This story is about my friend Kirsty. She lives with metastatic Pheochromocytoma, a type of Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET) of the adrenal glands – (read more here). She has an amazing blog that is not just for Pheochromocytomas or even just for Neuroendocrine Cancer patients and supporters because she has not let her condition stop her from doing normal and amazing stuff. The challenges she has faced and still facing, are very similar to many cancer patients.
In 2012, Kirsty moved from UK to New Zealand (i.e. to the other side of the world) because of her as yet undiagnosed illness. There she got married to James and had a baby boy (Hugo). You can read about her diagnosis and treatment in her blog which is also linked below. But that is only part of her amazing story. After baby Hugo was born, Kirsty and James had to face a massive moral dilemma during her ongoing treatment, taking a decision to terminate a second pregnancy due to the massive risks of the therapy she was to further endure. That’s tough. And it was also tough to try again later but this tough decision produced a second baby boy. Read Kirsty’s message posted below alongside her ‘bump’ at 35 weeks. You will be very pleased to hear Charlie was born via Caesarean section (due to Kirsty’s previous major abdominal surgeries) with no complications at 12:55 on 4th February 2020 weighing a very healthy 4.3kg (around 9.5lbs).
‘Cancer and pregnancy’ is a frequently discussed topic in cancer patient forums, and I’ve seen it quite a few times in my own private group. With NETs, the issues can be further complicated by the associated hereditary syndromes and connections. Moreover, those who understand Pheochromocytomas will know that that tumour type can often oversecrete metanephrines which can have a serious effect on pregnancy so there was an additional and considerable element of risk above normal pregnancy issues. The great news is that these issues didn’t surface, and her post-pregnancy MRI scan shows no evidence of further metastasis.
I offer you this post, not only to those who are worried about being able to have a child due to NETs but also as a means of inspiring anyone with long-term cancer to try to lead a normal life as much as possible.
Kirsty was for a while, one of the moderators in my private Facebook group, when she found me and put herself forward to help out. My group international in composition working 24/7, so her location in New Zealand was perfect, filling in the North America/Europe normal ‘sleepy’ time around 3am – 7am UK time.
January 2023. So sorry to hear that Kirsty will be standing down from her role as a moderator in my private group but so happy when I found out the reason why. Kirsty is going back to full time teaching in February having been offered a new entrant team leader role. Congratulations Kirsty!
Finally, I’m sure you will all join me in wishing James, Kirsty, and baby boys Hugo and Charlie, the very best wishes going forward. Thanks for allowing us to hear your story Kirsty!
Please read Kirsty’s blog – click here
For an overview of Pheochromocytoma – please click here
Click here and answer all questions to join my private Facebook group
Check out my WEGO Health Awards
Check out my Glossary of Terms – click here
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- 2026 Surveillance Update from Ronny Allan: “See you in 12 months”
It’s only a couple of weeks since I celebrated my 16th year since diagnosis of metastatic small intestine Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET) at Grade 2 on 26th July 2010. Thinking back to that period of my life, I’m happy but also slightly amazed to be celebrating such a long milestone having been diagnosed with cancer at… Read more: 2026 Surveillance Update from Ronny Allan: “See you in 12 months” - Spotlight: Selenium in Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs)
Before you read this This information is designed to help you understand how vitamins and minerals work in the body and how certain NET‑related factors might influence them. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Every NET patient is different — tumour type, treatments, surgery, symptoms, and nutritional needs vary widely. If you… Read more: Spotlight: Selenium in Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) - Spotlight: Potassium in Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs)
Before you read this This information is designed to help you understand how vitamins and minerals work in the body and how certain NET-related factors might affect them. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Every NET patient is different — tumour type, treatments, surgery, symptoms, and nutritional needs can vary widely.… Read more: Spotlight: Potassium in Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) - Spotlight: Magnesium in Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs)
