NET - Insulinoma

Posted by ahtaylor @ahtaylor, Jan 21, 2017

Hello to All,
I am joining this group from the Diabetes/Endocrine group. In July 2015 I was diagnosed with 2 insulinomas - both removed surgically at DUMC in NC. The diagnostic work-up included a 5 day hospital stay (72 hour fast + complications) and the surgery was an 11 day hospital stay (typical stay for a Whipple procedure). About 3 months post surgery, I started having recurrent hypoglycemia symptoms very similar to my pre-op symptoms. Insulinomas are very difficult to diagnose and locate and so far they have not been able to locate a new tumor but do suspect there is regrowth of an old tumor or growth of a new one. That is what will bring me to Mayo next week. Anyone been through insulinoma testing at Mayo? Hopeful to be starting down a path to possibly find a resolution of daily hypoglycemia symptoms but nervous because I have walked down this path once already. Glad to see the new group on NETs. Thanks.

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

My experience has only been at the Rochester, MN Mayo Clinic. The Endocrinologist I have there is well versed in insulinomas and has done much research in the field. I wish I could help with the question about Phoenix Mayo Clinic. I can support the fact that insulinomas are rare. Also, if surgery is required, having a surgeon that is familiar or that specializes in endocrine/insulinomas is very helpful as it is not a simple surgery. I wish you the best in your journey and wish I had more helpful information. Take care.

REPLY
@amandajro

@kapple what type of information would you find most helpful about Mayo Clinic ahead of your July 6th appointment so members can help point you in the right direction on Connect for resources and/or share their experience?

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I would like to know if anyone has had success in treating insulinoma at the Phoenix Mayo clinic where I will be going for my appointment? The endocrinology department said their doctors treat all areas however insulinoma is so rare I worried I’ll just be wasting my time and have to Continue the search for someone who can treat it

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@ahtaylor

Here are some things I have found helpful in my visits:
1. If you have not already - Download the Mayo Clinic app - it is very useful for your appointment schedule as well as test results later. There is a patient guide for your appointments that will tell you everything you need to know for preparation (i.e. whether to fast, when/what you can eat/drink, restrictions, etc)
2. If you are coming to the Rochester, MN clinic there are several hotels that connect directly to the clinic - if you are seeking convenience and ease of getting around these are good places to stay
3. Don't be afraid to ask for directions/help - I have found everyone to be very helpful and accommodating 🙂

Here are some things I have found helpful in managing hypoglycemia:
1. Of course, always carrying glucose tablets and glucagon with me
2. I also wear a CGM, which over time has becoming very beneficial in knowing my patterns and what is likely to lead to hypoglycemia. My husband and my children (17 and 20) get alerts on their phones if I have an episode so they can check on me. My husband also has my blood sugar readings on his phone.
3. Low carb diet works the best for me for diet control of hypoglycemia

I hope you will have a great experience and get the answers you need. If you have specific questions about the visit or managing hypoglycemia, please don't hesitate to reach out. Always happy to help!! Best wishes!!

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This is a stellar post @ahtaylor! That’s information one just can’t get anywhere else.

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@skhollandmt

ahtaylor.........could you tell me what hotels you find are the easiest for getting to the clinic via subway or skywalk?
Thanks
Steph

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Hi Steph, Do you know about the free Concierge Services at Mayo Clinic?

You can get your travel and accommodation questions answered by someone at the free Concierge Services at Mayo Clinic. The staff at the concierge desk can help with hotel/lodging recommendations, according to your wishes of proximity, price and space requirements. Here is how you can contact them:

* Phone: 507-538-8438
* Live Chat: https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide
* Email: concierge@mayo.edu

Let me connect you with @lmindela

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@skhollandmt

ahtaylor.........could you tell me what hotels you find are the easiest for getting to the clinic via subway or skywalk?
Thanks
Steph

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My family stayed at Kahler directly connected. Not too bad. Hilton has completed HGI. Nice. Can find on web with search.

