Carcinoid cancer: Want to meet others

Posted by Ruth Ann @amyh2439, May 10, 2016

I would like to be involved in carcinoid cancer group as that is what I have.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) Support Group.

Welcome to Connect @amyh2439.
We have members in the Connect community who have experience with carcinoid tumors. Please meet @joanney @hopeful33250 @lucci50 to get you started.

Ruth Ann, we look forward to getting to know a bit more about you. When were you diagnosed? How are you doing today?

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To amyh2439: I'm so sorry to hear of your carcinoid diagnosis. It is a difficult diagnosis to understand because it is rather rare and even doctors do not always have good info to give you. I've had several, all in the duodenal bulb. They have all been removed quite successfully and I've had good outcomes. I hope that you will have a similar experience. The important thing about carcinoids is to find a doctor who is experienced in this type of cancer and be diligent in following up with your doctor(s) to be sure that you are carcinoid-free. As they do not show up on regular X-rays or CT scans, special tests and procedures must be done to track them down. Best wishes and stay connected with Mayo Connect. We are all here for each other!

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@hopeful33250

To amyh2439: I'm so sorry to hear of your carcinoid diagnosis. It is a difficult diagnosis to understand because it is rather rare and even doctors do not always have good info to give you. I've had several, all in the duodenal bulb. They have all been removed quite successfully and I've had good outcomes. I hope that you will have a similar experience. The important thing about carcinoids is to find a doctor who is experienced in this type of cancer and be diligent in following up with your doctor(s) to be sure that you are carcinoid-free. As they do not show up on regular X-rays or CT scans, special tests and procedures must be done to track them down. Best wishes and stay connected with Mayo Connect. We are all here for each other!

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Who are the doctors that you have used???<br />

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My last experience (the best yet) I went to U of Michigan. They have a doctor there who removed a small lesion through an endoscopy procedure. U of Michigan also has a doctor who specializes in carcinoids, his name is Del Valle. I have an appointment with him next week. I believe it is important to be connected with a good teaching/research institution when you are dealing with something unique or rare, the hospital in your neighborhood might not be your best choice. It may involve some extra driving but it is worth the time and expense.

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I am a new member (aged 84) even though my cancer was discovered in 2007 during an emergency operation for a twisted bowel. Transpired I had a carcinoid tumor which was removed and subsequently my oncologist discovered I still had rogue cells. It was not the end of the world because a treatment existed for this cancer and while not a cure it restricts its development. Every 4 weeks I receive a sandostatin injection and have just received number 100. The outcome for me has been the ability to get on with my life and thereby devote what time I left to my family.
It would be great to hear from others who have carcinoid syndrome.

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@hopeful33250

To amyh2439: I'm so sorry to hear of your carcinoid diagnosis. It is a difficult diagnosis to understand because it is rather rare and even doctors do not always have good info to give you. I've had several, all in the duodenal bulb. They have all been removed quite successfully and I've had good outcomes. I hope that you will have a similar experience. The important thing about carcinoids is to find a doctor who is experienced in this type of cancer and be diligent in following up with your doctor(s) to be sure that you are carcinoid-free. As they do not show up on regular X-rays or CT scans, special tests and procedures must be done to track them down. Best wishes and stay connected with Mayo Connect. We are all here for each other!

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Yes it is hard to take this and understand all that is going on ,I was just <br> admitted to Hospice as I have COPD also and have bad exacerbations from it <br>and have been hospitalized several times with it so now they have put me <br>in Hospice,I am still wondering though if my tumors I have in my lungs <br>aren't causing some of my problems but they do not make the effort to find out,I <br>am not capable of having surgery so I am really left hanging with no <br>choices, Good to hear from you ,keep in touch Ruth Ann

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@hopeful33250

To amyh2439: I'm so sorry to hear of your carcinoid diagnosis. It is a difficult diagnosis to understand because it is rather rare and even doctors do not always have good info to give you. I've had several, all in the duodenal bulb. They have all been removed quite successfully and I've had good outcomes. I hope that you will have a similar experience. The important thing about carcinoids is to find a doctor who is experienced in this type of cancer and be diligent in following up with your doctor(s) to be sure that you are carcinoid-free. As they do not show up on regular X-rays or CT scans, special tests and procedures must be done to track them down. Best wishes and stay connected with Mayo Connect. We are all here for each other!

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My prayers are with you Ruth Ann.  When we reach a place where there are no other options we simply have to draw on our faith and trust the goodness of our caregivers to provide us with peace and comfort.  I am glad that you are reaching out through Mayo Connect.  This is a good place.  Blessings to you and keep in touch. <br><br>

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@colleenyoung

Welcome to Connect @amyh2439.
We have members in the Connect community who have experience with carcinoid tumors. Please meet @joanney @hopeful33250 @lucci50 to get you started.

Ruth Ann, we look forward to getting to know a bit more about you. When were you diagnosed? How are you doing today?

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I was diagnosed in July of 2014 and have been in Hospice now for 2 weeks (at home) but its due to my COPD not my cancer which enables me to continue my sandostatin shots ,I am still learning about Hospice as they have some hard to understand rules .Otherwise doing ok as well as I can!!! lol

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I am not able to go any where now because of my condition now and also would not be able to afford it,I also do not have a family that supports me ,they think nothing is wrong with me except for the COPD which they can see when I have trouble breathing ,so it is beyond me to go any where else, Sometimes we have no other choices

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@hopeful33250

My last experience (the best yet) I went to U of Michigan. They have a doctor there who removed a small lesion through an endoscopy procedure. U of Michigan also has a doctor who specializes in carcinoids, his name is Del Valle. I have an appointment with him next week. I believe it is important to be connected with a good teaching/research institution when you are dealing with something unique or rare, the hospital in your neighborhood might not be your best choice. It may involve some extra driving but it is worth the time and expense.

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thank-you i have been looking for someone that specializes in carcinoid tumors in the michigan area because i live in michigan...i will check out del valle from U of M. thank-you so much!!! <br><br>ralph

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