Facing Cancer Recurrence, PTSD & Acknowledging Mental Health

@merpreb That is a great explanation of the purpose of the radiation process, Merry.

Teresa, this is where I got it from: https://health.usnews.com/health-news/managing-your-healthcare/cancer/articles/2011/08/09/cancer-and-me
She has written books: Try this one Living Time: Faith and Facts to Transform Your Cancer Journey. I'm going to order it too. How are you doing?

@merpreb Merry,

Thanks for asking, I'm doing OK, right now. I need to have an upper endoscopy at the beginning of the year to check to see that there are more NETs. The previous ones have all been in the duodenal bulb.

As NETs are very small cells that are not picked up during traditional x-rays, CT scans and/or MRIs, I also need to schedule a 68Ga DOTATATE Positron Emission Tomography (PET) to make sure there has been no metastasis as I do have a liver lesion which appears to be of no big issue right now, bone pain, but I also have a lot of slow growing pancreatic cysts. The slow growth is typical of NETs.

There are always concerns when faced with any type of cancer. My goal is to live life as fully as possible and help some others along the way.

Tereasa- I'm not that familiar with NETs. I know that all cancers are life altering. I think that being a mentor on Connect really helps!

I was trying to think of an explanation for my blog. lol, every time I tried to explain it even I couldn't understand it. So I went to the best source I could.

I also have multifocal lung cancer. I am in Rochester now preparing for my CT scan at 8:45. I have had 4 surgeries since 2011. All have been classified as stage 1 cancers as all were morphologically different. It's difficult never knowing what the scans will show. My last surgery was in June and this is the first time there is nothing left to follow. I'm hoping this scan shows no new areas of concern.

HI @linda- welcom to Mayo connect. I have a CT scan in early February and I'm already dreading it. I have lots of ground glass. Good luck and let me know the results. Other than anxious how are you feeling? I've had 2 surgeries, chemo and 2 SBRT's. Tell me more when you have the chance. You are the second multifocal person that I have ever encountered in my 21 cancer journey.

One slightly denser area. Ugh. Just so disappointing. I'm usually very positive about my situation. Back in 6 months. With the multifocal it's never done. I used to dream of being NED. Learned to be excited for stable. Any change is never good. Thanks for allowing me to vent.

Oh dear Linda. The good news is that it's not 3 months. I know, it's never done. We have a chronic cancer.
Have your lessons been in both lungs? How much have you had removed?

I had a massive head surgery in 2012 for SCC, and related lung mets in 2014 and 2016. Both were removed by VATS wedge resection. Next scans are next week at Mayo so trying to keep positive and not worry. I have a friend Bob who has passed away from his lymphoma, but he was the most positive person you could ever meet. His final "goal" was to "Finish Life", which he did very successfully. I loved his analogy of kicking a tin can down a long road......... every kick gets you a little farther, and the farther you go, the more likely you will encounter something new and different. New treatments are just around the corner. Just one more kick could land you closer to the treatment that will really have an impact on your cancer. Keep kicking and think positive. Don't give your cancer the benefit of all that stress-induced cortisol release!