04 Jun 2022
By Ronny Allan
5 Comments
On the Cancer Journey, don’t forget to live your life

On the Cancer Journey, don’t forget to live your life

Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship,
Many things in life can seem like a bump in the road or a journey along a windy road not sure where the next turn is.  In some ways, a cancer diagnosis is another of these inopportune moments, albeit one with many facets.  With incurable Neuroendocrine Tumours, many people need to be prepared for a long journey.Beware of the common trap of thinking in terms of all or nothing; or rushing to conclusions. Even with localised NETs which have been removed with curative intent, the journey may continue for a while until your doctors, and you are sure the destination has…
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24 Apr 2022
By Ronny Allan
1 Comment
We are still here!

We are still here!

Inspiration, ,
I'm always amazed at the responses to my post "I'm still here" and it has become a bit of a catchphrase I use, even in response to a question in my private group.What I see is that many of us are still here and I wanted to dedicate this post to those who frequently join in with my "I'm still here" posts.I'm glad you're still here too.  Share or comment if you agree!We are still hereCheck out the fantastic response to my 5th year 'cancerversary' post.  Click here to be inspired. Missed out 6th!!!Check out the fantastic response to my 7th…
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03 Jan 2022
By Ronny Allan
0 Comments
Blog review and top 10 for 2021: RonnyAllan.NET

Blog review and top 10 for 2021: RonnyAllan.NET

Awareness, Clinical Trials and Research, Diet and Nutrition, General, Humour, Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship, Treatment
I should be happy with over a quarter of a million views in 2021 but I'm not!  Like 2020, my figures are down on previous years as the pandemic seems to have changed viewing habits, not to mention my own bandwidth during this period. I created my private Facebook group not that long before the pandemic started, and I think that has been playing a part as huge chunks of my time has been taken up on that special project.  I also changed the nature and the type of posts on my "Ronny Allan" Facebook page, which led to fewer…
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02 Sep 2021
By Ronny Allan
6 Comments
In the early days, I thought I was going to die

In the early days, I thought I was going to die

Inspiration, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship, , , , , , ,
Opinion.  It can be extremely hard to face a diagnosis of cancer and with that, an uncertain future. After treatment, there's worry about the cancer growing or coming back after a period of stability.   BUT there is also the thought of dying of cancer.  I think as you get older, you tend to begin to accept death is inevitable, or at least that is how I feel today, aged 65.  I was diagnosed at the age of 54 which I guess in cancer terms, is still relatively young. I also suspect this fear must be multiplied in a much younger…
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04 Aug 2021
By Ronny Allan
8 Comments
Let’s Talk About NETs (#LetsTalkAboutNETs)

Let’s Talk About NETs (#LetsTalkAboutNETs)

Awareness, Diet and Nutrition, Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
I do a lot of writing about NETs but I guess I've also done some talking too.  Some of these talks to patient groups and healthcare professionals were recorded and I have access to those recordings.  Others were not recorded but where possible and I am authorised to do so, I will attach the presentation slides.  Please note videos, presentation slides, and any Podcasts are in English.  I'll list some of them below for your perusal.  Some talks were not recorded and/or permitted to be shared.  These include (but are not limited to) a presentation to 'Global' Ipsen in Paris, UK…
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26 Jul 2021
By Ronny Allan
7 Comments
11 years – I’m still here!

11 years – I’m still here!

Awareness, Inspiration, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship, , , , , ,
I finally made 11 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.  I was fortunate that my cancer was not that aggressive although it was aggressive enough over an unknown period of time (probably years) to have grown inside my small intestine and mesentery, reached an army of lymph nodes and settled in my liver and beyond including, strangely, in…
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25 Jul 2021
By Ronny Allan
2 Comments
Neuroendocrine Cancer: 48 hours before diagnosis

Neuroendocrine Cancer: 48 hours before diagnosis

Humour, Inspiration, , , , ,
A week before my formal diagnosis, I had a liver biopsy (19th July 2010), and I repeat what I said in this post, for me it wasn't exactly a walk in the park. I had a mild anesthetic, I felt extremely uncomfortable throughout, and I was in pain. In fact, they did call in another nurse to help and her only job was to hold my hand in reassurance, (from what I remember).  Most patients report no issues with their liver biopsy.  I was sent home on 20th July with some painkillers, but that pain was gone within 24 hours.…
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12 Jul 2021
By Ronny Allan
3 Comments
The Hole

