Neuroendocrine Cancer: a needle in a haystack?
Reviewed and edited 6th December 2024 It's no secret that Neuroendocrine Cancer can be difficult to diagnose. Although earlier diagnosis is improving (as reported in the US SEER database report issued in 2017 and also in many other places), there is still a lot of ground to cover. There are a number of reasons why these Neoplasms are often difficult to correctly and quickly diagnose including but not limited to: - they grow silently, they often produce vague symptoms which can be mistaken for much more common illnesses, and their complexity is not fully understood.Neuroendocrine Cancer is a heterogenous group…
Neuroendocrine Cancer and Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT) – the Digested Version (Nutrition Series Article 5)
After years of avoiding pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) since a 2010 diagnosis, I finally asked for some on a trial basis at the end of 2017. To be honest, for some time, I thought they were really only needed in the NET world for those with pancreatic issues (pNETs). I've always known I've had some digestive issues related to malabsorption. However, I'm wasn't losing weight - this has been stable for some years (but see below). Plus, my key vitamin levels (B12 and D) were in range. However, I had been struggling with a lot of bloating issues, thus…
Neuroendocrine Cancer: Nodes, Nodules, Lesions (and false alarms!)
A fairly common disposition of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms is a primary with associated local/regional secondary's (e.g. lymph nodes), and often with liver metastases. Technically speaking, the liver is distant. However, many metastatic patients appear to have additional and odd appearances in even more distant places, including (but not limited to) the extremities and the head & neck. Certain things are known about the behaviour of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NENs) (a term for Neuroendocrine Tumours and Neuroendocrine Carcinoma) and specialists will be analysing many factors when working out the type of NEN and how it might behave. This is useful in cases of…
Don’t believe the hype – Neuroendocrine Cancer Myths debunked
Edited and refreshed 17th November 2024OPINION There's a lot of inaccurate and out-of-date information out there. Some are just a lack of understanding, and some are caused by out-of-date websites. Often the problem is a result of patient forum myth spreading exacerbated by poor moderation in the groups concerned. Some can only be described as propaganda. Some of it even comes from uninformed doctors and bizarrely and disappointingly from NET advocate organisations. All the graphics below contain links to relevant blog posts. Myth 1: All Neuroendocrine Neoplasms will metastasiseSimply untrue. They are a heterogeneous group of tumours. Read more hereMyth 2: All Neuroendocrine…
Surgery for Neuroendocrine Neoplasms – to cut or not to cut?
Surgery can sometimes be a tough call (......to cut or not to cut?) I see a lot of patients asking very specific surgical questions in my group (and also direct messages to me). Some ask outright "should I get surgery" and that is a very difficult question for anyone to ask, and should be something directed at their own doctors. If they lack trust in their doctors, they should seek a second opinion. All I can do, along with others in my private patient group, is to let these people know about our own experiences. 'To cut or not to…
Ronny Allan – Every picture tells a story
I always try to use graphics for a number of pictures, I admit mainly to catch people's attention but also because sometimes a picture on its own tells a story or at least provides a great introduction to one. If the picture catches your eye, clicking on will take you to the text. This post will auto update as new blogs are published. thanks for reading and sharing! Scroll, point, click, read, share! 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),…
Neuroendocrine Cancer: Watch and wait or watch and worry?
