Pancreatic neuroendocrine insulinoma
Looking to connect with anyone who has an insulinoma. My tumor presents in the pancrease. I currently have chemotherapy bi weekly since July 2022. This is a rare combination and have struggled with regulating my sugars and hoping to meet someone else with a similar diagnosis.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) Support Group.
Thank you for posting their links.
I starting experiencing periodic hypoglycemia about a year and a half ago. In the beginning, my endocrinologist said it was most likely prediabetes. For over a year I didn't take it very serious because I have no family history of diabetes and I'm otherwise healthy and in good physical shape. He did mention an insulinoma but indicated that it was extremely rare. About three months ago things got much worse as I was experiencing hypoglycemia many times a day. I had blood drawn after fasting for about 14 hours, my blood sugar was a 31 with elevated insulin levels. I was prescribed diazoxide but could not tolerate it as it was counter productive because I was nauseous all the time and struggled to eat anything.
I've had 3 CT scans, an MRI, and a PET scan, all appeared normal. An EUS revealed 2 insulinomas in the pancreas. While having laparoscopic surgery it was determined that they couldn't get them out without performing a whipple procedure so they're now advising having one of them ablated using RFA via another EUS. The other mass is very small and they're advising to do nothing to it for now.
I'm currently managing my sugar level with a dexcom sensor and eating many meals a day. I wake up at least once every night and sometimes as many as three times a night to raise my blood sugar.
I'm still waiting for an appointment at Mayo but hoping it will be in a couple weeks so I can get a second opinion before having RFA. Is there anyone on here that has treated their insulinoma with RFA? My understanding is that they frequently grow back over time.
Sorry for the delay in responding. Where are things today? Any changes? I have a pancreatic NET that has spread to my liver. I found out on 8/22. My only option then, and now, is chemo. But, I am ok living that way.
My husband has had the insulinoma metastasized to liver since 2022. He also couldn’t do the diazoxide but is able to do octreotide. Everolimus also works well . Try cornstarch mixed in some bouillon or pudding it helps stabilize sugars for a longer period. Our best to you.