The Hole

Inspiration, Patient Advocacy,
A person with Neuroendocrine Cancer fell into a hole and couldn’t get out. As a colleague walked by, the person called out for help, but the colleague yelled back, "Suck it up, dig deep and get on with it" then threw the person a shovel. The person accepted that advice and dug that hole deeper. A manager went by, and the person called out for help again. The manager shouted down "Use the tools your colleague has given you", but then threw down a bucket adding to the tools available. The person used the tools to dig the hole deeper…
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01 Jul 2021
By Ronny Allan
1 Comment
A painting from America

A painting from America

Inspiration
Which one is the painting? (See separate originals below) I've always been one to keep an eye out for the postman (the postie as we say here). Even as a heavy user of computers, I still get excited about receiving 'paper' mail.  Other than birthday cards, I personally don't tend to see many handwritten letters nowadays. In today's internet connected world, handwritten letters are always exciting, always special. This time it was a parcel from USA but unlike the story "Letter from America" (see below), I was expecting this one.  A follower of my NET community had selected one of…
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31 May 2021
By Ronny Allan
4 Comments
I have walked 500 miles and I will walk 500 more (….. sing along)

I have walked 500 miles and I will walk 500 more (….. sing along)

Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Survivorship
https://youtu.be/VKyWLAaStwM?t=53 At the beginning of the year, I signed up to walk 1000 miles in 2021.  I can now confirm, I'm halfway there in 5 months.  I have buffer time ..... but only if I keep going.  By total coincidence it came on the anniversary of the completion of an 84 mile walk along Hadrian's Wall on 31st May 2014.  500 miles seems a lot more than that epic journey, but Chris and I did do around 300 miles in training to build up our stamina. Am I mad walking 1000 miles as a Stage 4 cancer patient? Not quite…
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08 Dec 2020
By Ronny Allan
0 Comments
Lanreotide: Eleven more years please!

Lanreotide: Eleven more years please!

Inspiration, Treatment, , ,
Back in February 2015, I wrote an article called "Four more years" and the title came from an election campaign happening at the time when I had been on Lanreotide for approximately four years.  Inspired by this campaign slogan, I too wanted four more years and crafted the blog post. However, I was underselling myself as I've now hit 11 years of Lanreotide on 9th December 2021.  On that day in 2010, I was still recovering from major surgery and hadn't had any somatostatin analogues since leaving hospital on 26th Nov.  Prior to surgery, I had been taking daily shots…
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01 Dec 2020
By Ronny Allan
15 Comments
2 Million!

2 Million!

Awareness, General, Humour, Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship,
Today, 27th October 2022, I can confirm the 2 million views milestone has been reached. I was totally astonished to have been able to accumulate a million views of my blog around the middle of June 2019 and in December 2020, a Christmas present of one and a half million!  Fast forward to November 2021 and it's one and three-quarters million.That is THANKS to you guys for reading and sharing. When I first set up this blog in Apr 2014, it was just to help spread awareness (and collect a few pennies) whilst I was walking the 84 miles of Hadrian's Wall…
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15 Nov 2020
By Ronny Allan
4 Comments
If it’s not raining, it’s not training! (part 2)

If it’s not raining, it’s not training! (part 2)

Inspiration, Survivorship, ,
As someone who was born and raised in the Scotland, and lived most of my life in the UK, I'm no stranger to inclement weather.  In my 29 years years in the military, the weather was no excuse to do nothing, whether it was training or the real thing. They gave us wet weather clothing after all!  There is a saying in the UK army and it goes like this "If it's not raining, it's not training".  In classic British pragmatism, it decodes to "raining is normal so get on with it".  In fact, one of my oldest army friends…
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30 Oct 2020
By Ronny Allan
9 Comments
Piss off cancer – I’m 67.5

Piss off cancer – I’m 67.5

Awareness, Inspiration, ,
I started doing the “Piss off cancer” series when I got to 65, mainly because I initially thought I wouldn’t make that age. 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…
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09 Oct 2020
By Ronny Allan
5 Comments
Paul Hunter Tribute – Snooker champion and Neuroendocrine Cancer patient

