Question: Going to Loyola hospital tomorrow morning for an endoscope with X-rays. I am extremely nervous about the chance of cancer. I have had worsening dysphagia for about 4 months almost and had a cookie swallow test and barium X-rays in July. An nods cope was attempted in september but I had some reaction to the meds and was sort of fighting I guess the doctor and they had to abort the test. He rescheduled it for two weeks later und GA but then cancelled and wanted a consultation with me where he felt I should be t a bigger hospital for the test in case there was perforation ( our area does not have surgeons that can correct this problem). Of course this alarmed me considably and I have been just a terrible basket of nerves. The tests I had showed a possible extrinsic looking fillinf defect at the approximate C5 level (the othe test said c3 and c4). A CT scan was done this Friday and they believe it to not be extrinsic. I also have a small hiatal hernia and a small area of localized thickening just above theGE junction. Oh and also a mild schatzki's ring. I have not felt well at all since 4 days ago (prior to that I felt good even with consuming very little food, I have lost 20 pounds since this started fom being unable to eat). I believe I had a bit of dehydration and the doctore has me drinking pedialyte and as much Ensure as I can gt down (it is difficult for me to drink cuz it is thick). My GP initially told me its was not consistent with cancer and I could put that out of my mind however that is not what I red on the Internet. Everything I have read has been dire dire news. My question to you, is are you aware of any conditions that could cause this that are not cancer? I need some emotional care now along side the medical :). The doctor I seen at Loyola even though very good, did not have that need to treat my emotional state in addition to my medical. Thank you.