Watch and wait Not all cancers are the same. Not all Neuroendocrine Cancers are the same either! The technical term is heterogeneity and the term "Neuroendocrine Neoplasms are a group of heterogenous tumours" is commonly found in many texts. Some cancers grow quickly but many grow slowly, or even very slowly. When you are diagnosed with some types of cancer, you might not need treatment straight away. Doctors then monitor you with regular check ups and tests. They sometimes call this 'watch and wait'. Watch and wait means that you have cancer, but you do not need treatment straight away.…
In the war on Neuroendocrine Cancer, let’s not forget to win the battle for better quality of life
Originally published March 2017 OPINION. Date of Article March 2017. In the last 24 months, there seems to have been announcement after announcement of new and/or upgraded/enhanced diagnostics and treatment types for Neuroendocrine Cancer. Increased availability of radionuclide scans, increased availability of radionuclide therapies, combination therapies, increased availability of somatostatin analogues, biological therapies, enhanced surgical and minimally invasive techniques, new oral drugs for carcinoid syndrome, more trials including immunotherapy. Admittedly, some of the announcements are just expansions of existing therapies having been approved in new regions. Compared to some other cancers, even those which hit the headlines often, we appear…
I woke up on World Neuroendocrine Cancer Day
1 year after 2 x surgery - at a ball organised by my surgeon Macmillan Cancer Support featured this post CKN featured this post 5 years after 3 surgeries 10 years after surgery 14 years after first surgery It was 10th November 2010 just after midnight. I gradually woke up after a marathon 9-hour surgery - the first of what was to be several visits to an operating theatre. The last thing I remembered before going 'under' was the voices of the surgical staff. When I woke up, I remember it being dark and I appeared to be constrained and…
Weight – the NET Effect
ForewordAfter my first surgery in November 2010, I came out at the lightest weight I had been for many many years (10st 7lbs (147lbs)). 6-7 weeks later I went back to work and people privately commented that I shouldn't be at work, I looked too frail and ill. Perhaps it was because my suit no longer fitted me properly! That was an expensive year because I had to buy new suits, a requirement of my employment.Fast forward 4 years, I had to buy some more suits as my weight was going back on.Fast forward 14 years and my weight is…
Active Surveillance May Benefit Certain Patients With Small Nonfunctional Pancreatic NETs
Abstract. Results from a retrospective review demonstrated significant increases in the use of observation in patients with small nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF-pNETs) from 2015 to 2020, as published in JAMA Surgery. Researchers also found that patients seen at academic centers were more likely to undergo observation compared with those seen at nonacademic centers.Currently, experts are uncertain of the metastatic potential of NF-pNETs, and the potential morbidity linked with pancreatic surgery, as noted in the study. This may be associated with patients opting for surgery vs active surveillance, although recent guidelines endorse the use of active surveillance backed by retrospective data.The…
Not every illness is visible
I personally don't see myself as 'disabled' but I do have an invisible illness. I can see it and I don't necessarily care if others don't. I'm fit, can walk for miles, I even look quite healthy. However, I live with the consequences of Neuroendocrine Cancer. These consequences differ from person to person but I know that some people with this disease have even met the criteria to be officially classed as 'disabled' through government schemes. Judging by what I read, I have less debilitating issues than others, so I feel quite fortunate. That's not to say I don't have any issues at all - because I do!I…
The 5 E’s (of Carcinoid Syndrome)
The 5 Es was a good idea but the boundary was never properly defined. I don't believe it applies to all NETs and I don't believe it is confined to carcinoid syndrome Original Post Since my diagnosis, I seem to have been in a perpetual learning phase! What not to do, what not to eat, what not to read! However, early on in my experience, I came across a list of 'E' words (5 of them) which is a handy reminder for Carcinoid Syndrome patients, particularly those whose symptoms are not under control. When I say "carcinoid syndrome" in this article,…
Small Intestine Neuroendocrine Tumours (SI NETs): To cut or not to cut?
Updated 25th August 2024 to add data on scenarios of liver and peritoneal metastases, plus a review of the Influence of Lymphatic, Microvascular and Perineural Invasion on Oncological Outcome in Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Small Intestine. It also incudes links to the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) 2024 guidance paper for the management of well-differentiated small intestine neuroendocrine tumoursSmall Intestine Neuroendocrine Tumours (SI NET) are one of the most common types of Neuroendocrine Cancer, and also one of the most challenging to diagnose and then treat. Patients can have a very good outlook even when presenting with metastatic disease. …
Neuroendocrine Cancer – it takes guts