Paul Hunter Tribute – Snooker champion and Neuroendocrine Cancer patient

Awareness, Inspiration,
Paul Hunter, three-time Masters snooker champion was just 27 when he fell victim to Neuroendocrine Cancer at the peak of his powers and popularity. At just 25, he'd won the third Masters title, a feat which, at the time, had been achieved by only two other players in the world. He was dubbed the "Beckham of the Baize" because of his chiselled good looks and long, blond hair (a reference to famous footballer David Beckham). The Masters Trophy is one of the prestigious titles in the international snooker world and it was a belated honour that the trophy was renamed…
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05 Sep 2020
By Ronny Allan
0 Comments
Flower power and the happy hormones

Flower power and the happy hormones

Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, , , , ,
One of the featured pictures below is a sunflower from 2015, something I planted with my own hands, and it grew taller than me (not difficult), even taller than my garden fence (more difficult).  Of course, I have to mention my wife Chris because she does infinitely more gardening than I do, and she would have nurtured the sunflower from start to finish after I planted it.  Nonetheless, I still felt a remarkably close association with the outcome!  It made me happy just to look at it! My most liked Facebook posts in 2020 (the year of COVID) related to plant…
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26 Jul 2020
By Ronny Allan
7 Comments
10 years, I’m still here

10 years, I’m still here

Awareness, Inspiration,
I finally made 10 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, as I got used to living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, I eventually became more confident this was a possibility.  I was fortunate that my cancer was not that aggressive although it was aggressive enough over an unknown period of time (probably years) to have grown inside my small intestine and mesentery, reached an army of lymph nodes and settled in my liver and beyond including, strangely, in my…
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24 Jul 2020
By Ronny Allan
10 Comments
Don’t be cavalier with a cancer diagnosis

Don’t be cavalier with a cancer diagnosis

Awareness, Inspiration, , , ,
I talk often about my diagnosis but not about an 'incident' which occurred almost immediately prior to being formally told.  In fact it happened on 24th July 2010, 10 years to the date this post was published.  (Spoiler alert - I'm still here). I was well into the 'diagnostic phase', having had all sorts of tests including a liver biopsy.  I vividly remember thinking these tests were a 'nuisance', I was far too busy and I didn't even feel ill.  In hindsight, I was fortunate to have had such a thorough bunch of physicians who diagnosed me with metastatic Neuroendocrine Cancer in…
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17 Jul 2020
By Ronny Allan
4 Comments
After lockdown – the new normal is not normal

After lockdown – the new normal is not normal

Inspiration, , ,
The new normal is not normal This new normal just isn't normal! I'm lucky to have beautiful forests to my east and west but to my south is probably the best beach coastline in UK. We decided to walk along a section of that award winning 7 mile bay. But we went via a shop. I had to return something purchased shortly before lockdown and like most shops which shut, this one extended the returns period due to COVID-19. The shop was a big one and easy to distance, but the preparations were very good indeed. I donned a face…
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01 Apr 2020
By Ronny Allan
1 Comment
We Remember – A message of hope in the time of the Coronavirus!

We Remember – A message of hope in the time of the Coronavirus!

Inspiration,
This post was generated at the height of the pandemic and is not medical advice, moreover, it should not be considered up to date.  For the latest information for your cancer in regard COVID RISKS and VACCINES, please speak directly to your specialist doctor or follow your national health organisation’s guidance. I really like this video because it covers the positives of the coronavirus crisis, despite the daily gloom. At the time of writing, it's clear things will get worse before they improve. However, this crisis will end sometime, hopefully soon; and we'll look back on this period with multiple…
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26 Mar 2020
By Ronny Allan
8 Comments
My Self Isolation Diary – COVID-19 2020

My Self Isolation Diary – COVID-19 2020

Inspiration, Patient Advocacy
COVID-19 reminds me of some of the issues with Neuroendocrine Cancer e.g. is this a normal day to day cold/flu/chest issue or is it COVID-19?  At least COVID-19 is the number one awareness topic in the universe, so people are very very aware.  Just as well because it has the potential to kill hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of people.  It's only right that cancer patients take strict precautions because they should all at least be considered as an 'at risk' category, and many will be on their national 'most vulnerable' lists.So, when I started to cough and wheeze on…
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05 Jan 2020
By Ronny Allan
0 Comments
Featuring Kirsty Dalglish – Pheochromocytoma and Pregnancy

Featuring Kirsty Dalglish – Pheochromocytoma and Pregnancy

Inspiration, Patient Advocacy
This story is about my friend Kirsty. She lives with metastatic Pheochromocytoma, a type of Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET) of the adrenal glands - (read more here). She has an amazing blog that is not just for Pheochromocytomas or even just for Neuroendocrine Cancer patients and supporters because she has not let her condition stop her from doing normal and amazing stuff. The challenges she has faced and still facing, are very similar to many cancer patients.  In 2012, Kirsty moved from UK to New Zealand (i.e. to the other side of the world) because of her as yet undiagnosed illness.…
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17 Nov 2019
By Ronny Allan
2 Comments
Prognostics and Crystal Balls

Prognostics and Crystal Balls

Inspiration, Patient Advocacy, , , ,
When I was being told I had an advanced and incurable cancer, I did what most people seem to do in movies ….. I asked “how long do I have“. The Oncologist said ” … perhaps just months“. That must have been quite a shock because for a few moments after that, I heard nothing – my brain was clearly still trying to process those words – I wasn’t even feeling unwell! The really important bit I missed was him go on to say “…but with the right treatment, you should be able to live for a lot longer”. Fortunately,…
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28 Feb 2019
By Ronny Allan
6 Comments
From dying to living, to hell and back

From dying to living, to hell and back

Awareness, Inspiration, Patient Advocacy, , , , ,
I once wrote a post about patient stories, in particular the ones I receive in my private messages.  The headline was "The shock effect never wears off".  But none have been more shocking than the one I received early in 2019.  (edit: After posting this article, I heard of a few similar cases). This is a story about someone who is a private person but felt the need to reach out to me about their diagnostic experience. This person wanted to talk about it, but in private and I was happy to listen.  I was so moved by this story,…
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22 Feb 2019
By Ronny Allan
0 Comments
“I Knew There Was Something Wrong, But I Didn’t Know What” — A Nurse Shares Her Cancer Story

“I Knew There Was Something Wrong, But I Didn’t Know What” — A Nurse Shares Her Cancer Story

Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer,
Judy Golz is a retired registered nurse — she’s also a neuroendocrine cancer survivor.  Like many nurses who get cancer, their experience in working in the healthcare industry possibly helps get a quicker diagnosis, possibly because they can recognise symptoms and likely differential diagnoses and it possibly helps knowing how the healthcare system works. But with uncommon and complex diseases, it's not always that straightforward, even for a nurse or any other healthcare professional.  But Judy makes an excellent point about the quantity and quality of medical information now out there, including for Neuroendocrine Cancer and suggested she would be in…
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08 Oct 2018
By Ronny Allan
5 Comments
Neuroendocrine Cancer – on your bike!

Neuroendocrine Cancer – on your bike!

Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Survivorship, , , ,
There's a Brit saying known as "on your bike" (sometimes colloquially called "on yer bike").  It basically means "go away and stop bothering me" but there are other definitions including some 'Anglo-Saxon' versions (I won't repeat those here!) When I moved to my current home in 2012, the removals lorry unloaded our rather dusty bikes (pedal cycles) and stuffed them in the garage where they mostly remained until this year.  A couple of months ago, I dusted them off, repaired punctures etc, and basically started putting them to better use.  In fact, Chris got a new one out of the…
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16 Aug 2018
By Ronny Allan
10 Comments
Aretha Franklin 1942-2018: Neuroendocrine Cancer

Aretha Franklin 1942-2018: Neuroendocrine Cancer

Awareness, Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, ,
On 16th Aug 2018, Publicist Gwendolyn Quinn told The Associated Press through a family statement that Aretha Franklin passed at her home in Detroit. The statement said "Franklin's official cause of death was due to advanced pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type, which was confirmed by Franklin's oncologist, Dr. Philip Phillips of Karmanos Cancer Institute" in Detroit. Clearly, he meant Neuroendocrine Cancer with a pancreatic primary. However, in the fast-moving social media world, this is what went out with the lazier writers and editors abbreviating it to just Pancreatic Cancer.  All of these incorrect posts will now be embedded in…
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15 Jan 2018
By Ronny Allan
11 Comments
Shame on you!

Shame on you!

Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship,
This is not an attempt to bash people for making genuine mistakes. However, it is easy to make the mistake with people who have invisible disabilities, something now forming part of day to day life and many establishments now emphasise that in their bathrooms/toilets/restrooms.  Probably long overdue.  For the record, I don't have a visible disability, nor do I have access to any special schemes or 'perks' to gain any advantage.  I quite like to walk and don't really care how far it is to the building.  Now and then I do need short notice access to a toilet facility,…
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30 Dec 2017
By Ronny Allan
2 Comments
Ronny Allan – Top 6 posts of 2017

Ronny Allan – Top 6 posts of 2017

Awareness, Inspiration, , , , , , ,
Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on email Email These are my top performing posts for 2017 - comprising one eighth of my entire hits for the year.  My blog hits for 2017 almost reached a quarter of a million, double that of 2016 which was double that of 2015.  A chunk of these figures can be attributed to most of these articles.  Please share to maintain the momentum. Top 6 posts for 2017 (Click on each article title to read) Short Description Hits in 2017 The Human Anatomy…
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08 Oct 2017
By Ronny Allan
7 Comments
The shock effect never wears off

The shock effect never wears off

Awareness, Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Survivorship, Treatment, , , , , , , , , , ,
Patient stories are key to any awareness campaign.  Nothing like a human being standing up and letting you know about their experience.  Many are positive examples of how they are overcoming their trials and tribulations, others tell stories of a struggle. They all have different styles, some are the 'kick ass' type stories, some are just thankful, some are reflective - all of them are perfectly acceptable. I normally like to place myself somewhere in the middle with phrases like "I'm still here", although I can veer left and right when the mood takes me! Because of my social media…
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02 Oct 2017
By Ronny Allan
3 Comments
Cancer Isn’t All About Me

Cancer Isn’t All About Me

Awareness, Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship, Treatment, , , , , , , , , , ,
click picture to read "My Right-Hand Woman" Since my diagnosis of incurable and metastatic neuroendocrine cancer in 2010, it's really all been about me. I didn’t see the trauma coming, and my family has supported me throughout every single step. I really don’t want to be the focus of attention as that mantle was normally evenly distributed. However, there’s nothing like a cancer diagnosis to put you into the spotlight. Facing an uncertain future with regular scans, injections, treatment, pills, examinations and blood tests has made me the center of attention, whether I like it or not. The focus is…
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08 Jun 2017
By Ronny Allan
20 Comments
8 tips for conquering fear – Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer

8 tips for conquering fear – Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer

Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship, , ,
Before I was diagnosed with cancer, my health was in reasonable condition. I had minor irritants that seemed to come back now and then, nothing that was going to kill me. So I just put up with most of it and time was frequently a good healer. Occasionally, I would use medicine to speed up the healing or ask a doctor for advice. Even leading up to my diagnosis, this was my strategy despite some strange things going on.  Luckily for me, the 'system' picked up something suspicious and I am where I am today. It's amazing to think a…
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20 Feb 2017
By Ronny Allan
0 Comments
25 Life Lessons From a Two-Time Cancer Survivor

25 Life Lessons From a Two-Time Cancer Survivor

Inspiration, Survivorship, , ,
Sometimes, a blog post comes along and it just resonates!  I got chatting with the author who has given me permission to post it here.  Shari Berman is a two-time cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at age 25, days after returning from her honeymoon and a second time with breast cancer 8 years later. I posted her full CV below.Her post "25 Life Lessons From a Two-Time Cancer Survivor" is a fantastic summary of a positive approach to life, despite a cancer diagnosis (or in Shari's case, two). I've seen some similar quotes before but Shari has collated…
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18 Dec 2016
By Ronny Allan
6 Comments
Keep your lights burning

Keep your lights burning

Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship, , , ,
I recently met a colleague who I hadn't seen for 30 years. He was more than just a colleague, he was once my 'Commanding Officer'. He had been made aware of my illness but after asking how I was, he was content with my short explanation "I'm not dead yet". The great thing about soldiery is that it's perfectly acceptable to make simple and light hearted statements about very difficult situations. The other great thing is that you can pick up where you left off 30 years ago, as if it were only yesterday.  And 'Bravado' is not only acceptable, it's mandatory! A week later,…
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06 Dec 2016
By Ronny Allan
8 Comments

Drum Roll – Ronny Allan wins WEGO Best in Show ‘Community’ 2016

Inspiration, Patient Advocacy, ,
Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on whatsapp WhatsApp Share on email Email Very happy to win the WEGO 2016 Best in Show Community which is some ways is a recognition for my blog based on the fact is at the core of what I do and in many ways, the other apps are (currently) just 'fronts' for this output.  Whether you read my blog direct from WordPress, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or any other platform you find it, you are all members of this award-winning community! My WEGO Profile is here - look out for…
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29 Nov 2016
By Ronny Allan
4 Comments
Dear every cancer patient I ever took care of, I’m sorry. I didn’t get it.

