Excellent, excellent post. You loaded it with a lot of very important information. I hope a great many people read it.
Our pal Barry’s only symptom was that he was experiencing a bit of trouble swallowing. He said he was tempted to ignore it at first but ultimately decided to mention it to his wife. Good thing he did because she “instructed” him to see his doc post haste. He’s grateful today that he did.
All the best to you and to your husband! I’ll say lots of prayers for both of you.
My husband's only symptom was having the sensation like something was getting stuck when he would swallow food. It started in August during a Chinese meal and he figured it was the water chestnuts. He would have the sensation every once in a while and not really think too much of it. In November '06 he began to experience it more often. By early December he was making the appointment with the doctor. Saw his GP on Monday, Dec 11, Gastro on Tuesday, Dec 12 and had an endoscope on Thursday, Dec 14. Found a tumor the size of a cigarette pack at the base of his esophagus. Started Chemo Dec 27.
So, YES, if you experience trouble swallowing --- SEE YOUR DOC, or rather have your doc see you through an endoscope. It could save your life!