointment at the breast clinic at the VOLDGH. The appointment was for 10am and the clinic was already running 40 minutes late. She then was sent to Radiology for an Ultrasound breast scan - the Radiology receptionist was unhelpful and rude. The radiologist was fabulous and was able to use the PECT results so the scan wasn’t needed.

Its been almost 2 months since the first Endoscopy and we feel we are no further forward with accurate diagnosis or treatment plan. Meanwhile mum is living with the difficulties and the worry.