Dear every cancer patient I ever took care of, I’m sorry. I didn’t get it.

Inspiration
I've never used the "reblog" button until now ............ this is such a powerful post, so I wanted those following me on WordPress or email, and are not on Facebook, to have the opportunity to read it. Read the original article here from Nurse Lindsay Norris - Click here   Click to read more Sometimes people don't "get it" until they get it - read more here. Click here and answer all questions to join my private Facebook group Check out my Glossary of Terms - click here   Please Share this post for Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness and to help…
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02 Nov 2016
By Ronny Allan
9 Comments
Neuroendocrine Cancer – Exciting Times Ahead!  

Neuroendocrine Cancer – Exciting Times Ahead!  

Inspiration, Survivorship, Treatment, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
In the last 12-24 months, there seems to have been announcement after announcement of new and/or upgraded/enhanced diagnostics and treatment types for Neuroendocrine Cancer.  Scans, radionuclide therapies, combination therapies, somatostatin analogues, biological therapies, etc.  Some of the announcements are just expansions of existing therapies having been approved in new (but significant) regions. Compared to some other cancers, even those which hit the headlines often, we appear to be doing not too badly.  However, the pressure needs to stay on, all patients need access to the best diagnostics and treatments for them; and at the requisite time.  There's even more in the pipeline and I'm hoping…
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05 Oct 2016
By Ronny Allan
20 Comments
Steve Jobs – the most famous Neuroendocrine Cancer Ambassador we NEVER had

Steve Jobs – the most famous Neuroendocrine Cancer Ambassador we NEVER had

Awareness, Diet and Nutrition, Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Survivorship, Treatment, , , , , , , , , , ,
Steve Jobs died 5 Oct 2011. RIP Steve, you certainly made a difference to the world of technology and that is still being felt today. I have a number of google alerts setup and every day the emails arrive in my inbox. The longest email is always the Steve Jobs one, i.e. Steve Jobs is written about more than Neuroendocrine Cancer and other connected subjects. That's interesting because Neuroendocrine Cancer is the type Steve had, not Pancreatic as is frequently reported. There are huge differences between Pancreatic Cancer and Neuroendocrine Cancer with a pancreatic primary - click here to read…
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19 Sep 2016
By Ronny Allan
5 Comments

“Not the Stereotypical picture of sick”

Awareness, Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship, , , ,
I've never really understood why people get upset or annoyed when someone tells them they look well. Maybe I just think differently than others?  I like to look for the positive things these well-meaning messages can convey.  Most people are just trying to be nice, even if it comes over clumsy. Personally, I love it when people tell me I look well, I mean who wants to look unwell?  If I'm feeling mischievous, I sometimes say "yes..... but you should see my insides".  Most of the time, it dispels any awkwardness and they follow my laughter. Yesterday, I listened to a few…
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24 Aug 2016
By Ronny Allan
8 Comments
Stop talking about it, just go do it!

Stop talking about it, just go do it!

Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship, Travel with Ronny, ,
"Yes, we must do this one day ......." and then we don't! We're all guilty of it aren't we? For years Chris and I have discussed travelling around the coast of Scotland and we're just back from a fantastic holiday where we saw some wonderful scenery. And we did the Edinburgh Tattoo on the way there! Yet another ....... "We must do this one day......." I've even decided that looking at this wonderful scenery is a form of medicine and a way to be inspired to do more. Admittedly we were motivated by the recent declaration of the new "North Coast 500"…
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01 Aug 2016
By Ronny Allan
10 Comments
Living with Cancer – if you’re reading this, you’re surviving

Living with Cancer – if you’re reading this, you’re surviving

Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Survivorship, , , , ,
You may sometimes feel like you're not surviving but if you're reading this then you most definitely must be! For the first few years after my diagnosis, I avoided using the word 'survivor' in relation to my incurable cancer. I had no idea what was going to happen. It just didn't seem to sit right despite the fact I'm a 'glass half full' kind of guy. However ........ I was studying the term 'Survivorship' and found it also applies to those living with incurable and long-term cancer. This piece of research totally changed my thinking. Today is National Cancer Survivors…
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27 Jul 2016
By Ronny Allan
6 Comments

