CancerCompass message board discussion started by brady280 on 2/8/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,20768,0.htm Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ My father was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer this year, before him his mom and grandmother on the same side both passed from cancer.  None of them had stomach cancer...... Here is my concern, I am 33 years old, white, male, do not smoke, drink very little.  For the past several years I have had lots of problems with feeling bloated and excessive belching.  It was not until the last 6 months that I decided I had something wrong and not just "getting older".  I have heart burn probably once every two months.  It does not matter how much I eat and I feel like my stomach is going to pop from feeling tight.  For example eating one bananna makes me feel the same as eating a full meal, the bloating just does not last as long with the smaller serving.  I had my appendix removed 6 years ago, other than that been healthy. In the last couple months it seems to have gotten worse and at times it seems almost difficult to swallow.  Even water at times seems difficult to swallow.  The swallowing does not hurt it just seem tight in my lower neck area.Food does not seem to pass through my body the same way it used to.  I used to #2, 3 times a day.  Now its usually once, but often with small production.  I do not feel constipated.  My stools swing from very fatty to very thick.My stomach looks like I have carrying a baby half the time, and feels like it! (no offense to the women).  The doctor finally ordered an external ultrasound to look for gallstones.  I was reading up on gallstones when I found info. on stomach cancer.  In my opinion I have several warning signs of stomach cancer, and no signs of gallstones.  I guess the good news is that a test is going to be done.  Does anyone think I should be concerned about the stomach cancer?  Should I mention this to my doctor?  Not really of the age/race/or lifestyle to fit the profile. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. brady280 Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT So what if someone thinks you are paranoid!!!  If you think you have a problem, then get it checked.  No one, and I mean no one knows what is normal for you, better than you!  You alone are responsible for your health care and if you go to a doctor and you are not satisfied with his answer, then get another opinion.  Some times we go to a doctor and he tells us something and we believe him and he is wrong, sometimes he is right, but you have to feel comfortable with what you are hearing.  I have a lot of respect for doctors, but I also know that sometimes they are wrong and it is better to be safe than sorry.  And if a doctor is worth anything at all, he will respect your need for a second opinion.  Explain your symptoms to your doctor just like you did on this board.  This difficulty swallowing with a full feeling might just be acid reflux, but it needs checking.  Good luck!!!      Gerri Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Nothing wrong with being paranoid. My husband was diagnosed with stomach cancer the day before he turned 33. Even if this doctor doesn't find anything...keep searching. You might have to switch docs, but there's nothing wrong with that. But if you have a fear of a cancer, you'll need to point it out to the doctor and ask for further testing. Unfortunately, most doctors will look at your age and dismiss cancer as being the problem. It sounds like you would really benefit from taking probiotics and fiber as well. They usually help with the bloating and stools. Take care, Amy lumpling Sun, 10 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Hello! I hope today finds you well!  Did you have your tests yet?  Don't feel paranoid, you're being conscious of your body.  My dad had stomach cancer, and he had similar symptoms that he thought nothing of initially.  Not saying that's your case, but please check it out.  And don't let them give you the run around.  You know, the oh, we can get you in for a scan or endoscopy 3 weeks from now.  No, tell them it is an emergency, or be annoying until they give in.  Keep us posted.... tashfish Sun, 10 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT