Flushing

In early 2010, I had been experiencing mild and infrequent warm feelings in my face and neck and I did notice a slight reddening whilst looking in a mirror when it occurred.  It was odd and nothing like I had experienced before.  I thought nothing of it, dismissing it as something to do with my age!  When I was going through the diagnostic phase some months later, the Consultant who carried out the initial set of tests was interrogating me (literally) for any clues which could help him pin down the nature of my problem (I now know he had evidence of cancer but not the type).   I ran through every single niggle and pain I had attributing most of them to age!  Just as I thought the barrel was empty, I suddenly remembered about the flushing and mentioned it. Eureka.

Neuroendocrine Cancer is not that common.  It can occur in various parts of the body.  Some types present with vague symptoms but my type can present with something called ‘Carcinoid Syndrome’  which is even less common despite what you see in patient groups and advocate org websites (only affecting 10% of NETs).  This syndrome includes (amongst others) a symptom of facial flushing invoked by the secretion of particular hormones from functioning neuroendocrine tumours.  This syndrome which initially worsened, did not come fully under control until after my first major operation some 6 months later.    At the time I was keeping my condition private in the workplace which led to some interesting conversations in meetings!  Many people thought I had a blood pressure issue! 

The treatment for this syndrome is a man-made drug type known generically as a ‘Somatostatin Analogue’.  Basically this drug inhibits the release of excess hormones and therefore reduces the effects of the syndrome (but also has some collateral problems).  I now receive a monthly injection of this amazing drug which comprises a rather large needle in the ‘jacksie’.

Read more about NET related flushing by clicking here or on the picture below.