Happy New Year!

Happy 2015!

I had one goal for 2014.  I'm not calling it a "resolution" because I had little control over it.  My goal? No major surgery!  Yup.  I made it.  Nothing major in 2014.  Only one minor procedure completely unrelated to cancer.  I'm not sure if I should set any goals for 2015.  I could keep with the same theme and probably be safe.

A few personal milestones in 2014.

• I was laid-off from my job of 3 years after a cancer diagnosis and two surgeries.  This was after my boss told me they would do whatever necessary to support me.  Right.  Lay me off me and take my insurance away unless you sign this "release" that states you won't sue us! Blackmail?  You bet!  Stress?  Nah.  No stress there.
• I got a job after 2 months.  It's a great job.  I like it a lot.  I actually work for an insurance company now.  Ironic?  I think so.  Oh, I also make more money than I did before (but my insurance costs me more and I had to switch around some doctors but not my oncologist).
• Remained stable according to my blood work (last scan was in February, 2014 a few days after I was laid-off my job).  I have not had a scan since. 
• Attended my first Dressage show with my horse Abbie.  We got a second place.  It was a really small show but I was proud of how well she handle the "show" atmosphere.  It was her second show ever.  

Up in 2015: What's next?

• Bloodwork scheduled for next week.  I'm not expecting any changes.  I still feel good with no carcinoid syndrome symptoms.  I do have a lot of headaches but this could be from the Sandostatin or it may be my sinus's.  I'm calling a doctor tomorrow.
• Schedule a scan before July 1st since that's when my insurance deductible kicks in again.  since I've met my deductible, I'd like to get it before I have to reach it again.  I have not (for the first time since diagnosis) met my maximum out-of-pocket.
• Switch insurance to my employee health plan.  My oncologists clinic is now part of our network.  I have no reason not to switch.  I'm very, very excited as this will save me some $$$.
• I'd really like to go to another couple of Dressage shows.  I'm not sure if I can afford it but I'm going to try.
• Go on a sister's trip.  Its been too long!  Even if we keep it domestic.  

Check out the TOP TEN Highlights of the Year for Carcinoid-Neuroendocrine Cancer
from The Carcinoid Foundation website:  https://carcinoid.wordpress.com/2014/12/18/10-highlights-of-the-year-2014-for-the-carcinoid-and-neuroendocrine-tumor-community/

1) Gallium 68 Clinical Studies
2) PRRT Clinical Trials
3) FDA Approves Lanreotide for Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
4) Immunotherapy for NETs
5) Global NET Patient Survey (yes, I took part in this)
6) NET Conferences
7) NET Cancer Day
8) ONCLive Features Series on pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
9) Warner Advocacy Award
10) NETs in the News and on Television (link to the BYU men's basketball coach here in Utah w/PNET.


Here's to a safe and healthy 2015!

Gifts

My niece made these Zebra themed pens for me:

I have one more I'll need to add the the "collection".  I really want to learn how to make them so I can make some for our support group.  The next meeting is mid-November so I better hurry up!

I go in Monday for my post procedure follow-up appointment with my OBGYN.  I'm sure it'll be a "quickie".  All is pretty good.  I'm only dealing with hot flashes now.  I do have some mild pain/discomfort in my lower right side, where on my last scan they noted a 1.2 cm lobulated growth in the right adnexa.  I Dr. Googled the adnexa and that is simply the area where your ovaries and fallopian tubes are.  Hmmm...  It is "enhancing".  Which I believe means it is taking up the contrast material ingested/injected for the scan.  I will ask her.  I think she had said we would follow-up with an ultrasound in January when I saw her next but that was before my procedure...  Maybe she'll order an ultrasound.  I'm not sure if I want to push for one or just wait until my next scan and see what it says.  I guess I can ask her.  I'm pretty sure it is nothing to worry about.  Probably another cyst.  I did have some intense pain last Sunday while riding my horse, Abbie.  It was very sharp.  It quit after I got off.  I thought perhaps it was a cyst and had burst!  However, I am still having that same mild burning/pain feeling in that general area.  I hate sounding like a hypochondriac but cancer does that to you I guess.  You worry that those aches and pains are cancer....  I know it is probably not but I still worry.

I'm still dealing with fatigue but not the "brain fog" that I had.  I'm usually really tired in the mornings and afternoons/evening.  I try to rest when I get home from work.  

It is a dreary, rainy, cold day here today.  48 degrees!  Brrr.  I hope it warms back up as I'm not ready for winter!

Hope all is well with you and yours!

Parting ways..

Metropolol 

And I have parted ways!  I felt like it was causing my extreme fatigue and since the need to take it wasn't medically necessary, why continue?  I was taking it for the heart palpitations I was experiencing since just before my diagnosis.  They were very annoying and that is why I decided to try the drug.  Hey, it worked. My palps stopped.  I've taken it for just about 9 months.  

I felt like my brain wasn't getting any oxygen.  My heart rate was very low (usually low 50's or less) so how could my brain be getting the O2 it needed?  I did not stop taking it before asking my oncologist.  I asked the nurse when I went in for my last Sandostatin shot and he came out to talk to me.  I think he was a little concerned when I told him just how tired I was.  I don't think he thinks it's the metoprolol, as I was on the lowest dose but since stopping two week ago, I am feeling much better! I am still tired but I don't feel like my brain isn't able to function.   

I think they (the palpitations) were caused by the Carcinoid tumors in my liver producing high serotonin levels (part of Carcinoid Syndrome) and since most of my bigger tumors have been removed (surgically) and my labs have come down, then I probably don't have a lot of circulating serotonin in my blood. Hopefully, they will not return (and this will confirm my suspicion--it will also give me a "heads-up" if they come back down the road).  I have blood work due the end of this month so I'm going to ask them to add a serotonin blood test as well (just to see where I'm at now).  

I am going in to see my OBGYN in two weeks for my follow-up to my failed ablation.  I think the fibroid she found and removed was causing my bleeding issue as I am no longer bleeding.  Woot, woot.  I am so glad.  I hope it never returns.  I really didn't want to have to have a hysterectomy so I am happy!

My blood test results will determine "next steps" as in when my next scan will be.  If my tumor markers remain unchanged then we'll wait until Jan/Feb or ever later.  I'm sure if they are climbing, I'll get one sooner.  I don't expect any changes.  I'm hoping to continue to feel better and gain more energy so that I can finally start working out again.  I think it would really help me mentally.

Thanks for listening!  I'll post an update after my next round of labs!