What does the future look like for a stage 4 NET patient?

Posted by jameshoch @jameshoch, Jan 6 1:02pm

This is my story....A lobectomy of upper right lobe of the lung in 2016 It returned in 2023 with a tumor in a lymph node behind my heart. Followed by radiation and chemo. In 2025 I was diagnosed with stage 4 NET's. New locations are in the bone, (12th rib, hips) liver and the now smaller tumor behind my heart. These are small lesions and tumors/spots. I feel great, exercise often in good shape but I'm wondering what others have experienced and what I might do to better my future outcome, what I can expect in the future? Just any advice or thoughts would be very helpful. Thank You!

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

Has anyone heard of the book Fasting Cancer by Valter Longo?
https://a.co/d/2by8Dtv
Or better yet, discussed with your Dr in relation to neuroendocrine tumors?

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Profile picture for vinnie694 @vinnie694

Good morning, I was diagnoses with Stage 4 NET's in December 2022 primary in small intestines and metastasized to the Liver. I go to the gym on the average of 4-5 days a week. I get injections every 28 days since February 2023 Started with Lanreotide, then switched to Ocreotide after a few months. Had Lutathera treatment in 2025 and currently still showing the tumors decreasing. So after 3 years to summarize I am still going to the gym, I work outside in my garden, I get tired a little faster than I used to (but that can be age also!) And the tumors are smaller than they were 3 years ago.. I wish you the best on your nextstep..

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I want to ask a question about the exercising. I was an avid runner and I was busy four of the 5 days exercising. They did discover a brain tumor in June of last year and since then I have not been able to run or go to the gym. I still have a balance issue not all the time but I know it's there. I feel like if I don't run or get my steps in I'm a failure. I don't lay around by any means but it's not safe for me to go to the gym. Any other thoughts?

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Profile picture for vinnie694 @vinnie694

@jameshoch If you don't mind me asking which Mayo location do you visit? I go to the one in Jacksonville Florida.

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I will tell you the Mayo clinic in Jacksonville feels like a resort to me. I love Dr. Starr. I've only been there one visit but it's amazing

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Profile picture for crawfordville @crawfordville

I will tell you the Mayo clinic in Jacksonville feels like a resort to me. I love Dr. Starr. I've only been there one visit but it's amazing

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@crawfordville I totally agree, I had confidence in Dr. Starr from my first visit.. I’ve never waited long for an appointment, I don’t see him as much as I used to about 1 time a year the other times it’s with Stephanie Gebhardt APRN, D.N.P. She is also great.. They are both so easy to talk to and they explain everything so even I can understand.. Also when I question procedures or treatments other people have had they are so open to listening to what I have to say…

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Profile picture for crawfordville @crawfordville

I want to ask a question about the exercising. I was an avid runner and I was busy four of the 5 days exercising. They did discover a brain tumor in June of last year and since then I have not been able to run or go to the gym. I still have a balance issue not all the time but I know it's there. I feel like if I don't run or get my steps in I'm a failure. I don't lay around by any means but it's not safe for me to go to the gym. Any other thoughts?

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@crawfordville I totally understand. What helps me is cycling on a stationary bike. I'm able to get in intense workouts and its safe. Try a Peloton!

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Profile picture for crawfordville @crawfordville

I want to ask a question about the exercising. I was an avid runner and I was busy four of the 5 days exercising. They did discover a brain tumor in June of last year and since then I have not been able to run or go to the gym. I still have a balance issue not all the time but I know it's there. I feel like if I don't run or get my steps in I'm a failure. I don't lay around by any means but it's not safe for me to go to the gym. Any other thoughts?

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@crawfordville I had balance issues. I am not sure, if they were from my metastatic pnet, the chemo, going deaf in one ear almost six years ago, or a combination of all of them. My son had balance issues, when he had a concussion. He went to vestibular therapy. I tried some of his therapy exercises, and they really helped. Have you tried anything like that?

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Profile picture for Turkey, Volunteer Mentor @tomrennie

@crawfordville I had balance issues. I am not sure, if they were from my metastatic pnet, the chemo, going deaf in one ear almost six years ago, or a combination of all of them. My son had balance issues, when he had a concussion. He went to vestibular therapy. I tried some of his therapy exercises, and they really helped. Have you tried anything like that?

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I think my balance issue was due to my brain tumor. It was a large tumor that was sitting on the cerebellum. The neurologist said I would have balance issues for a while. He also did say that might be the new me.

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Profile picture for crawfordville @crawfordville

I think my balance issue was due to my brain tumor. It was a large tumor that was sitting on the cerebellum. The neurologist said I would have balance issues for a while. He also did say that might be the new me.

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@crawfordville Did the neurologist suggest anything to help with the balance issues?

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Profile picture for rkklinger @rkklinger

@jameshoch
My husband was first diagnosed with a carcinoid tumor in 1995. They removed the tumor with 1/3 of his colon as well. At that time, there wasn't much information and no medications available. 28 years later, he was rediagnosed with tumors throughout his skull and body - Stage 4. He has been on Lanriotide for 3 years. The tumors are stable and have not gone into the organs. He had his last scans in August and his oncologist put him on 6 months scans instead of 3 months. Recently he had a serious AFib incident which has caused him to be tired and weak at times. However, it is hard to know if his cancer is causing some of that. He continues to exercise an hour a day, riding a bike and doing 100 pushups. We feel that at 82 years old, he is doing great. He works hard at keeping a positive attitude which is sometimes difficult but really helps!! Good luck on this journey! There are ups and downs but doing your best to stay healthy helps!!

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@rkklinger Thank you. An Incredible story based on strength and positivity!

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