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Ronny Allan
Ronny Allan – Diagnosis and Treatment – Neuroendocrine Cancer
From diagnosis to start of treatment
The build-up to my diagnosis was covered in this blog article (Diagnosis – I’m no longer in Control). This chance scenario led to a set of routine blood rests which highlighted a low haemoglobin score. It was low enough to be referred to a specialist with the initial diagnosis being Iron Deficiency Anaemia. After a plethora of tests including bloods, CT scan, Ultrasound scan and a liver biopsy (Ki67 5+), metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET) at Grade 2 was confirmed. During the secondary care diagnostic investigation, I ‘confessed’ that I had been experiencing strange facial flushing sensations since the beginning of that year and had noticed a change in bowel habits.
Then on 26 July 2010, I was formally diagnosed with Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumours (Small Intestine NET). Official staging and grading – Stage 4 (T4, N1, M1), Grade 2. You can see me tell my story on this video – click here
At this point, the NET Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) direction kicked in. Further tests followed including an Octreotide scan which, in addition to what was found on CT scan, highlighted distant nodal ‘hotspots’ in the left axillary (armpit) and left clavicle areas (supraclavicularfossa (SCF) nodes). Specialist NET markers Chromogranin A and 5HIAA urine were conducted and both were elevated indicating tumour bulk and function respectively. Some retroperitoneal fibrosis was seen close to important blood vessels including the aorta and inferior vena cava (IVC).
An Echocardiogram confirmed no damage to the heart, an area known to be at risk due to fibrotic reactions that can often be caused by serotonin producing NETs. In September 2010, I commenced daily injections of Octreotide pending a detailed treatment plan.
Primary and Desmoplasia Surgery
My primary was eventually localised in the small intestine (terminal ileum area) together with extensive intra-abdominal neuroendocrine disease including para-aortic and para caval tissue areas. I was initially amazed that so much damage could be done in relative silence. My primary surgery in Nov 2010 was preceded by a bland liver embolization. This was on the basis that there might be an opportunity to address liver metastasis during the surgery. However, this didn’t happen due to the extent of the work once I was ‘open’. My surgeon removed the primary plus many local and regional secondaries and included removal of 3 feet of small intestine including the terminal ileum, a right hemicolectomy, a mesenteric root dissection and a superior mesenteric vein reconstruction.
Additionally, with the assistance of a vascular surgeon, a tricky and high-risk procedure involving the dissection of the large block of para-aortic and para-caval tissue was carried out. This ‘plaque’ like substance technically known as desmoplasia, had encircled my aorta and inferior vena cava (IVC) almost blocking the latter. This was almost certainly caused by a fibrotic reaction to the secretion of excess serotonin from tumours within the gut.
Liver Surgery
Cancer had also spread to my liver. Following recovery from primary surgery, a laparoscopic liver resection (66%) was carried out in Apr 2011, but 3 unresectable tumours remain under surveillance. Shortly after this surgery a chemo embolisation (TACE) was attempted but had to be aborted due to routing issues which resulted from the primary surgery above.
Above the Diaphragm
Two distant hotspots were highlighted in my left axillary and left supraclavicularfossa (SCF) lymph nodes via Octreotide Scan. In early 2012, one axillary node was now palpable measuring 10mm on CT scan and I had a slight spike in Chromogranin A. Surgery was given and the subsequent biopsy proved 5 of the 9 removed were positive. This area is now free of cancer. Despite not being pathologically enlarged, 5 SCF lymph nodes were also surgically removed in 2012 but all tested negative on subsequent biopsy. The left SCF node area is still ‘lighting up’ on Octreotide scan and Ga68 PET/CT. In 2011, a small 3mm lung nodule was identified and continues to be tracked. In 2014, a new hotspot (described as a lesion) was identified in my thyroid via Octreotide scan. This lesion also lights up on Ga68 PET/CT, along with a new sighting in the left subpectoral lymph nodes in 2018.
My thyroid issue is currently ‘watch and wait’ following several inconclusive fine needle biopsies although a core biopsy confirmed fibrous tissue only. On 20 March 2018, following an Endocrine appointment, I was put on a trial dose of 50mcg of Levothyroxine to counter the thyroid panel results indicating hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone replacement. There’s an update to the thyroid issue following a Ga68 PET scan which shows intense uptake – read more here
Somatostatin Analogues
In September 2010, I commenced daily injections of Octreotide pending a detailed treatment plan but after my primary surgery in Dec 2010, I commenced long-term injections of Lanreotide. My hundredth injection took place in July 2018.
