Many blogs and personal websites contain additional valuable information about carcinoid and related neuroendocrine tumors, survivor stories, medical information, support group schedules, patient conference schedules, treatment tips, newsletters, reports from patient conferences, lecture transcripts, videos, and much more.

Blogs and Stories

Tom Bajoras: Surprised by Beauty

Tom Bajoras and his wife, Lisa Yen

Tom Bajoras and his wife, Lisa Yen

On January 2, 2015, I had a life-changing experience: I almost died. I was suddenly hospitalized with internal bleeding caused by a neuroendocrine tumor (NET) on my pancreas, which had metastasized to my liver. The tumors were crushing my spleen and pressing against a major vein, causing a life-threatening medical emergency. Thanks to some quick and creative thinking by a team of doctors, the bleeding was stopped, but I would need surgery as soon as possible to remove the tumors. And after that… well, no one really knew what would happen after that. One step at a time. The first step was to go home and get as strong and healthy as possible to prepare for surgery. Read more

 

Mark Nye: My Pancreatic Cancer Journey

My name is Mark Nye. I am a 54-year-old male from Perth, Western Australia. This is the short story of my 7 ½ year battle with an advanced Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor. I am a FIFO (Fly In Fly Out) worker who has worked in the construction industry for many years. I was in between contracts back in March 2010 when I woke one morning rubbing my stomach feeling a lump just below my right ribs. I booked to see my GP who sent me for an ultra sound. It was confirmed that there was something there but further diagnosis was required. I was referred for a biopsy. A couple of days after I received a call from the Oncologist informing me I had a Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Cancer. As I was a country patient he gave me a contact to call who he explained would take control and organize all required appointments.  Read more

 

Beth Leonard:  Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer

I am living with neuroendocrine cancer. A rare abdominal cancer (.5% of all abdominal cancers) and for those of you that know me to be the overachiever that I am – in this case – I am not even the “1 percenter” LOL I have been diagnosed with 2 (yes, 2) primary site neuroendocrine tumors (cancer that is the same type but initiating in two separate places of my body that didn’t travel via metastatic means) – such a rarity for even this cancer that there is NO documented statistical data. The only statistics we really have is for people with one primary site who generally find this cancer in their 60s. Yet again the overachiever. But wait! There’s more! I also found out that I have Lynch Syndrome – a – yup you guessed it – a rare genetic syndrome that significantly increases my chances of getting colorectal cancers and some other ones that are suspiciously similar to locations for neuroendocrine cancer. So being the detail-oriented person that I am, my geneticist and I both researched the possibility of a connection between the two. And there are 2 other documented cases (She checked her sources and I reached out to NIH) – so NIH and the collective “they” believe there is a connection between the cancer and the genetic syndrome, but science just hasn’t proven it yet – or maybe the statistical math hasn’t. Well now that I will likely become the 3rd documented case I highly doubt that’s still enough evidence. LOL, I always wanted to be famous.  Read more

 

Stacie Chevrier:  Defying the Odds

A recovering type-A, corporate climber, Stacie Chevrier made a big life change after being diagnosed with cancer in September 2014. She now spends her days focusing on writing, fitness and healthy living. Outside of these passions, Stacie can be found practicing yoga, enjoying anything outdoors, traveling and defying the odds as a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor survivor. She is a frequent contributor to CURE magazine, http://www.curetoday.com/community/stacie-chevrier, and has her own website featuring her writing. In January 2017 she was appointed a Patient Representative with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to represent the Neuroendocrine Tumor community. Stacie will be involved in the official government process of evaluating new drugs and treatments intended to help those affected by Neuroendocrine Tumors. Read more

 

Trader Joe’s Saved My Life: Steven Muller’s Story

Steven and Jackie Muller and their 3 daughters.

The combination of a lengthy road-bike ride, a recovery drink mix, and dried figs from Trader Joe’s led to a health crisis for Steven Muller and a subsequent diagnosis of a neuroendocrine tumor (NET) in his small intestine. Neuroendocrine tumors, including carcinoid cancer, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, pheochromocytoma and multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) are rare diseases that affect at least 125,000 people in the United States. Steven is sharing his story today, February 29, 2016, Rare Disease Day, in hopes that others who have neuroendocrine tumors get a proper diagnosis, early on.  Read more

 

Bettina Viedma:  Feeling Blessed

Bettina ViedmaAt the end of November 2014, I had a routine colonoscopy as there has been cancer of the intestine in my family (my grandfather died of it when my mum was 15) and my mother had polyps removed on a regular basis.

