Translate
Subscribe to Blog via Email
Ronny Allan
Since my diagnosis of incurable and metastatic neuroendocrine cancer in 2010, it’s really all been about me. I didn’t see the trauma coming, and my family has supported me throughout every single step. I really don’t want to be the focus of attention as that mantle was normally evenly distributed. However, there’s nothing like a cancer diagnosis to put you into the spotlight.
Facing an uncertain future with regular scans, injections, treatment, pills, examinations and blood tests has made me the center of attention, whether I like it or not. The focus is on me because these things are necessary to keep me alive for as long as possible and also because I live with the consequences of cancer and its treatment which provides further challenges. A good quality of life is not only a motivator for change, good planning and constant surveillance, but it’s also hard work and has an additional impact on the whole family. It means all activities including work, holidays, days out, social activities and, even the simple act of eating, might all need to be organized around me due to the vagaries of my condition. It will never stop; it will never end, and it will always be about me!
This has gone on since 2010. “Cancerversaries” are on the calendar alongside birthdays and wedding anniversaries. Tumor marker tests and scans are reviewed twice yearly so the relentless attention continues, often peaking at these test milestones and worrying moments in between. The detailed analysis of unusual pain or other disturbances are documented. The attention is on me.
Then, a couple of years ago, my wife finds a lump. The local doctor investigates and refers her for a mammogram. The mammogram check leads to an ultrasound which then leads to a biopsy of some fibrous tissue. We had a two-week wait before all clear is given but the worry doesn’t immediately dissipate as another check was scheduled for three months (done, no issues). The following check 6 months after on 7 Aug 2018 is also no change. Hang on … this is not about me!
I suddenly realised it shouldn’t be all about me, it’s about other people too. It always has been, I just got wrapped up in my own issues. There is nothing in the rule book that allows cancer or other illnesses to be limited to a single family member. Cancer doesn’t really care how many in your household already have the disease – anyone is a target. It’s bad enough having one cancer patient in the house without another cropping up. One thing is for sure when it comes to a cancer diagnosis in the family, I really want it to be all about me (i.e. I don’t want it happening to anyone else).
Thanks for reading
Postscript: Very excited to share my first article published in CURE magazine. This is a real story about recent events involving my own family. As a long-term cancer patient, it can seem like it’s always about ‘me’ and then something happens which changes that perception. It’s actually about others too, and always has been. If you want to talk about something similar in your life, please share with others in your comments below or message me.
This is the beginning of a new phase in my activities and another opportunity to spread awareness of Neuroendocrine Cancer to new audiences, something I promised I would do. I hope you will support my first contribution to an exciting organisation brand.
It would be great if you would take the time to read the article directly on the Cure site here, and any likes, comments and sharing would be appreciated.
The article can be found here
You may also enjoy my second Cure Magazine article “Poker Face or Cancer Card“
Disclaimer
I am not a doctor or any form of medical professional, practitioner or counsellor. None of the information on my website, or linked to my website(s), or conveyed by me on any social media or presentation, should be interpreted as medical advice given or advised by me.
Neither should any post or comment made by a follower or member of my private group be assumed to be medical advice, even if that person is a healthcare professional.
Please also note that mention of a clinical service, trial/study or therapy does not constitute an endorsement of that service, trial/study or therapy by Ronny Allan, the information is provided for education and awareness purposes and/or related to Ronny Allan’s own patient experience. This element of the disclaimer includes any complementary medicine, non-prescription over the counter drugs and supplements such as vitamins and minerals.
Top 10 Posts & Pages in the last 48 hours (auto updates) (Click the titles to read them)
Thanks for reading.
Personal Facebook. Like this page please.
Blog Facebook. Like this page please.
Awareness Facebook Like this page please.
Sign up for my newsletters – Click Here
My Diagnosis and Treatment History
Check out my online presentations
Check out my WEGO Health Awards
Check out my Glossary of Terms – click here
Please Share this post for Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness and to help another patient
‘Chinese Dumplings’ and Neuroendocrine Cancer
Update of one of my posts from 2015 which was interesting in that year. This is not really about a treatment which is available everywhere
“An odd disposition of tumours” – less common metastases in Small Intestine and Pancreatic NETs
Every day is a learning day in NET! When I was diagnosed in 2010, my Oncologist sent me for a specialist scan that would help
Chemotherapy for Neuroendocrine Cancer
Edited and checked April 2024One of the unusual aspects of Neuroendocrine Cancer is that chemotherapy is not normally considered as a ‘standard of care’ or
Carcinoid vs Neuroendocrine
OPINION – There’s a constant debate regarding the validity of the term ‘Carcinoid‘. I’ve posted about this a few times and as far as I know,
Things are not always how they seem
Graphic courtesy of SoBadAss.me (Sam Cleasby) In 2014, Chris and I walked 84 miles along Hadrian’s Wall on the English/Scottish border. It was a fantastic
Neuroendocrine Cancer Online Forums: frighteningly good or good at frightening?
OPINION When I was diagnosed, I was happy with my own research and kept away from forums on the advice of a fellow patient who
Colonoscopy Comedy
Last year I wrote a series of articles on the ‘coping’ side of cancer, one of which was about still being able to have a
Surgery – the gift that keeps on giving
I first wrote this article in December 2014. My thoughts went back to my first surgery in 2010 when I was discharged 4 weeks before
Piss off cancer, it’s 13 years since my liver surgery!
I’m still here I was 54 years and 9 months old at diagnosis on 26th July 2010. For the first few months, I had no
A cup of tea
I would also mention those who contributed to my “Tea Fund” which resides on PayPal. You don’t need a PayPal account as you can select a card but don’t forget to select the number of units first (i.e. 1 = £4, 2 = £8, 3 = £12, and so on), plus further on, tick a button to NOT create a PayPal account if you don’t need one. Clearly, if you have a PayPal account, the process is much simpler
Through your generosity, I am able to keep my sites running and provide various services for you. I have some ideas for 2023 but they are not detailed enough to make announcements yet.
This screenshot is from every single post on my website and depending on which machine you are using, it will either be top right of the post or at the bottom (my posts are often long, so scroll down!)
Related
Discover more from Ronny Allan - Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.
Fingers crossed for Christine Ronny x
So glad your wife was given the all clear and I hope the result is the same when she goes for the next check up. It has crossed my mind to wonder how we would cope if my husband was ever diagnosed with cancer or some other life threatening condition. As you say, no one is exempt, even those who are already affected by a family member’s cancer.
https://polldaddy.com/js/rating/rating.js
Hope the results for your wife are good. As you say it would be good for it to still be all about you. You seem a very determined individual and I am sure that you will also be as determined if God forbid your are needed.
>
https://polldaddy.com/js/rating/rating.js