The majority of Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) are slow growing (well differentiated). However, many tumours can be silent (non-functioning) for some years before they start to 'function' and inform you of their presence. Even then, it may take some time to work out the real cause as the symptoms can mimic regular ailments. Moreover, in most cases, the appearance of a functional tumour often indicates the disease has metastasised and could now be incurable. Some tumours will grow and metastasise without syndromes, i.e. they are non-functional. These may become functional at some point in the future. However, with most slow-growing NETs, this…
Neuroendocrine Cancer: Glossary of Terms
Welcome to my Neuroendocrine Cancer Glossary of Terms list providing a source of meanings for acronyms and medical terms, all sourced from top Neuroendocrine Cancer and general cancer sites. How to use this database:1. If your term begins with an A, click on A to find all terms beginning with A. Select your terms beginning with A from the filtered list.2. For numerical terms (e.g. 5HIAA etc), please click on the hashtag (#) symbol in the A-to-Z strip.3. The term definition including acronym or abbreviation will be given in full along with any of my published articles containing that term as…
Alcohol – the NET Effect
Opinion. First published in January 2016. Social Media is currently full of 'Dry January' articles and of course many charities will benefit as people will be motivated if they are abstaining from alcohol for a good cause. Nothing wrong with that and no doubt some individuals will also see it as a way to cut down or at least lessen the effects of a very wet December! I've never been a big drinker but I do like the odd beer now and then. When I was diagnosed with metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs), I hadn't really thought much about how this might affect my body. It…
Road ahead closed – Bowel Obstructions
OK - we've gone through diagnosis; we've gone through treatment and now we need to live with the consequences of cancer and its treatment. Not a day goes by when I don't feel some twinge or some minor pain, and I think 'what was that?'. Fortunately, many things can just be day-to-day niggles or in my case, the perils of getting older! The natural tendency is to think your cancer is causing these things.... easy to say, but very often not easy to prove. However, for Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET) patients who have had surgery, anything that seems like a bowel…
Did you hear the one about the constipated NET patient?
In my neck of the woods, "did you hear the one about the ........." is normally a precursor to a witty comment, or a joke. However, constipation for NET patients is not actually funny - read on. Certain types of Neuroendocrine Cancer are very heavily associated with diarrhea, either as a symptom of one of the NET Syndromes (yes there is more than one .....); or as a result of surgery or certain other treatments. Occasionally, these symptoms and side effects can all combine to make it quite a nasty and worrying side effect. I must admit to being surprised to…
Please flush after use!
In the past couple of years, I've read so many stories about the quite natural act of using a toilet (.....some more repeatable than others). I think if there were a 'Bachelor of Science degree in Toiletry', I might pass with First Class Honours.I jest clearly but it's strange that such a routine activity for most can actually become quite scientific in the world of Neuroendocrine Cancer and other ailments which might be described in some scenarios as invisible illnesses.I also found myself smiling at the fact that flushing is connected with the toilet and a type of red warm feeling…
Neuroendocrine Cancer – the diarrhea jigsaw
Reviewed and updated 5th July 2024Diarrhea can be a symptom of many conditions, but it is particularly key in Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET) Syndromes and types, in particular, so called Carcinoid Syndrome but also in those associated with various other NET types such as VIPoma, PPoma, Gastrinoma, Somatostatinoma, Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma.Secondly, it can be a key consequence (side effect) of the treatment for Neuroendocrine Tumours and Carcinomas, in particular following surgery where various bits of the gastrointestinal tract are excised to remove and/or debulk tumour load.There are other reasons that might be causing or contributing, including (but not limited to) endocrine…
Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumours – Incurable but treatable
Metastatic Neuroendocrine Tumours - incurable is not untreatable. When I was being officially told I had advanced and incurable cancer, I did what most people seem to do on films/TV ..... I asked "how long do I have". The Oncologist started off with the worst case and 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…
The Syndromes of Neuroendocrine Cancer – Early Signs of a Late Diagnosis
Updated 14th June 2024 The Syndromes of Neuroendocrine Cancer - Early Signs of a Late Diagnosis There are some curious things about Neuroendocrine Cancer (NETs elsewhere in the text on the basis that a hormonal syndrome is extremely rare in Neuroendocrine Carcinoma (NEC)). One of them is that it can very often exhibit one or more vague symptoms collectively known as a 'syndrome'. Syndrome is an apt word to describe these complications as the most general meaning in medical terms is a group of symptoms that together are characteristic of a specific disorder or disease". Having a syndrome can often…
Neuroendocrine Cancer Nutrition Series Part 4 – Amines: Food for Thought?