Before you read thisThis information is designed to help you understand how vitamins and minerals work in the body and how certain NET-related factors might affect them. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Every NET patient is different — tumour type, treatments, surgery, symptoms, and nutritional needs can vary widely. If you… Read more: Spotlight: Magnesium in Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) - Ronny Allan’s Newsletter covering July 2026
Summary of July 2026 on RonnyAllan.NET July was similar to the other months of this year but views down on the previous two months due to 50% of the month spent on holiday. Still a reasonable blog performance. Other key targets met were three more editions of the Spotlight series on vitamins and minerals. See… Read more: Ronny Allan’s Newsletter covering July 2026 - 16 years since diagnosis, I’m still here
I finally made 16 years since I was diagnosed on 26th July 2010. A milestone I was not certain at the time I would reach. However, as things progressed, as treatment was administered, and as I got used to living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, I eventually became more confident this was a possibility with the help […]
- Spotlight on Cushing’s Syndrome in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Intro Cushing’s syndrome is one of the most challenging hormonal complications seen in people with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs). It can be subtle, severe, or even life‑threatening — and it is often misunderstood. Many patients struggle for months or years before receiving a correct diagnosis, partly because the symptoms overlap with everyday conditions such as weight… Read more: Spotlight on Cushing’s Syndrome in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms - 14th July 2026 – Ronny Allan hits 3 million blog views!
Today, 14th July 2026, I can confirm the 3 million views milestone has been reached. MASSIVE THANKS to you guys for reading and sharing. When I first set up this blog in April 2014, it was just to help spread awareness (….and collect a few pennies) whilst I was walking the 84 miles of… Read more: 14th July 2026 – Ronny Allan hits 3 million blog views! - Spotlight: Zinc in Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs)
Before you read thisThis information is designed to help you understand how vitamins work in the body and how certain NET-related factors might affect them. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Every NET patient is different — tumour type, treatments, surgery, symptoms, and nutritional needs can vary widely. If you have… Read more: Spotlight: Zinc in Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) - Neuroendocrine Tumours – Iron
Disclaimer: This Spotlight provides general educational information about Iron. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Individual needs vary, particularly for those with conditions affecting digestion, absorption, or chronic blood loss. Always consult your medical team before making changes to supplements or nutrition. Before I knew I had metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumours, I was diagnosed… Read more: Neuroendocrine Tumours – Iron - Ronny Allan’s Newsletter covering June 2026
Headline – half yearly point bonus edition Summary of June 2026 on RonnyAllan.NET June was similar to the other months of this year but slightly down on the previous two months due to holiday. Still a strong blog performance. Other key targets met were three more editions of the Spotlight series on primary NET types (colon, thymic… Read more: Ronny Allan’s Newsletter covering June 2026 - Clinical Trials PRRT: From 177Lu to 225Ac: The DOTA-LM3 Antagonist Journey
Disclaimer: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… Read more: Clinical Trials PRRT: From 177Lu to 225Ac: The DOTA-LM3 Antagonist Journey - Clinical Study from the Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group (AGITG) STOPNET
Disclaimer: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… Read more: Clinical Study from the Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group (AGITG) STOPNET - SYHX2008: A New Self‑Injectable subcutaneous Long‑acting Octreotide on the Horizon for NETs
Disclaimer: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… Read more: SYHX2008: A New Self‑Injectable subcutaneous Long‑acting Octreotide on the Horizon for NETs - Small tumours – big impact
Many Neuroendocrine Tumours are small. Not my words but I first discovered the term in 2021 when reading the words of Dr Mark Lewis, Oncologist and NET Patient. He himself, was citing this term referencing back to giants in the world of NETs over many decades. There was a seminal lecture entitled “An Odyssey in… Read more: Small tumours – big impact - The Invisibility of Neuroendocrine Tumours (NET) – an awareness post by Ronny Allan