This wasn’t my first screening, I had already been at the age of 41, when I was given the all clear and told to come back in 10 years’ time. So I didn’t think it would be any different this time, just a routine check.

Only it didn’t go as planned . . .  Read more

 

I’m in a Good Place: Brenda Laguerre’s StoryBrenda Laguerre_2

I’m in a good place right now and it’s all thanks to the guidance and knowledge I received from the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation website. My mysterious journey began when I started noticing random and unusual occurrences regarding my health in the form of: episodes of facial flushing-sometimes accompanied by a rash on my face and chest (especially when I was stressed or upset). Unexplained and uncontrollable blood pressure spikes, sudden periods of rapid heart beat and palpitations as well as asthma like symptoms. Most of these symptoms had been occurring over the past 5 years, but when I had my second small bowel obstruction in July of 2013 (the first one was in March of 2009) that was when I began to become deeply concerned about my health. Unfortunately nothing definitive was showing up on any of my medical tests during this time. Read more

 

Emily Wilkinson’s Story: An 8-Year-Old Carcinoid Survivor Triumphs!

Emily Wilkinson_1

After nearly a year of being sick, with many visits to doctors, the ER and possible diagnoses of Crohn’s disease, IBS, indigestion, acid reflux, and a ruptured appendix, Emily was finally properly diagnosed as having a neuroendocrine tumor.  Read more about this amazing carcinoid survivor here.

 

Glass Half Full or Half Empty?  Ronny Allan’s Journey

Ronny Allan_3

When Ronny was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors in 2010, he experienced a whole range of emotions from shock, disbelief and anger followed by grudging acceptance. However, those emotions were quickly followed by what he describes as “determination, tenacity, strength of character and rock solid willpower” to face what was in front of him. Ronny is now an award-winning advocate and patient leader affiliated with WEGO Health and is a contributor to CURE Magazine. He is also featured by many other organizations including Ipsen. Ronny shares his experience with neuroendocrine cancer in his blog, Ronny Allan – Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer.  Read more

 

Jess Gockley: Celebrate Every Accomplishment
What I want everyone to take away from my story is to take the time to celebrate every accomplishment you have along your road to recovery. It doesn’t matter if it’s being able to get out of bed or the chair without assistance, walking from the couch to the fridge without getting out of breath, getting full range of motion and strength back in your arm after surgery, walking around your neighborhood or running your first 5k. It’s important for all of us after surgery to celebrate the small things so that when the hurdles come…we can jump over them too without too much pain and disappointment. Keep in mind that every roadblock you may encounter, may be an opportunity to open a new door elsewhere.  Read more

Carcinoid Survivor Story: Jess Gockley, Celebrate Every Accomplishment

 

Jackie’s Journey: From Desperation to a Renewed Belief in the Human Spirit
Meet Jackie who was diagnosed with carcinoid in 2009 after surgery to remove a mass in her mesentery.  Years of “watching and waiting” led to a very difficult day in July 2013 which turned around when Jackie found a NET cancer team to treat and follow her. Jackie’s journey, shared by her husband, Jeff, is one of “hope, desperation, and a renewed belief in the human spirit.”Read more.

Jackie Gregory and dog, Harley

 

Cara’s Carcinoid Story
I am 43 years old, live in Illinois with my husband, and work as a college professor. I have always had good health – I run, do yoga and Pilates, and eat a fish and vegetable diet (with occasional handfuls of peanut M&M’s). In mid-March of 2012, I got chronic diarrhea that lasted about 3 weeks. Because this was very unusual for me, and because I have a history of Crohn’s and colitis in my family, I went to the doctor. After determining that it wasn’t the result of anything more acute, she agreed that with my family history I should be referred for a colonoscopy. Read more

Cara, Race, April 2013

 

A Roller Coaster Ride:  Chris Lindsey’s Carcinoid Journey
We were on summer vacation on the shores of Lake Michigan in the summer of ’98. One night I started having incredible pain in my gut. I was literally writhing on the floor in pain. My wife went to the store and brought back all the stomach relief medicine she could find. It didn’t help. Gradually the pain subsided. What we didn’t know at the time was that I had a Carcinoid tumor in my intestine. Read more

Chris Lindsey and Family

 

Taking Back My Life: Carolyn Francis’ Story
I was diagnosed with bronchial carcinoids when I was 29 years old. I was newly married and on a business trip in Europe when I got pneumonia. Six months later, I was finally diagnosed with carcinoid. I had the lower two lobes of my right lung removed and began the long, uncomfortable road to recovery. I was given a very ambiguous diagnosis; no one seemed to know what to tell me! Read more

Carolyn Frances and Family

 