Neuroendocrine Cancer Nutrition Series Part 4 – Amines: Food for Thought? Reviewed and updated 23rd January 2024 Background Nutrition is an important subject for many cancers, but it can be particularly important for many Neuroendocrine Cancer patients. When I started writing my nutrition series (listed below), I said that my intention is not to tell you what to eat, even though that might be a challenge for many, and this theme continues. The issue with Nutrition and Diet, in general, is that it's very individual and what works for one may not work for another. Often the the best diet…
Neuroendocrine Cancer: My experience with Lanreotide Ipsen
On 9th December 2024, I celebrated 14 years of Lanreotide - click here to read about that. Update 11th Jan 2024. Ipsen decided to change the name for Somatuline Autogel to Lanreotide Ipsen. Clearly to distinguish its product from the generics now rolling out. Not seen similar yet for Somatuline Depot (US). My Lanreotide Experience When I was discharged from hospital following major surgery in Nov 2010, I knew I would shortly be commencing long-term monthly 'somatostatin analogue' treatment and had assumed Octreotide (Sandostatin LAR) would be the drug of choice. However, my Oncologist prescribed Lanreotide (known in the UK as…
I bet my flush beats yours?
Background Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) can sometimes present with one or more vague symptoms which occasionally results in a lengthy diagnostic phase for some. Sure, there can be issues with doctor experience and knowledge that can add to the problem. However, some people do present with multiple vague and confusing symptoms and some people have comorbidities that have similar symptoms. Textbook diagnostics just don't make sense, sometimes even when the doctor suspects a NET i.e. classic symptoms of 'something' but with negative markers for NETs. Clearly, those are extreme cases and just like other complex diseases, diagnoses of NET can be…
Neuroendocrine Cancer Nutrition Series Article 3 – Gut Health
In this article, I'm discussing the use of probiotics to combat several issues including the general health of the 'gut' including IBS like symptoms, and the potential issue of small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), all of which may be related in some way to Neuroendocrine Tumours. That said, these issue may be regular conditions, nothing to do with NET. Nutritional issues are one of the biggest challenges affecting most Neuroendocrine Cancer patients and nutrition and gut health can become more important issues. It is also a key factor in maintaining a decent quality of life and for most countries without…
Neuroendocrine Cancer Nutrition Series Article 2 – Gastrointestinal Malabsorption
Neuroendocrine Cancer Nutrition Series Article 2 – Gastrointestinal Malabsorption is the second article in the Neuroendocrine Cancer Nutrition series. In the first article, I focused on Vitamin and Mineral deficiency risks for patients and there is a big overlap with the subject of Gastrointestinal Malabsorption. Those who remember the content will have spotted the risks pertaining to the inability to absorb particular vitamins and minerals. This comes under the general heading of Malabsorption and in Neuroendocrine Cancer patients, this can be caused or exacerbated by one or more of a number of factors relating to their condition. It's also worth pointing out that…
Surgery is risky but so is driving a car
I enjoyed reading an article written by Dr Eric Liu entitled The Complications of Surgery. In his article, Dr Liu, himself a surgeon, explains that surgery comes with risks, and patients should be made aware and be able to discuss these risks with their doctors. This got me thinking about my own experience which goes back to the autumn of 2010 when I first met my surgeon. At that time, there were a few articles about whether surgery or 'biochemistry' was the best treatment for certain types, grades and stages of Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs). To some extent, these debates continue,…
No Fear or Know Fear?
Edit: This article was written in 2015. Since then, I have moved to 12-month surveillance periods. I also changed the title as we are all different. The article drew in a lot of non-NET people who were attracted by the original title. It did spread a little bit of awareness but I guess the dozens of bunjee jumpers and other dangerous sports types quickly left when they found out it wasn't about either the famous sports clothing shop or jumping off large structures with NO FEAR! The Original ArticleIt's that time again, every 6 months I need some checks. I've done…
Neuroendocrine Cancer – a difficult jigsaw
A few years ago, I received a request from a reader asking if I could write an article listing all the symptoms experienced by a Neuroendocrine Cancer patient and how to sort out what is and what isn't associated with NETs.Although I chuckled and raised an eyebrow at the request, inside I was genuinely humbled that someone thought I was capable of achieving this herculean task. I actually gave it quite a bit of thought to the point of compiling a matrix of types of NET, main symptoms, cross-referenced with the symptoms of the most common reported comorbidities/secondary illnesses. After…
“You must be doing OK, you’ve not had chemotherapy”
If there's a word which is synonymous with cancer, it's chemotherapy. It's what most people have in their mind when they are talking to a cancer patient...... 'have you had chemotherapy' or 'when do you start chemotherapy'.I was nonchalantly asked by a friend some time ago 'how did you get on with chemotherapy' - he was surprised to hear I hadn't had it despite my widespread disease. Cue - lengthy explanation! I wasn't annoyed by the question; I just think people automatically assume every cancer patient must undergo some form of cytotoxic chemotherapy. If you read any newspaper article about cancer,…
Neuroendocrine Cancer – don’t break my heart!
