I saw the ENT today. He called it leukoplakia and said in his opinion it's not cancerous yet. He's going ahead with the biopsy, hearing test and barium swallow just to be sure everything's in order. I'll be buying some nicorette gum and having bi-annual exams from now on. Should I be celebrating yet?

Rita

Rita, Sounding good, but don't celebrate just yet, wait for all the results. I take it that you are a smoker, please quit. I three bio's that were pre-cancer and thought, Ha isn't going to happen to me. So I just kept on smoking. The fourth bio was cancer, which is why I'm so active in the board today. Oh, well. Do what ever you have to do to quit smoking, gum, patches or even Zyban. Boy, I wished I had listened back in 1991. Sounds like a title for an Eagles song. Anyway, hope all comes up clear and take care Anne.

Thanks, Anne. I get my script for Wellbutrin filled tomorrow. Gosh that stuff's expensive! But well worth it, I'm sure. I am getting an endoscopy this Monday. I'm a little scared. My only dealings with Gastro-enterologists have been lower GI's. Those are so horrid, I'm thinking having a go at "the other end" will be a snap, LOL. I have my biospy scheduled for August 12th, and my hearing test for the 8th. I'll post again when all is said and done. Thanks for being there. Enjoying reading all the posts, still.

Rita

Rita, You go girl. Hey don't worry about the endoscopy, it is a cake walk compared to the other end. Just make sure you have someone with you to drive you home. I know it will take every ounce of effort to quit the smoking, but it is well worth it. Good luck and keep us posted. Anne.

One test down, two to go. The endoscopy was a snap. Hubby tells me I had a conversation with the doc and saw pics of my esophogus and then ate supersized McDonalds. I don't remember a single french fry, LOL. Doc found several spots irritated by acid reflux. Nothing he felt needed a biopsy. He put me on Prevacid and in 8 weeks will redo the scope. If at that time it hasn't healed, he will dilate it with a balloon. He said the uppermost spot, the one where the cigarette smoke irritates as it goes into the lungs, was the most irritated. Another strike against the smokes. Quitting is slow going, but the Wellbutrin is helping alot.

Glad that one's over.

Rita

Rita, I told you the endoscopy was a snap. After my last one I went wandering around in a drug store. My husband was picking a scrip and I was walking around in la la land. He found me and told me sit down before I hurt myself. My thoughts are with you particularly on your battle to stop smoking. You know you can use the gum in addition to the Wellbutin. I used the patch and gum as did my husband. Take care Anne.

I got great news! It's not cancer. It's not even leukoplakia. It's absolutely normal cells. The ENT says it may be a bit calloused from chewing there without teeth, so that may be the reason it's a bit thickened. I am still battling the quitting smoking thing. I realize future biopsies may not have such a fortunate result if I continue smoking. It is just so hard, especially during a particularly stressful time for me. But I'm working at it daily, and remembering the fear of the last month will surely help. You've all been a great inspiration, and I hope you won't mind if I come around and read your stories once in awhile, even if I don't have the disease. Thanks for everything.

Rita

Rita, That is wonderful news. Please try to keep not smoking. I know what you mean when you say stressful times. I quit four or five times and when something stressful came up in my life, I would use it as an excuse to start smoking again. Boy, could I kick myself in the ass today for all of my stupid reasons. Nothing has been more stressful and painful in my life has having cancer. Again, wonderful news and continue to visit the site. Take care. Anne.