Exercise and Cancer: Forward is Forward

Inspiration, , ,
One of the very first blog posts I wrote was about exercise. Basically I said it was like medicine and I have not changed that view much.  Exercise improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood but it's also known to help improve self-esteem and cognitive function.  You will not find a single healthcare institution that doesn't recommend exercise in any shape of form. All cancer patients should attempt to keep active and this is even more important if you are being treated for long-term cancer. Why? Because keeping active will not only help your physical condition but it will…
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21 Apr 2016
By Ronny Allan
12 Comments
Neuroendocrine Cancer – unexpected detours

Neuroendocrine Cancer – unexpected detours

Awareness, Inspiration, ,
I've mentioned 'luck' a few times in many of my 'cancerversary' milestones - these tend to make me reflect on my experience.  Even though I was metastatic at diagnosis, I think of myself as lucky on the basis that my tumours were found by 'chance', or to be more accurate, found following an innocuous set of circumstances.  This is a common diagnostic experience for many - but more people need that luck via better education and awareness. Click here to hear me talk about my diagnosis. As we know, Neuroendocrine Cancer can sometimes be very difficult to discover and diagnose.…
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18 Feb 2016
By Ronny Allan
12 Comments

Patient power – use it!

Inspiration, Patient Advocacy,
I recently wrote a blog entitled "Trust me, I'm a Doctor" which was a genuine attempt to say that we should try to work with our Doctors.  However, I also covered the issues that Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET) patients face in finding someone who understands their disease and how best to treat it; and that can on occasion lead to issues with doctor-patient relationships and communication.  The blog then commented on a number of tips for better doctor-patient relationship and communication.  These tips were provided by a Doctor via my friends in Cancer Knowledge Network. In the blog above, there was an underlying…
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22 Oct 2015
By Ronny Allan
7 Comments
Your Money or Your Life

Your Money or Your Life

Inspiration, Survivorship, Treatment, , , , , , , , , , , ,
As I have a 2 year old post about Danielle, I wanted to preface it with this message. It is with great sadness that I let you know Danielle Tindle passed away at the end of August 2017 after a prolonged battle with Neuroendocrine Carcinoma. She had been fighting cancer in one form or another for 12 years and became passionate in campaigning for more attention for young cancer patients.  I've been following her story for almost 2 years and she has really inspired me.  The title of this article is based on the title of a TV programme about…
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31 May 2014
By Ronny Allan
4 Comments
Hadrian’s Wall Day 6 – Mission Complete!

Hadrian’s Wall Day 6 – Mission Complete!

Awareness, Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Travel with Ronny, ,
The final leg of the our Hadrian's Wall walk took us from beautiful Carlisle to the remote coast of North Cumbria at Bowness-on-Solway.  We are staying there tonight before beginning our journey home tomorrow (via Newcastle). Amazingly our digs have a wicked view of the Scottish coastline and the setting sun - see picture above which was taken from our room.  It was pretty surreal to have finished 6 days of torturous walking but also to be able to look at such a wonderful view of the country in which I was born. Some people say final leg of the…
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26 May 2014
By Ronny Allan
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Hadrian’s Wall Day 1 – Sunny Newcastle

Hadrian’s Wall Day 1 – Sunny Newcastle

Inspiration
The first day under our belts but it wasn't easy.  We always knew it would be an odd walk with the first two thirds in urban environments. The first third of the route took us from Segedumun Fort, the official start/end of the wall walk in the east. There is evidence of Newcastle's previous and declining shipping industry all the way along the Tyne.  The second third took us through modern Newcastle including impressive views of the Sage and Baltic Arts Centres on the opposite bank and the iconic Tyne Bridge which we walked under.  Quite a lot of riverside…
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08 May 2014
By Ronny Allan
3 Comments
What have the Romans ever done for us?

What have the Romans ever done for us?

Humour, Inspiration
"What have the Romans ever done for us?" Reviewed and updated 5th October 2021 .......... apart from better sanitation, and medicine, and education, and irrigation, and public health, and roads, and a freshwater system, and baths, and public order ....... 😊 (apologies to those not familiar with Monty Python stuff!) Well, they also left us the outstanding Hadrian's Wall which is the first topic of today's blog.  In January 2014, the oldest piece of paper in my 'in tray' was a newspaper article about the World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall - it was dated 28 Sep 2003 entitled 50…
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