Beyond Life’s Challenges: Coral Levang’s Blog

Carcinoid Cancer Survivor Coral LevangAfter an emergency room visit in April 2012, Coral “was sent on a journey of scans, a biopsy, tests and a crash course in medical terminology that would rival cramming for any university exam. On May 15th, it was given a name:  Stage IV Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Syndrome, which has metastasized to the liver.” But this did not deter a woman who spent 15 years in the military.  She says she has hope and an incredible support system of friends and family. “And may I always remember that my purpose has been set in this life – to inspire others to see beyond the challenges they face in this lifetime.” Read Coral’s blog here. Coral works as a Transition Assistance Program workshop facilitator at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord Army Career and Alumni Program center. She speaks to transitioning and retiring soldiers and families.

 

Investigational:  Isabel Call’s Blog

Paraganglioma NET Cancer Survivor Isabel CallMeet Isabel Call, a young social scientist whose cancer journey began in the fall of 2011 when she was diagnosed with a paraganglioma in her neck.  This rare NET has led Isabel to fight her insurance company – and win! —  in order to be treated with proton radiation beam therapy.  Read more about Isabel and her insurance appeal in this Sacramento Bee article, UC Davis student wins coverage fight for ‘investigational’ cancer treatment.  And follow her blog as she uses her “investigational spirit” to fight her cancer.

 

Juliet Haikes, Living with Carcinoid Cancer

Juliet HaikesJuliet Haikes was diagnosed with carcinoid on October 21, 2011. She writes in her blog, “On March 21, 2012, I am in remission from carcinoid cancer. Remission to me…It feels like freedom. It feels like water, when you’re so thirsty. It feels like fresh clean air, when you need  a deep breath. It feels like sun that warms you on a cool day. . .it’s that warm blanket from the dryer when you’re cold. It’s a revival of the human spirit . . .to make you want life back. . .to fight even harder for it. . .to never give up. . .never give in.”

 

Cy Ball: A Blog about Music and Cancer

Cy Ball, carcinoid cancer survivorCy is a retired computer software developer, an enthusiastic fly fisherman, bicyclist and music producer. His blog, Cy Ball – Music,chronicles his journey as a carcinoid survivor and shares his incredible compositions. Be sure to listen to all of his works, especially “Carcinoid,”a piece composed when he was undergoing chemoembolization.

 

Tracy Krulik’s Journey:  I Have Cancer.  And I’ve Never Felt Better.
Tracy Krulik

Tracy was formerly a fundraiser and musician, now she describes herself as “the CEO of my health.”  She spends her time “fighting cancer, writing, teaching, practicing Pilates, putting ridiculous amounts of miles on my road bike, growing vegetables and cooking fresh, plant-based meals.”  A pancreatic NET survivor, Tracy was diagnosed in 2007 after many years of pain and illness.  Read more about her journey in her book, I Have Cancer. And I’ve Never Felt Better!

 

Two Lung Carcinoid Survivors Inspire and Lead the Way

Deirdre Durant, Superlung

Imagine the strength, endurance, and determination it takes to run races and marathons.  Now consider running with only one lung.  This is an inspirational story about two lung carcinoid survivors: Deirdre Durant and Kenneth Todd.

 

Channeling Jackie-O: Marlena Johnston’s Blog

“Everybody needs a hero; for me, it’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Marlena Johnston August 2012affectionately known as Jackie-O. For as long as I can remember, when things became difficult, my mother would always tell me to think of Jackie-O and how she would handle the situation – with perfect grace. That is the purpose of this blog, to allow me to channel some of Jackie-O’s intangible grace and dignity in meeting my latest challenge: surviving carcinoid cancer.”

 

Lucy Wiley’s Blog my profile, my blog

Lucy Wiley's blog

Lucy’s blog, started in October 2008, covers everything from a video on how to mix black raspberry powder; PRRT; travel tips for carcinoid patients in Europe; and the nanoknife procedure for carcinoid tumors. We recommend Lucy’s blog for an extraordinary amount of practical and varied information for carcinoid survivors.

 

Welcome to My Story Kari Houston Jones
This website has been created to share with you my story. It’s a story about being diagnosed with cancer. But not just any cancer – a rare form of cancer, one that is normally diagnosed in people twice my age. Many people have never heard of it, most doctors are confused by it, and survivors are just looking for a way to beat it. This is my story about my ongoing battle with Carcinoid Cancer.An incredibly inspiring video created to bring about greater awareness of carcinoid and NET (neuroendocrine tumor) cancer.  Humor, strength, adventure, hope — this is Kari’s story. Watch the video below or to see it in a larger size click on the YouTube icon on the bottom right of the video screen.