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@lolorn

Hello,
I have a new diagnosis of an insulinoma after months of hypos in 30’s and 40’s but as low as 25. I live in Colorado but am contemplating going to the Rochester Mayo Clinic for treatment/surgery. The problem is that I don’t even know where to start for a surgeon and unfortunately neither does my Endo. Is anyone able to tell me about experiences or do you have contact info for surgeons that you would highly recommend?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Lolorn

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I go to Mayo for NETS and had a double transplant there. Dr. Halfdanarson is recognized as world class and a NET specialist as is Dr. Hobday. Mayo saved my life. I would highly recommend Mayo. Best in the world. Since you are in CO, if you cant get there, Dr Liu is at Rocky Mountain Cancer Center in Denver. He is also highly regarded and considered world class. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

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I think there are several that connect. I have found the Marriott to be one that is very convenient to most of the clinic visits and testing I have had and we have stayed there several visits. We have also stayed at the Residence Inn and found that one to be convenient as well. Those are the only 2 I have stayed at that were connected. I don't know but I would think there is a list of hotels that are connected by skywalk or subway. Depending on where most of your appointments are will also make a difference. Thanks.

REPLY
@ahtaylor

Here are some things I have found helpful in my visits:
1. If you have not already - Download the Mayo Clinic app - it is very useful for your appointment schedule as well as test results later. There is a patient guide for your appointments that will tell you everything you need to know for preparation (i.e. whether to fast, when/what you can eat/drink, restrictions, etc)
2. If you are coming to the Rochester, MN clinic there are several hotels that connect directly to the clinic - if you are seeking convenience and ease of getting around these are good places to stay
3. Don't be afraid to ask for directions/help - I have found everyone to be very helpful and accommodating 🙂

Here are some things I have found helpful in managing hypoglycemia:
1. Of course, always carrying glucose tablets and glucagon with me
2. I also wear a CGM, which over time has becoming very beneficial in knowing my patterns and what is likely to lead to hypoglycemia. My husband and my children (17 and 20) get alerts on their phones if I have an episode so they can check on me. My husband also has my blood sugar readings on his phone.
3. Low carb diet works the best for me for diet control of hypoglycemia

I hope you will have a great experience and get the answers you need. If you have specific questions about the visit or managing hypoglycemia, please don't hesitate to reach out. Always happy to help!! Best wishes!!

Jump to this post

ahtaylor.........could you tell me what hotels you find are the easiest for getting to the clinic via subway or skywalk?
Thanks
Steph

REPLY

Here are some things I have found helpful in my visits:
1. If you have not already - Download the Mayo Clinic app - it is very useful for your appointment schedule as well as test results later. There is a patient guide for your appointments that will tell you everything you need to know for preparation (i.e. whether to fast, when/what you can eat/drink, restrictions, etc)
2. If you are coming to the Rochester, MN clinic there are several hotels that connect directly to the clinic - if you are seeking convenience and ease of getting around these are good places to stay
3. Don't be afraid to ask for directions/help - I have found everyone to be very helpful and accommodating 🙂

Here are some things I have found helpful in managing hypoglycemia:
1. Of course, always carrying glucose tablets and glucagon with me
2. I also wear a CGM, which over time has becoming very beneficial in knowing my patterns and what is likely to lead to hypoglycemia. My husband and my children (17 and 20) get alerts on their phones if I have an episode so they can check on me. My husband also has my blood sugar readings on his phone.
3. Low carb diet works the best for me for diet control of hypoglycemia

I hope you will have a great experience and get the answers you need. If you have specific questions about the visit or managing hypoglycemia, please don't hesitate to reach out. Always happy to help!! Best wishes!!

REPLY
@kapple

gaylejean:I’m interested in any information about the mayo clinic as I have an appointment with an endocrinologist July 6 for insulinoma -ridgerunner also interested in how to handle hypoglycemia

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@kapple what type of information would you find most helpful about Mayo Clinic ahead of your July 6th appointment so members can help point you in the right direction on Connect for resources and/or share their experience?

REPLY
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