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@pmberman

Hi all, I’m new to this forum and this condition. Started with GI pain and inconsistent stool about 8 weeks ago (maybe longer in retrospect). Then the flushing, palpitations, loss of appetite, weight loss, and just feeling weak and unwell. After seeing 4 doctors, I ended up going to Cleveland Clinic Weston, FL where they did (at my request) the 5-HIAA urine test and 64 CU Dotatate PET scan. The urine test came back positive and the PET lit up areas of my duodenum and it looks like a 4mm nodule in right lung with possible lymph involvement, although they actually told me the scan was normal!! (It’s not clearly). I have the textbook carcinoid syndrome symptoms as stated above. Unfortunately, because Cleveland Clinic does not have NET specialists, they are flying blind and I am having to tell them to what tests and scans I need so I can get the disease localized and treated somewhere that has a clue. This week I am going back to Cleveland Clinic to have an upper endoscopy with biopsies as well as an upper endoscopic ultrasound to look at pancreas, ducts etc. I am going to also demand MRIs and ultrasounds of the liver, lungs and pancreas. The PET didn’t show anything in the liver, but I don’t trust that because I’ve read a lot on this site about liver metastases being very small and numerous and hard to see on scans. I’ve also learned that you don’t get the carcinoid syndrome symptoms unless it’s in the liver and/or lungs. This has been a long, scary road that’s upended my life and I don’t feel I am dealing with experts which is costing me precious time. I have FL Blue insurance so I’m kind of stuck with what we have here. Any advice, thoughts and prayers would be welcomed. This isn’t what I expected at 56. It’s hard to function. PS - I’ve been thinking about going to Moffitt in Tampa, but they seem to only focus on GI, so if it’s in the liver or lung then not sure they can help? Mayo FL is out of network for my insurance, but I’d go there if it was better. Also even thinking about going to a true specialist like MD Anderson or Mayo MN and paying out of pocket. I’d have to sell our house to cover it but what’s a house with no life? Angry, sad and confused. Sorry to be such a downer.

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Replies to "Hi all, I’m new to this forum and this condition. Started with GI pain and inconsistent..."

Hello. I understand your plight to find the right care. My wife has a grade 2, stage 4 pancreatic Net diagnosed in April this year. We live in Georgia where there is good support for surgical NET treatment but no comprehensive NET program. The approach we took was to meet with a local medical oncologist who specializes in NET (30% of his practice) We then flew to NY for a consultation at Sloan Kettering. Dr. Reidy reviewed her CT, Pet dotatate, labs and conducted a thorough history and physical exam. She recommended a treatment approach that would not have been available as first line in Georgia. Her local oncologist was happy to implement that protocol and has coordinated nicely with Reidy. This approach may work for you at significantly lower cost than going fully out of network.

Hello @pmberman,

What a difficult place to be. You are definitely seeking the best care possible, but it seems that you are facing a lot of closed doors.

Often, persistence is necessary in order to get the help you need. I appreciate what you are doing. Will you keep posting with updates?

I go to Moffitt in Tampa. I get santosattan. (sp) I have 23 tumors on my liver and all around lympth nodes and pancreas. I am having alot of pain but they are specialists and great to work with from the janitor up to the highist surgeon. Good luck

Hello how are you
Did you get a repeat pet scan?
In your other comments you mentioned that pet was negative, so what did it finally turn out to be?

I see Dr Chauhan at UM in Miami and he is excellent and leading authority in NETs. If you are in Florida I highly recommend him. I’m stage 4 Grade 3 with Metastasis in the liver. Diagnosed 7 months ago!!! It’s hard to accept but I’m not giving up. Good luck to you!!