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 idea what the outcome would be. What I did know at the time, given the final staging, grading, and other damage that was accumulated via various tests, checks, and scans; is that my body had been slowly dying.
Without intervention I may not be here now to tell you this tale and who knows what would be listed on my death certificate. It’s amazing to think something that would eventually kill me without intervention, didn’t have a much grander announcement than the one presented to me in 2010 (or had I been paying more attention, in 2008 or 2009). I will never know if a much grander announcement would have happened because following my chance diagnosis, I was ‘patched up’ and thankful to still be here today.
My “big surgery” took place on 9th November 2010. I say “big surgery” because I had two other surgeries, one of which could also be catergoised as major surgery.
Truthfully speaking, I did not expect to be here 12 years later, or at least that was my thinking at the time and for some years after that. The fact that I am must be related to the early intervention and radical surgery administered 2010-2012 and constant surveillance since. As a metastatic small intestine NET, debulking surgery is thought to be prognostically advantageous for many.
Accessing a specialist team is important early on, preferably before surgery as there are certain vagaries with Neuroendocrine Tumours (NET) which should at least be considered.
Ronny, I for one am glad that you are still here! You have helped me a ton already even though I am a real newbie. Thanks so much for all you do and heres to a really long life!
Thanks
Congratulations on reaching this milestone and thank you for being a source of inspiration and information for those of us who are on a similar journey!
Thanks
would like to hear your stage and grade at time of operation, thank you for all you do
stage IV, grade 2. I have evidence of disease so still same