Neuroendocrine Cancer impacted my life June of last year. The tumors were discovered incidentally while having a CT scan of my heart. This is when they found 3 locations within my left lung, with one impacting a pulmonary vein and my left atrium. NETs in general are rare and even more so in the lungs.  At this point my doctors felt it was unresectable due to its location. Further scans to analyze the carcinoids revealed a metastasis to the bone in my pelvis and femur. For me there is no cure, but treatment remains my current course of action to keep them from growing or spreading further. I’ve gone through 6 months of injections, followed by 4 infusions of Lutathera that concluded this September.  In general, the disease is stable but continues to impact me with health effects that remain somewhat of a mystery to my care team. The next phase begins this October with targeted radiation to the spot next to my heart which is believed to be causing these issues. My support network has been amazing starting with my wife, Mandy and my daughter, Emma. Without them this rare disease would be a mental challenge that would seem insurmountable. I also have wonderful support from the rest of my immediate family, friends and colleagues that is a true blessing. It’s certainly difficult to reflect on my situation or think about the “what-if’s”.  However, I have found that sharing my condition is important to me and at times therapeutic. I’m thankful for all the support and that I have been able to go about normal daily activities while battling this disease.  I hope to help raise awareness about NETs. Your support is greatly appreciated now and in the future.

 

Please join me in the walk Sunday November 3rd, or lend your support with a donation if you are able.