Incurable isn’t terminal

Incurable isn’t terminal

Patient Advocacy
OpinionWords are important I was diagnosed with stage IV cancer in 2010.  OK, it wasn't a really aggressive type but it had caused a lot of damage.  It's amazing to think that someone is still adding to their stage IV cancer story after 12 years.  You can read a chronological list of what happened to me and what treatment I had (and still get) by clicking here.  So, am I terminal?  No, in my opinion, and by any stretch of the imagination, someone who has lived with stage IV cancer for 12 years cannot be considered terminal. Let's look at some definitions which are generally agreed with similar wording wherever you look: Terminal Cancer Terminal cancer refers to cancer that can’t be cured or treated. It’s sometimes also called end-stage cancer.…
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Diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Cancer? – 10 questions to ask your doctor (and where to find a NET Specialist Worldwide)

Diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Cancer? – 10 questions to ask your doctor (and where to find a NET Specialist Worldwide)

Awareness, Diet and Nutrition, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship
On the day I was diagnosed, I hadn't really thought about questions, the only one I actually remember asking was "how long do I have left to live" (I watch too many movies!). On the day of diagnosis and period beyond, people tend to feel emotions of shock, denial, anger, and sadness, before going on to accept their situation. Yes, I 'googled' but not a great deal really - although some things I found did frighten me. I wish I had found this article way back then.As things progressed in the weeks after 'D-Day', I started to work out the sort of things to ask but even then, it was limited. I had been referred to an experienced NET team so I felt confident they would do whatever needed doing.…
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Don’t believe the hype – Neuroendocrine Cancer Myths debunked

Don’t believe the hype – Neuroendocrine Cancer Myths debunked

Awareness, Diet and Nutrition, Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship, Treatment
Edited and refreshed 16th March 2023  OPINION There's a lot of inaccurate and out-of-date information out there. Some are just a lack of understanding, and some are caused by out-of-date websites.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 here[caption id="attachment_38543" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Click on the picture to read more[/caption]Myth 2: All Neuroendocrine Tumours are terminalNot true. By any definition of the word terminal in a medical diagnostic context, most NET patients…
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Neuroendocrine Cancer – Incurable is not untreatable

Neuroendocrine Cancer – Incurable is not untreatable

Awareness, Inspiration, Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer, Patient Advocacy, Survivorship, Treatment
OPINION. 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 " ... 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, my wife Chris heard it all and I was refocused.  "OK Doc - let's go" I said.  Always take someone with you to take notes at important meetings with…
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