Neuroendocrine Cancer has certain unique features whereby tumours can produce one or more symptoms which are known collectively as a syndrome. Some doctors may refer to this as a functional tumour. Neuroendocrine Tumours secreting excess amounts of serotonin sufficiently to develop a syndrome currently called Carcinoid Syndrome, which if not diagnosed and treated early enough, or the levels of serotonin ae not controlled following diagnosis, can lead to an additional complication known as Hedinger Syndrome (also known as Carcinoid Heart Disease (CHD)). However, late diagnoses can present with CHD already in place and in some cases, may have led to…
I look well but you should see my insides
I'm sat next to patients waiting on their chemotherapy treatment - the "Chemo Ward" sign above the door gives it away. I'm here for my 28-day cycle injection of Lanreotide which will hopefully keep my Neuroendocrine Tumours at bay. I look all around; the temporary beds and the waiting room are full and all I can see are people who don't look as well as I do. Some have hats or bandanas partly disguising the loss of hair. I feel for them.No matter how many visits I make, I can't help feeling out of place in a Cancer ward. I'm not…
‘Chinese Dumplings’ and Neuroendocrine Cancer
Update of one of my posts from 2015 which was interesting in that year. This is not really about a treatment which is available everywhere but was a novel approach by one of the world's most gifted and innovative NET surgeons. Please note this is not a nutrition post! One of my daily alerts brought up this very interesting article published in the Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology in June 2015. I personally found it fascinating. Moreover, it gave me some hope that specialists are out there looking for novel treatments to help with the difficult fight against Neuroendocrine Cancer.This is an article about…
Colonoscopy Comedy
Last year I wrote a series of articles on the 'coping' side of cancer, one of which was about still being able to have a laugh. This was my way of saying no matter how tough life is, you need to stay positive and maintain your sense of humour. When I think back to some of the treatments I've had, I sometimes have a little laugh even although I wasn't laughing at the time! My favourite 'treatment laugh' is the 'suppository story' which occurred in hospital shortly after my first major surgery - it wasn't funny at the time, but…
Surgery – the gift that keeps on giving
I first wrote this article in December 2014. My thoughts went back to my first surgery in 2010 when I was discharged 4 weeks before Christmas.I had been diagnosed with metastatic Neuroendocrine Cancer in July 2010 having been told it was incurable. However, with 'debulking' surgery, my Oncologist said my prognosis could be significantly improved. I now know from my own research that Neuroendocrine Tumours are one of a small number of cancers for which surgical debulking can confer some survival advantage. Another term used at the time was 'cytoreductive' surgery which means 'to control symptoms and improve survival by…
Piss off cancer, it’s 13 years since my liver surgery!
