I love watching films and Tom Hanks is one of my favourite actors. He’s played such a wide range of parts and I’ve found every single one of his films enjoyable. I think the first one I remember was ‘Big’ – a cracking family film for all ages. When I saw the large floor piano keyboard in Schwartz toy store in New York, I had to give it a go (video or photo to follow if I can find it!).  On the opposite side of the scale, he’s also been in some quite gory films such as ‘Saving Private Ryan’ – the first 20 minutes sure tested out my surround sound and subwoofer!

However, one of my firm favourites is Forrest Gump.  A multi-decade spectacular, amazing acting, amazing locations, amazing visual and audio effects where they depict Forrest Gump meeting US Presidents.  Anybody else got a picture of themselves sitting on the Forrest Gump bench with their feet in the trainer shoes complete with old fashioned suitcase and candy present?  The lead photo was taken in 2015 on Santa Monica Pier. 

One of the most famous quotes from the film is used within the title of this blog, although slightly paraphrased for effect!  Don’t worry, I’m not going to show you my buttocks like Forrest did with President Lyndon B Johnson!

I actually do get a ‘shot’ in my buttocks every 4 weeks.  This is a fairly standard treatment for Neuroendocrine Cancer patients who presented with ‘Carcinoid Syndrome‘, although I suspect some non-syndromic patients might also be receiving this treatment.  Statistics vary but it would appear Carcinoid Syndrome only effects 10% of those with NETs, mostly with midgut. The main side effect of the syndrome for me was facial flushing. That was on my side as it made the diagnosis easier once I confessed.  

Since early 2011, I don’t appear to suffer any major side effects of Carcinoid Syndrome and am classed as stable and non-syndromic. Compare that with a diagnosis in July 2010, having been symptomatic since around 2008 (that I know of).  This syndromic stability is almost certainly as a result of my debulking surgery and the administration of Lanreotide ‘shot’ every 4 weeks.  

That’s all I have to say about that ……..