“Invisible cancer” typically refers to malignancies that evade early detection or disguise themselves as other common, non-life-threatening ailments. This term is very frequently associated with Neuroendocrine Tumours which are very often difficult to spot on standard imaging and blood tests. When I was diagnosed, I didn’t even feel ill. It was therefore a bit of… Read more: The Invisibility of Neuroendocrine Tumours (NET) – an awareness post by Ronny Allan - Spotlight on Ovarian Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Disclaimer: The information in this Spotlight is provided for general information and education only. It is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional, nor to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Always discuss your individual situation, symptoms, test results, and treatment options with your own doctor… Read more: Spotlight on Ovarian Neuroendocrine Neoplasms - Ronny Allan’s Newsletter covering May 2026
Just back from holiday thus why the late publication! Summary of May 2026 on RonnyAllan.NET I think the main story of May is similar to March and April which was a strong blog performance. Other key targets met were the two main primary NET types (small intestine and pancreas) and one not so common(thymus) have finally been… Read more: Ronny Allan’s Newsletter covering May 2026 - Fat‑Soluble Vitamins in Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs): Why Deficiency Happens and Who Is Most at Risk
This blog provides general educational information only. It does not offer medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their clinical team for personalised guidance. Introduction: What Are Fat‑Soluble Vitamins? Fat‑soluble vitamins — A, D, E and K — are nutrients that can only be absorbed when dietary fat is digested properly. They… Read more: Fat‑Soluble Vitamins in Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs): Why Deficiency Happens and Who Is Most at Risk - Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) – A Spotlight on Vitamin B9 (Folate)
Before you read thisThis information is designed to help you understand how vitamins work in the body and how certain NET-related factors might affect them. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Every NET patient is different — tumour type, treatments, surgery, symptoms, and nutritional needs can vary widely. If you have concerns… Read more: Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) – A Spotlight on Vitamin B9 (Folate) - Neuroendocrine Tumours – A Spotlight on Vitamin E (Tocopherols & Tocotrienols)
🟧A general‑population overview with NET‑specific considerations where relevant. Disclaimer: This Spotlight provides general educational information about Vitamin E. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Individual needs vary, particularly for those with conditions affecting digestion or absorption. Always consult your medical team before making changes to supplements or nutrition. What is Vitamin E? Vitamin… Read more: Neuroendocrine Tumours – A Spotlight on Vitamin E (Tocopherols & Tocotrienols) - Neuroendocrine Tumours – A Spotlight on Vitamin A (Retinol)
Disclaimer: This Spotlight provides general educational information about Vitamin A. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Individual needs vary, particularly for those with conditions affecting digestion, absorption, or liver function. Always consult your medical team before making changes to supplements or nutrition. 🟧A general‑population overview with NET‑specific considerations where relevant. What is Vitamin… Read more: Neuroendocrine Tumours – A Spotlight on Vitamin A (Retinol) - 200 Lanreotide Injections: A Milestone in Long‑Term Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET) Management
Disclaimer: Educational and advocacy content only. Not a substitute for medical advice. Two hundred injections. It’s a milestone that carries weight — not because of the number itself, but because of what it represents: continuity, stability, and the lived reality of managing Neuroendocrine Cancer over the long term. Lanreotide has been part of my life… Read more: 200 Lanreotide Injections: A Milestone in Long‑Term Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET) Management - Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) – A Spotlight on Vitamin K (Phylloquinone / Menaquinones)
Before you read thisThis information is designed to help you understand how vitamins work in the body and how certain NET-related factors might affect them. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Every NET patient is different — tumour type, treatments, surgery, symptoms, and nutritional needs can vary widely. If you have concerns… Read more: Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) – A Spotlight on Vitamin K (Phylloquinone / Menaquinones) - A spotlight on Colon Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Disclaimer: This Spotlight is for general information only and should not be used as a substitute for personalised medical advice. Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are diverse, and individual cases vary. Always discuss your specific situation, test results, and treatment options with your own specialist team. Content reflects current evidence and classifications at the time of writing… Read more: A spotlight on Colon Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
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