I'm still here 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 would be listed on my death certificate. It’s amazing to think something that would eventually kill me without intervention, didn’t have…
Chocolate – the NET effect
I've always had a 'sweet tooth' and the softer the sweet the better - toffee, marshmallows, chocolate, jelly babies, jelly beans, fruit pastilles, fudge, liquorice allsorts, 'tablet' and macaroon bars (both from Scotland), are all on my list of favourites. In terms of desserts, I love those too - ice cream, cheese cake, meringue, cake, sponge with custard, the list is endless. And of course a hot drink isn't complete without a biscuit (or three....). Don't get me wrong, I'm not stuffing my face with sweet stuff 24/7, however I do need my sugar 'fix' now and then. I'm not a…
Diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Tumours: Hurry up and wait
When I was diagnosed with metastatic well differentiated Neuroendocrine Cancer on 26 July 2010, I just wanted them to hurry up and fix my body so I could get back to normal get back to work. My expectations of speed turned out to be wildly inaccurate and in hindsight, it's because I was wildly naïve. With Neuroendocrine Cancer, particularly well-differentiated, low or medium grade tumours, it sometimes doesn't work as fast as you would think and there are very good reasons for that. The complexity of the condition needs some consideration as the physicians work up a treatment plan, when…
The Human Anatomy of Neuroendocrine Cancer
OPINION. Sometimes when I'm searching for cancer information, I'm presented with a 'picklist' of types which mostly tend to be anatomy based. I do find it annoying when I cannot find my own cancer on the list .....some respectable organisations are just not as up to date as they should be! Neuroendocrine Cancer patients and advocates then have to shout quite loud for recognition and understanding.One of the key facets of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NENs) is that they are not tied to a particular part of the human anatomy. Unlike (say) lung cancer, where the primary is in the lung, or breast…
Neuroendocrine Tumours (NET) – benign vs malignant
Reviewed and Updated 13th March 2024 One of the most controversial aspects of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms, in particular low grade Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs), is the 'benign vs malignant' question. It's been widely debated and it frequently patrols the various patient forums and other social media platforms. It raises emotions and it triggers many responses ..... at least from those willing to engage in the conversation. At best, this issue can cause confusion, at worst, it might contradict what new patients have been told by their physicians (....or not been told). I don't believe it's an exact science and can be challenging for a NET…
The Classification, Grading and Staging of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (incorporating WHO 2022 classification changes)
- Updated 11th March 2024 - This section of my website has been published since 2015 but the most recent update to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Classification of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms is so significant, so gamechanging, that I have re-released the updated text. You may see these important publications called 'Blue Books'. Words are very important in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NENs). Nomenclature has important meaning and context more than most other cancers due to the heterogeneity of this group of neoplasms. Grade and Stage are two factors inextricably linked to the nomenclature and while there have been less changes in these…
Laughter is the best medicine
Laughter is important. This is a remastered version of one of my early blog posts. It centred on a 'get-well' card I received recuperating in hospital after my first major surgery. The person who sent it knew I had a sense of humour, and it did make me smile. My surgeon's secretary came to visit me, and I invited her to check out my cards....... she fell about on the floor laughing! That caused me to laugh (carefully!). All the nurses looking after me had a good laugh too! How many times have you heard it said that laughter is the…
I woke up on World Neuroendocrine Cancer Day
1 year after 2 x surgery 5 years after 3 surgeries 10 years after surgery 15 years after first surgery It was 10th November 2010 just after midnight. I gradually woke up after a marathon 9-hour surgery - the first of what was to be several visits to an operating theatre. The last thing I remembered before going 'under' was the voices of the surgical staff. When I woke up, I remember it being dark and I appeared to be constrained and pinned down by the dozen or so tubes going in and out of my weak and battered body. …
8th November 2010 – on the way to hospital for surgery, alert the crash team!
The Journey to the Hospital on 8th November didn’t go smoothly!I had to be admitted to hospital for my surgery on 8th Nov 2010, but the surgery was not taking place until 9th November. The technical reason for that is explained further below. Not a good start, 13 years ago today, Chris was driving me to the hospital for my first surgery, the "my big surgery" as I call it. It was "debulking" i.e. get as much as possible. In the end, the liver was left for another day.I had been working since being diagnosed and was still sending work emails…
The right awareness can lead to speedier diagnoses and save lives
ORIGINAL POST (20th May 2014) I was checking my statistics this morning and found the most viewed post to date was published on the day Stephen Sutton passed away. I didn't really want to jump onto the Stephen Sutton bandwagon but when I found on the day of his passing that it had taken 6 months to diagnose his bowel cancer, I knew this would be relevant to Neuroendocrine Cancer awareness, particularly important as it's one of the primary aims of my blog. I'm thinking the top viewing score to date is not because it mentioned Stephen Sutton (sad…
Always thank your Nurse – sometimes they’re the only one between you and a hearse!
I had minimal exposure to nurses throughout the first 55 years of my life. I did spend a night in hospital when I was 16 having been knocked unconscious in the boxing ring (you should've seen the other guy). Bar the odd mandatory injection, I avoided both boxing and nurses for many years after that. But now ...... You may remember I discussed how my cancer was diagnosed following a fairly innocuous conversation at my GP's Surgery in May 2010, see blog post 'Diagnosis - I'm no longer in control'. That nurse was professional, thorough and she clearly went the extra mile…
Just got (a) shot in the buttocks
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'…