I saw the surgeon. More confused than ever.

Posted by carver1164 @carver1164, Sep 3, 2025

Hi everyone.
After a very long month, I finally saw a surgeon for my 8mm si NETS. I am symptomatic. I was totally expecting to get a surgery booked to only realize, the surgeon wants another PETscan. I'm not sure why, since my last one was negative. The tumor was found by CT enterography. Anyway, she is also putting me on octreotide for a month and will reassess my symptoms.
I'm confused about the PET scan, unless its for mapping. But if it doesn't show up like the last time.....and doesnt octreotide work right away? Why a month...I'm a bit frustrated.
Thanks for hearing me out

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

Profile picture for stevestenberg31 @stevestenberg31

All the above comments are great. However, I would add that maybe it has to do with your insurance coverage. I had a 2.5cm NET in my SI with similar mets to you. After 3 months of Lanreotide and biweekly extreme bloating and vomiting I went to the ER where a CT scan with dye revealed a full blockage leading to an emergency operation removing the NET, 8 lymph nodes, GB, 10in of SI. You may have a partial blockage at times(things move around) causing your pain. You need a NET Specialist that knows the questions to ask you and how to work with your insurance. I don't think your specific doctor can coach you on symptoms. Ie insurance regulations etc. in your situation a second opinion could help. I got a second opinion for a neighbor oncologist and it frankly saved my life. 2 yrs, 4months later on monthly Somatuline Depot shots and I feel great and I'm very active. I wish you the best.🙏

Jump to this post

Thanks for your reply. I live in Canada. We dont do medical insurance unless we travel...

REPLY
Profile picture for sophiarose @sophiarose

Don’t know if you know
However If you get Octreotide on Monday you have to wait atleast 3 weeks to get the PET scan
I do my PET scans a day or two before my octreotide injection
Hope all goes well

Jump to this post

Oh..really? Why is that?

REPLY
Profile picture for carver1164 @carver1164

Hi...I had the gallium PET. It was negative. But a CT enterography found it...
I'm not sure what the future PET is. I see a different endocrinologist (my referring doctor) on Monday. I assume for the octreotide...not sure.
I will ask him all the questions

Jump to this post

Don’t know if you know
However If you get Octreotide on Monday you have to wait atleast 3 weeks to get the PET scan
I do my PET scans a day or two before my octreotide injection
Hope all goes well

REPLY

You can ask about the insurance. Some companies require the oncologist to go through a process with prescribed solutions. The system is not perfect so you have to be your own advocate.

REPLY
Profile picture for Turkey, Volunteer Mentor @tomrennie

Good luck. Let us know it goes. Ok?

Jump to this post

All the above comments are great. However, I would add that maybe it has to do with your insurance coverage. I had a 2.5cm NET in my SI with similar mets to you. After 3 months of Lanreotide and biweekly extreme bloating and vomiting I went to the ER where a CT scan with dye revealed a full blockage leading to an emergency operation removing the NET, 8 lymph nodes, GB, 10in of SI. You may have a partial blockage at times(things move around) causing your pain. You need a NET Specialist that knows the questions to ask you and how to work with your insurance. I don't think your specific doctor can coach you on symptoms. Ie insurance regulations etc. in your situation a second opinion could help. I got a second opinion for a neighbor oncologist and it frankly saved my life. 2 yrs, 4months later on monthly Somatuline Depot shots and I feel great and I'm very active. I wish you the best.🙏

REPLY

Good luck. Let us know it goes. Ok?

REPLY

Hi...I had the gallium PET. It was negative. But a CT enterography found it...
I'm not sure what the future PET is. I see a different endocrinologist (my referring doctor) on Monday. I assume for the octreotide...not sure.
I will ask him all the questions

REPLY

I totally get the "Get it outta me" mentality. As others have said, due diligence is your friend. And hopefully the octreotide will give you relief in the meantime.
Exactly what type of pet scan are they proposing and what type have you had before? There is a net specific pet scan called a gallium 68 (ga68) or the same type of scan but done with copper. Other pet scans may not reveal nets while the gallium usually does

REPLY
Profile picture for carver1164 @carver1164

Thanks for your reply. It has helped. What you say makes sense. I want to figure this out but this cancer process is a bit confusing. I'm all for taking the octreotide. I wanted to try it months ago. The PET scan apparently is a different to the Gamma PET. I think its for mapping out the si.
Its not just a gallbladder.lol
Thank you for your words.

Jump to this post

I am glad that it has helped. It is very confusing. I got diagnosed in 8/22. I have done a lot of homework and learned a lot since then. Engaging and listening to folks on here really has helped too. People here have been there, can relate, and also can share their experiences. You are not alone. Great on the octreotide. I know that it has helped a lot of people with symptoms. The gallium pet scan that I get lights up like a christmas tree unfortunately. Hopefully yours is a dimly lit 8mm bulb that just needs to go bye bye. I am hoping for you. Please keep us posted and vent anytime you want. You have to let it out somewhere. For me, this is the best place for it.

REPLY
Profile picture for jlsgt @jlsgt

It takes time for due diligence. Sometimes surgery doesn't go as planned because there wasn't enough study before hand. Surgery is one option, you may have others. Octreotide may help your symptoms. Remember that every option has its compromises and understanding that with NETs is important. Be patient with your NETs surgeon/team.

Jump to this post

Thank you. I would never show them my anxiousness. I trust them completely. I'm just the type that when there's a lump, bump, or mark, I want it out. I know that this is intricate, but I had no idea how so. It was a very overwhelming day.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.