I have a neuroendocrine tumour in the small bowel and liver lesions

Posted by zalda @zalda, Feb 25, 2024

I have been waiting for surgery to remove a neuro endocrine tumour(NET) in the small bowel and lesions in the liver.

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

Profile picture for rschweer @rschweer

@tgsenn70

Greetings! I went through the PRRT in early 2024. It involved 4 sessions over 8 months. The first session began at 7:30 AM and I was released at 3:00 PM, so it took all day for the infusion. The remaining 3 sessions were the same. I was told that I could not ride in the same vehicle with anyone so I drove solo to and from the treatment center. Definitely take along a good book or something to occupy your time, including food for lunch. I was told I could not sleep in the same bed as my spouse, nor could I use the same bathroom. This lasted for 5-7 days but I went 8 days to prevent exposure. I couldn’t be within 6 feet of anyone for this time as well. The results were successful for at least a while, up to now anyway. I was a bit tired for a day or two with each infusion. I have been receiving Lanreotide injections monthly for about two years. Initially, I received Octreotide injections monthly. It will be 6 years in January since I was diagnosed. I am 67 and very active so I’m very positive that I’ll be around for a while longer. Early on in treatment I was advised that being overweight was a risk factor, so I purposefully lost 46 pounds and feel better for doing so. I wish you the very best in this journey…. Ron

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Hello @rschweer and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I appreciate you posting about your NETs journey. Your post provided the needed information about PRRT, but it also provided a glimpse into NETs treatment as well as your positive attitude.

Your six years of treatment seemed to have served you well. It is great that you have remained active. Losing 46 pounds was quite the accomplishment. Did you find it challenging to lose that much weight? How long did it take you to accomplish that goal?

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Profile picture for Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250

@mhcohan
NETs specialists are few and far between. I'm not sure what part of the country you live in, but getting a consultation with a NET specialist right at the beginning of diagnosis and treatment is very important. @californiazebra might be able to tell you how she found a lung NET specialist.

Mayo Clinic has NET specialists at all three of its locations. Here is a link with information about obtaining a consultation with Mayo http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.

If, for any reason, you cannot be seen at a Mayo facility, here is a listing of NET specialists worldwide, with U.S. doctors listed first (from the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation website).
https://www.carcinoid.org/for-patients/treatment/find-a-doctor/
Yes, asking the surgeon and the oncology team about their experience in treating NETs is undoubtedly a good idea as well. However, a NET specialist is still the best. NETs are a rare form of cancer and can best be treated by a specialist in the field. They tend to know about the best treatment options.

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@hopeful33250
My pulmonologist was the one who let me know NETs specialists existed. He recommended one in the next county. My local oncologist then recommended another in the next county when I asked. If the NETs specialist isn’t close to home they will work with your local oncologist to minimize travel. My NETs oncologist orders the octreotide injections but I receive the injections at my local oncologist who treats my breast cancer. Best to you.

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Profile picture for Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250

Hello @rschweer and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I appreciate you posting about your NETs journey. Your post provided the needed information about PRRT, but it also provided a glimpse into NETs treatment as well as your positive attitude.

Your six years of treatment seemed to have served you well. It is great that you have remained active. Losing 46 pounds was quite the accomplishment. Did you find it challenging to lose that much weight? How long did it take you to accomplish that goal?

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@hopeful33250

It took me about 8 months to drop the weight. I was at 223 lbs. and now at 176.6 as of this morning! I did not follow any specific program. I was told my weight was a risk factor to treatment, along with smoking, drinking heavily, and diabetes. I didn’t have the latter 3 risk factors and knew I could control my weight. I weighed every morning and reduced my food intake based on my weight. I lost weight by watching the scale and my food intake. I got down to 170 but my wife said I was looking like a skeleton, so I put on a few pounds and now stay between 175 to 180. This takes discipline and I luckily have plenty.

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Profile picture for fraaseo @fraaseo

@vinnie694
Mine are similar to both, Small intestines with liver mets, stage 2, grade 4, Ki-67 5.4%. Taking Octreotide every 28 days. Feeling good! NET specialist suggested I add everolimus if symptoms change. Oncologist doesn’t feel it’s necessary right now, tumor is less than 1cm. Have my 3 month scan 12/1 & hoping things are still stable. Not looking forward to taking everolimus or PRRT, I have stage 3 CKD so hoping to hold off on both for a while.

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@fraaseo
I am also Stage 2, Grade 4 small intestine metastasized to my liver with multiple tumors, all sizes. NETs discovered 2.5 years ago.
I am on Everolimus (as a support for my 4 week -2 shot (180) mg. of Lanreotide and it is working well for me. I was told it would be a bridge until I can start the Clinical Trial of Alpha PRRT. The Beta PRRT caused my tumors to quickly grow.

I hope you continue to feel good and monitoring is so important as we all express differently - Zebras.

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Profile picture for ricki8 @ricki8

@fraaseo
I am also Stage 2, Grade 4 small intestine metastasized to my liver with multiple tumors, all sizes. NETs discovered 2.5 years ago.
I am on Everolimus (as a support for my 4 week -2 shot (180) mg. of Lanreotide and it is working well for me. I was told it would be a bridge until I can start the Clinical Trial of Alpha PRRT. The Beta PRRT caused my tumors to quickly grow.

I hope you continue to feel good and monitoring is so important as we all express differently - Zebras.

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@ricki8 Do you have any side effects taking Everolimus?

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@ricki8: & @frasseo: Following you with much interest as to which Osteo drug to choose after 12 months of Evenity. It’s a difficult decision! dbamos1945

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No fraaseo, so far no repercussions from Everolimus. Although I have only been taking it since 09/16 this year.
I feel we are all test subjects and hopefully our Oncologist knows which is best for us. Keep a diary!

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Profile picture for dbamos1945 @dbamos1945

@ricki8: & @frasseo: Following you with much interest as to which Osteo drug to choose after 12 months of Evenity. It’s a difficult decision! dbamos1945

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@dbamos1945

I found more info re: Everolimus thanks to A.I.

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Profile picture for ricki8 @ricki8

@dbamos1945

I found more info re: Everolimus thanks to A.I.

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@ricki8: Thank you for the clinical info on Everolimus & Lanreotide combo to control tumor growth. I have new respect for Everolimus and will be more open to the option if the time comes. I feel best when I have a plan for the future.., and hoping that time never comes! Sounds crazy, huh?!? You are a real buddy to give me this info & I am grateful! Be well & happy!

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Thanks dbamos, you are more than welcome. I was thrilled when they stopped the trial because of the positive result. Combining the 2 treatments worked!
I am looking foward to being part of the Clinical Trial for Alpha PRRT that is being brought to Vancouver, and will report my experiences here on this forum.
With almost daily discoveries of cancer fixes (or possible cures), these are exciting times. Let's hope the future is now!
Wishing you and everyone on this forum the best!

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