My diagnosis came with many strange words including, “carcinoid” and “neuroendocrine” ……… can you spell that please, I said to the doctor. I had a low ki67 figure from a tissue sample taken percutaneously from my liver, it seemed pretty good that I was only 5 in a range of 0-100 but somehow the word ‘indolent’ did not seem to match the long list of metastases including the mesentery, the liver, the retroperitoneal cavity, the armpit, the clavicle. If that was not enough, there was also a long list of secondary effects including but not limited to “mesenteric fibrosis”, “retroperitoneal fibrosis, “bulky chains of lymph nodes”. As if I didn’t have enough to write down, other suspicious areas were mentioned, lung nodules, thyroid nodules. My dictionary was growing at the speed of light and I even started to use the word “occluded” in my normal vocabulary!
How on earth had this lot gone unnoticed, particularly as this so called ‘indolent’ cancer was growing slowly over a number of years. Well, I had put on weight, don’t we all when we get older? I was not obese. Then there was that period of dark stool, cleared as nothing by a colonoscopy. Maybe I should have mentioned the explosive diarrhea sooner but it was sporadic, no regularity to it BUT it was unusual for me. Then the facial red look which made my face hot that I once described as feeling like pins and needles. That was far too odd, too inexplicable for a man; and it seemed not to be anything worth bothering busy doctors, it will soon pass. In any case, I was far too busy doing important things at work!
But then I lost some weight ……. and a switched on nurse gave me a blood test. BOOM! You can read my diagnostic story by clicking here.
In another iteration of this story – read this post here or click on the photo below.
Or pick a different graphic – read this post here or click on the photo below.
Check out some recent popular posts – see below
- Ronny Allan’s Newsletter covering August 2026
Summary of August 2026 on RonnyAllan.NET August was similar to the other months of this year but like July, views are down on the previous two months due to 50% of the month spent on holiday. Still a reasonable blog performance – I can’t complain. Other… Read more: Ronny Allan’s Newsletter covering August 2026 - External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) for Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Disclaimer: The information in this section is for education only and does not represent a standard care pathway or service. These treatments are not suitable for everyone, and careful patient selection by an experienced multidisciplinary team is essential. Always discuss your individual situation with your… Read more: External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) for Neuroendocrine Neoplasms - 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… 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,… 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… 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,… 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… 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… 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… 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,… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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… 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,… 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… 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… 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,… 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… 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… Read more: Neuroendocrine Tumours – A Spotlight on Vitamin A (Retinol)
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