alrighty, so I do have a hiatal hernia, but...apparently that isn't the cause of the mass suffering I've been experiencing, according to the biopsy.

a lot of it is obviously stress related, but it's a combination of several things.

she said that the biopsy came back with evidence of Barrett's esophagus, which, put shortly, are irregular cells that are makin' a small scene in my esophogus.

I'll be on acid reducers for the rest of my life. Visiting the endoscopy center at least once every two or three years.

the cells that are being irregular, if left alone, can become cancerous.

so. Taking into account my family history (dad's side of the family: grandpa (lung cancer), grandma (breast cancer), dad (esophageal cancer))

leaves me at a huge risk for cancer. More than what barrett's would normally be

that being said, she assured me that the patch was really small, and Barrett's has been diagnosed as pretty benign in the last five years.

ALL THAT SCARY STUFF BEING SAID....there are ways to combat it and stay clear from whatever magical force wants to Wreck Me.

8C /parks here like a ball of nerves

and the first step is losing weight. Eating healthy. it's a lot of weight to drop, but as long as I don't pick up smoking and don't become a heavy drinker, I'll be okay.

MelonFlavored I'm okay, fam. >:C i'll be okay.

EchoDoctor

yeah. but I'll be...idk. My appetite has already gone from massive to puny, so I think that's a good step in the right direction. and the pain of eating unhealthy is scary enough to want to eat healthier.

the hard part of this is going to be living with everyone who doesn't have to diet. Who can go to chick-fil-a and eat a whole pizza with no repercussions. But...

I've bought books, and I'm back on Noom. I'll be exercising more, logging water and food intake, and getting a wellness check done here in about a month or so.

i'm worried about taking so many steps at once, but...>:C either stop being obese and be healthy or help benign cells become cancerous and go through chemo. I wanna grow up and become a little old lady who feeds pigeons in a park in Italy. Cancer directly interferes with my plans. >:C

and I love you guys. A whole, whole bunch.

smooches this squish and cheers you on. >:C

those are some pretty big steps to take BUT YOU'RE BIGGER AND BETTER AND CUTER AND STRONGER >8C

POLAR BEAR!!!!!

POLAR BEAR!!! >8C

aw honey :c I'M GLAD YOU'VE GOT SOLID CONCRETE ANSWERS AND SOLUTIONS NOW AT LEAST

You are Powerful and we respect this.

Oh honey, I have Barrett's too so I feel you on this

pillowtalkative I love you, sweet friend.

do you know if it was with dysplasia or no because that's makes a big difference

I don't think it was with dysplasia. She didn't mention it!

if that's the case, then you have a much lower risk of getting esophageal cancer, so that's good!

mine is without dysplasia too, so I just have to keep an eye on things from now on

C: yeah! She said it was just my family history plus that-- but Barrett's by itself wouldn't do me any harm as long as I keep my health on my mind

yeah it's not a death sentence-- I'm not sure how much higher your risk is due to your family history, but people with Barrett's typically only have a 0.5% chance of developing esophageal cancer, according to recent studies

so try not to worry too much bb, we can get through this together

I just. physically still feel icky. But I've been given the clear to work out-- and I'm trying to figure out the food situation and...idk. feels like I've been given a little bit of my life back.

hugs you so much im glad you have a plan of action babe

FIGHT THOSE CELLS