 

Carrie Snelgrove’s Carcinoid Story
Good Evening Ya’ll. Just wanted to let everyone know that I have updated my Caring Bridge website.

More Survivor Stories

Hilary’s Carcinoid Journey: Never Take a Breath of Air for Granted (posted December 30, 2013)
Four years ago I came down with a cough that I just couldn’t shake. I was a single mother of a son which was a senior and just kept pushing ahead instead of going to the doctor. Having no insurance did not help the situation either. Read more

Hilary

 

Kelly Andersen’s Carcinoid Story (posted November 28, 2012)

Kelly and Tom Andersen

I was diagnosed with carcinoid of the duodenum in 2008. It was a very small tumor, but still serious. I had a partial small intestine resection which was a very serious surgery that required the surgeon to cut me open from breastbone to bellybutton. READ MORE

 

 

Anna’s Carcinoid Story (posted October 18, 2012)

Anna Head Shot

Hi, my name is Anna. I am a 25 year old girl who was recently diagnosed with Carcinoid Cancer this past August 2012. In August, I awoke in the middle of the night with severe pain in my lower belly. The pain was so severe that I went to an Urgent Care where the doctor diagnosed me with appendicitis and told me I would have to go right to the ER. READ MORE

 

Dave Smyth’s Story (posted September 5, 2012)
Dave Smyth, Sr.I know cancer is not a pain of itself but it does cause it. Over the years I have been living with a pain that I hid from a lot of people including myself. It wasn’t until July of 2008 that I could not take it anymore. Was I scared, was I stupid, was I selfish, or was I just in plain denial? Why would I have cancer? No one in my family had it. I was expecting some type of other problems over the years like a stroke or a heart attack, but never cancer. READ MORE

 

Jeanne Lambert’s Story (posted July 2, 2012)
We are only five weeks from the Run for Hope 5k, I just want to share with you the passion behind this event in our Colorado city of Fort Collins and the blessing Carcinoid Cancer is in my life.  As founder and director of the Run for Hope 5k for the past 8 years, I am reminded that we have much much to do…there is still not a cure, there are still those that don’t know they are not alone and many who have no HOPE!  READ MORE

8th Annual Run for Hope to Benefit Carcinoid Research and Education

 

Harriet R. Hannigan’s Story (posted January 4, 2012)

80 birthday cake

I have Metastatic Carcinoid Syndrome. My symptoms started in March 1981 and being a Nurse, I looked up everything and came to the conclusion that I had Carcinoid Cancer. I asked many doctors who never agreed. I was getting sicker as I grew older, changed doctors and was still told I had Irritable Bowel. I knew better, I had read volumes of literature, particularly Dr. Warrens in NY, and I could not find a doctor who would listen. In October 2000, with my daughters encouragement, I went to a Lahey Clinic MD and after many tests, they diagnosed me with Metastic Carcinoid Syndrome in Nov. 2000! I have had a small bowel resection and ovaries removed and receive 40 mg. of Octreotide every 28 days (since Jan.2001) and now feel better at 80 years of age than I did at 50. I now have Carcinoid Heart Disease but am doing well. I still play golf and bowl and am more active now than when I was younger. You can live with this disease if you find the right doctors. I believe that many doctors have heard about it but know very little about it. Thank you

 

Master Sergeant Aki Summer’s Story (posted November 20, 2011)
I’m Aki A. Summers and currently serving Active Duty Military with the US Air Force for 18.5 years.  I am 9 months into remission.

Master Sgt. Aki Summers

http://www.scribd.com/doc/70621315/mcw-thisweek

 

