Earlier this week, I met some fellow cancer fighters and the conversation turned to what inspired us to ‘do what we do’. When it came to my turn, I was already prepared to regurgitate my usual 'spiel'. As sometimes happens, a listener queried me with the words "Neuroendocrine - what's that?". Another focussed on 'Neuro' enquiring whether my nervous system had somehow become cancerous…
Hope you all had a nice festive break? Chris and I had 3 separate dinners making sure we made the most of our extended family base. We decided to join in the Christmas jumper fashion statement which seems to be vogue this year – thus the picture! At least we got to wear them 3 times!
Now that busy period is over, I’ve had the chance to reflect on the last 8 months of blogging and look forward to my plans for…
One of the curious things about Neuroendocrine Cancer (NET Cancer) is that it can exhibit one or more vague symptoms collectively known as a 'syndrome'. There are various syndromes depending on the location and type of NET Cancer but the most common is associated with mid-gut carcinoid tumours known as 'Carcinoid Syndrome'. Those with Carcinoid Syndrome are likely to be (but not always) at an advanced stage of…
It's that time again, every 6 months I need some checks. I've done the specialist blood test (Chromogranin A - CgA) and the 24 hour urine (5HIAA) and am waiting on my CT scan appointment. It's also time for my annual Echocardiogram and a DEXA bone scan (I'm on long term blood thinners (Clexane) and there is a risk of osteoporosis). I then see my Consultant and he delivers the news. Happy days :-)
I positively…
I've been reasonably lucky with my health over the years, suffering only the usual common ailments. I was slightly asthmatic as a child but this seemed to disappear when I left school going straight into military service. They say an army marches on its stomach... only partly true but the military did look after my health with regular check ups. I think the only medical emergency I had in my 29 years in that wonderful…
