Neuroendocrine cells in Breast and Lungs DIPNECH
I was diagnosed with DIPNECH at National Jewish Health 3/23. Two months later, I had a lumpectomy on my breast. The pathology came back with 2 cancers, an additional neuroendocrine cancer in my breast that did not show up on mammogram. Only 2-5% of all breast cancers are neuroendocrine.
I've been on ocreotide for three months for the neuroendocrine cancer in my lungs DIPNECH. I also have bronchiectasis and MAC and I'm on Azithromycin & Ethambutol.
Stanford's thoracic & breast teams are deciding on what to do about chemo and radiation.
I have had to be my own advocate in this process after 17 yrs. of coughing and finally my refusal to accept nothing is wrong. Colorado almost killed me but the DIPNECH diagnosis from National Jewish Health kicked the doctors into first gear.
I've been researching and asking questions but this is getting very complicated. So far, I've pushed for a PET/DOTA scan to see if there are NEC/NETS anywhere else in my body. Since NEC/NETs usually start in the stomach, small intestines and pancreas, it worries me that I've had itching and a rash on my stomach for about 7 yrs., and I get stomach cramps with intense pain in my intestines. I don't know what's in my head or body these days. Nothing would surprise me.
The NEC/NETs sites stress the importance of finding what and where this began because the treatments have become specific for different types of NETs. Is anyone out there knowledgable or has experience with any of this: DIPNECH, NEBC (breast carcinoid), NEC/NETs that I can talk to. I'm worried they're just going to prescribe chemo and radiation for my breast when they don't know what effect that would have on the ocreodite injections or damage to my lungs. I'm just learning along the way as it seems are my doctors. There's a new result and decision every day. It now just seems like the breast oncologist is making the decision on chemo and radiation without discussing this with me because I would say, take the breast and avoid the risk of radiation. I know they want me to start therapy soon but I want that PET/DOTO first to get the whole picture, do you blame me?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) Support Group.
Hi, I see this post is from almost a year ago. I'm curious what you decided to do. I'm in Denver and have been to see Dr. Liu. Did you find more nets anywhere? Any imaging or tests that was most helpful? Hope you are well.
@mcbyron
How was your experience with Dr. Liu? I’m impressed by him after watching many presentations. If I ever feel I need a second opinion on my lung NETs, I would consider him for that. What type of NETs did you see him for?
We received a 2nd opinion from Dr.Lui in June 24, regarding having back fusion surgery with NET, and we were so pleased with his honest no hold back opinions, that we got his opinion on a liver transplant also a few weeks ago. He speaks to us at our level and there is no middle road opinions for him, he will tell you direct and to the point.
That’s great to hear. That’s what I like about him in his presentations too. Thanks for your response.
I would strongly request a PET.
I've had one recently to see if my dipnech tumours have spread outside the lungs and thank goodness they haven't, such a relief, hopefully a PET will give you a good result to ease your mind. Good luck