Carolyn Woolman’s Story (posted November 20, 2011)
In 1992 I was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer. I was at the time an ER Nursing Manager. I was told I had 3-6 months to live. After two years on chemo I requested another biopsy and was told it was carcinoid. I went to a large teaching university hospital and was told they could supply support but no treatment was known. In 1998 I contacted Dr. Richard Warner at Mt. Sinai in NY and was told the only doctor in CA he would recommend was Dr. Edward Wolin at Cedars Sinai. Dr. Wolin told me he was going to go after the carcinoid with aggressive treatment. I had lots of tests and scans and three chemo embolizations. I had no untoward effects from them. I was sent to a liver surgeon. A central line was placed in my arm and I was given chemotherapy. In eight months it was felt that surgery could now be performed. I had remained very active until this time without any real side effects from any of the treatments. The carcinoid was in the liver, stomach, and small bowel. They also found a renal cell tumor while doing a pre-op work up. In October of that same year I underwent extensive surgery. They removed my kidney, part of my stomach, part of my small bowel and 80% of my liver. Over three days I had 24 hours of surgery.  I developed two infections and had lots of antibiotics. The hospital stay was kind of a blur. I honestly do not remember any pain. After 3 weeks I was discharged. It took a couple of months before I was really recovered. It is now 2011 and I remain cancer free. Since that time I got to see my son and my daughter both graduate from college and both married. I have a 9 year old granddaughter and a 7 year old grandson. To say that I am blessed to have found Dr. Wolin would be such an understatement. He not only saved my life but has given me years to make memories with my friends and family. I never thought I would live to see 40 and now I am 66. I am active in my grandkids’ school and try to appreciate every day. I pray for anyone reading this that you will recover from this disease. I cannot believe how far the treatment has progressed and the new treatments just on the horizon. My only advice would be to make sure you go to someone who is actually a carcinoid specialist. Many doctors will say that they know how to treat this disease but as I found out at the university hospital, they did not. It would have cost me my life had I stayed with that facility. I don’t know if my email will be shown but if it is please feel free to contact me if you have questions and may God bless you.   cjwoolman@hotmail.com

 

A Breath of Hope, Lisa Pawlak’s Story (posted October 17, 2011)
Lisa also shares her journey in the May/June 2013 issue of Coping with Cancer magazine.  Read the article here.It’s easy to get caught up in the hype of “back-to-school” season.I understand this, because I’ve been there.

Lisa Pawlak and her son, Joshua

The month before Joshua (pictured with mom, Lisa, above) started Kindergarten – even though I was working a part-time job at a non-profit, shuttling my two small boys around town to their various activities, and managing our unmanageable household — I deemed it necessary to spend hours upon hours shopping for the perfect little backpack for Joshua’s grand entrance into academia.  Read more

 

 

A Carcinoid Soldier’s Survival Story (posted February 1, 2011; updated August 2017)
When Staff Sergeant Daniel Barber of D Company 1-106th AVN in the Missouri National Guard was first diagnosed with carcinoid cancer in 2009 he experienced feelings of shock, despair, anger, fear and frustration.  But he was also relieved because he knew the symptoms he had been experiencing for over a year were not all in his head, as had been suggested to him. From that moment on the Missouri native, who describes himself as “having a little mule in me,” began a journey that is both typical and unusual for a cStaff Sergeant Daniel Barber Receives PRRT Treatment in Germanyarcinoid patient. Read more

 

Theresa Conroy (posted January 23, 2011)
I am a seventy nine year old woman, diagnosed with midgut carcinoid syndrome, February 2010. Stage four, c.s. was diagnosed.The bone marrow biopsy was positive, as were the octreotide scan,and the lab values were elevated CgA 272, and5H1AA 24.I was started on Sandostatin, IM monthly, and the diarreah and hot flashes have gone.So far my liver and kidneys are not involved. My biggest problems at this time are weakness and almost twenty pound weight gain. I actually worked as a clinical nurse three in a neonatal unit for 34 years and retired after my diagnosis. At this point I am not in pain, and I am grateful for that.When I read about food I should stay away from that includes most of my diet. Because my symptoms are not surfacing at this time, should I be excluding milk, high fiber bread, and cheese from my diet? I know if I eat walnuts or avocado, it has an effect on me, so I do stay away from them. I do have a positive attitude. My husband of sixty years is having a difficult time. I keep reminding him it’s slow growth, but it is hard to forget the tumors are traveling through my blood.My doctor has never seen carcinoid in the bone marrow. Does anyone out there have any info about this? It was good for me to sit down and write about my cancer. Whoever reads this I appreciate your input. Thank you. Theresa Conroy

 

Richard Smith (posted December 9, 2010)

Smith, Richard 1962

Severe “gut pain” 2/88.  The beginning.
Moved to NC from NJ 12/90.
DX Primary Liver Cancer 2/2000 given six months to live.
Moved back to NJ 4/2000.
DX Carcinoid Syndrome by BX 5/2000.
Visited Daniel Haller, MD prof of Onco U. Penn
11/2000.  He advised Octreotide.
Recieved computer 12/2000 for holiday.
Found Carcinoid Cancer Foundation site.
Studied here and elsewhere to find out all I could about the “enemy.”
Started Octreotide with out a scan 11/2001.
‘Been doing about 400 to 600mcg daily since (sub q.) Titrating dose myself.
Also a very low fat diet.
Thanks to the CCF in the beginning, a strong belief in God and a refusal to give up, I’m still here going into my 23rd year.  (even though the cancer is all over, I fight like hell!)  Never surrender to it!

 

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