Pulmonary Emboli (PE)
I’m also on long-term anti-coagulants following the discovery of Pulmonary Emboli (PE) (blood clots) in my lungs after major surgery, discovered during a follow-up scan. I was self-injecting Clexane (Enoxaparin Sodium) from 2011 to April 2017 and then an oral version Apixaban (Eliquis) thereafter. To counter the threat of further PEs developing in subsequent surgeries, an IVC filter was inserted prior to the liver surgery referenced above. This filter remains there today and in hindsight, I now wish it wasn’t.
Miscellaneous post-treatment issues
I’m no longer classed as ‘syndromic’ and I mainly live with the consequences of cancer and its treatment. It looks like I’ve got mild Lymphedema issues in my left hand and loss of some nerve feelings in my left shoulder, almost certainly a side effect of the left axillary lymph node dissection in 2012 (according to the surgeon who carried out the procedure).
Postoperative issues include malabsorption and pancreatic enzyme insufficiency. It’s also possible that my hypothyroidism is connected to my treatment.
Latest Issues
May 2018. My blood glucose is spiking pushing me to pre-diabetic levels – this is under investigation. Lanreotide is potentially contributing, as is Creon. After 2 repeat HbA1c in normal range, problem subsided but remaining alert.
June 2018 – really bad chest infection, possibly pneumonia.
July 2018 – first Ga68 PET Scan – In July 2018, following my first ever Ga68 PET scan, much of the above was confirmed but added new issues (although some of them may have been there for a while, just not seen properly by conventional scans or by Octreotide scan):
- Left subpectoral lymph nodes lighting up on Ga68 PET.
- Uptake from retroperitoneal lymph nodes.
- Growth and potentially new areas of desmoplasia (retroperitoneal fibrosis). (seen on CT, Ga68 was a check for any avidity). Read about NET fibrosis here.
- Bone metastasis in right rib number 11.
September 2018
Dropped half a stone (~4kg) following a chest infection in June. Really struggling to put the weight back on but an increase in Creon is helping. January 2019, my weight is almost back to pre – chest infection level. Changed from Creon to Nutrizym to assess differences (in 2021, remain on Nutrizym and gaining weight).
December 2018
Renal MAG3 nuclear scan confirms no blockages to my kidney/bladder function. As a consequence, surgery appears to be off the table for now, but kidney surveillance continues monthly.
2019/2020/2021
Elevated Triglycerides, Vitamins E and B9. Been tracking every 6 months. Stopped Multivitamin Sep 2020. B9 was a one-off, back in normal range July 2021. Vitamin E gradually decreasing, almost back in the normal range in July 2021. Triglycerides back in range (but only just) July 2021, cause unknown.
July 2021 – second Ga68 PET Scan – no change to 2018 above.
June 2022. Diagnosed COVID-19.
July 2022. Annual CT. Stable but scan picked up ground glass opacity consistent with COVID-19 lung inflammation. Repeat in 3 months to assess. Vit E and Triglycerides elevated.
October 2022. CT scan confirmed ground glass opacity has receded (false alarm but see June 2023).
June 2023. Headline: “No evidence of recurrent/metastatic disease”. Confirmed 3 x fractured ribs from cycle ‘mishap’ (read about that here). I remain stable but there is still some odd lung activity yet to be determined (to follow). There are a few things I’m keeping an eye on, watch this space.
December 2023. Diagnosed COVID-19 for the second time. Then from viral to bacterial, i.e. chest infection following immediately after.
Summary
I continue to learn, I watch, and I wait to see what happens. In the meantime, I get on with life and don’t want pity. I’m thankful because others don’t get that opportunity.
Despite all of the above:
I’ve told this story (plus more) in various formats focused on what the sponsors wanted. You can see some of them here – “Let’s talk about NETs“
Disclaimer
I am not a doctor or any form of medical professional, practitioner or counsellor. None of the information on my website, or linked to my website(s), or conveyed by me on any social media or presentation, should be interpreted as medical advice given or advised by me.
Neither should any post or comment made by a follower or member of my private group be assumed to be medical advice, even if that person is a healthcare professional.
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 counter drugs and supplements such as vitamins and minerals.
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