Connect
Recent diagnosis: Neuroendocrine tumor on my leg.
I am jumping into unknown waters here. Tumor is on inside of lower RT leg. There's been a little more than a month's lag between time dermatologist got biopsy results and our getting to CA center for treatment - not yet begun because of all the intermediate steps.
Although the surface lump and swollen surrounding area were about the diameter of an average woman's thumbnail, the oncologist measured a 1 cm center which appears to be stage 1.
They have given 2 options: leave the area alone and have 6 weeks of daily radiation or have an excision followed by 4 wk daily radiation.
The latter seemed to be more favorable over the long term.
However, my husband and I are elderly and unable to deal with daily round-trips of about 80 miles in heavy traffic. Insurance is no help getting transportation, so ideas for low-cost transport are welcome.
My first appointment with the surgeon is May 27, and I'd like to hear from others if my anxiety over these delays is justified. I know everyone's situation is different, but I've not been given a general idea of the effect that time of onset and time of treatment have on a successful recovery.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Support Group.
Connect
@ginger39
How long have you had this tumor and what are your symptoms?
You may want to get a motel close to where you have appointments/treatments to help reduce transportation back and forth and try to make appointments closer together if possible. Ask friends and neighbors or church members for help with transportation. You can also get Uber rides or see if there is bus/public transportation you can take to the appointments. Do you have a local senior center you can ask about transportation options? Does the location you need to go for treatments and appointments have transportation options?
1. https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/neuroendocrine-tumors--9-things-to-know.h00-159379578.html
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22006-neuroendocrine-tumors-net
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neuroendocrine-tumors/symptoms-causes/syc-20354132
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/neuroendocrine-tumors
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsHi there and thanks. When I noticed it in April, I made appointment a week or two later with dermatologist. He biopsied, got the results about a week or so later. Then I had to choose the hospital, so I'd say this is a bit less than 2 months in the works. No symptoms. The biopsy pretty much leveled the growth that looked like a pus filled boil. (Sorry, you asked!) Oncologist seemed optimistic as the center measured 1cm. Said it was better that it grew outward rather than inward.
We have a small church group, but they will circulate a sign up list of volunteers a soon as I have surgery and radiation treatment dates, and when I know more I can follow up on your other suggestions.
I did get some general info on line, and I appreciate the links you sent as they may add to the picture.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions