bad news from B

[Guest guest]

Greetings all,

Well.

I had my appendix out on Oct. 29th and found out yesterday that I have a rare

form of cancer. The pathology report found a pea size carcinoid tumor in the

appendix. Happily (if there is such a thing) the size, shape, and type of tumor

all indicate that the odds are overwhelmingly (like 98%) that the carcinoid

tumor is limited to the appendix and now gone.

The tumor is also known as a neuroendocrine tumor!!! It produces seratonin and

sometimes can create havoc in the body as the seratonin and other hormonal

imbalances begin to affect all body systems.

I'm writing for a couple of reasons (in addition to the great support). First,

does anyone know anything about these tumors? I'mtrying to get a handle on the

carcinoid's relationship to the endocrine system.

Second, and I'm thinking specifically of Terry here, one of the effects of these

type of neuroendocrine tumors or carcinoids is high blood pressure. We've had

soem discussions of how some of us have had high blood pressure post-thyroid

problems. Mine is now back to 100/60 after the appendix (and thus, the

carcinoid tumor) was removed. THree weeks ago my BP was 140/90.

Anyway, what I have is extremely rare and not a death toll (hoepfully there's a

collective internet sigh of relief, now). If it is isolated to the appendix,

then the drama's done. If not, I'll have more surgery to remove anything else.

THe oncologist will decide next week if I should have surgery to see if there's

more in the small bowel or if we're just going to go wtih the odds and say I'm

fine. THe worst case scenario is if the cancer moves into the liver, which is

fatal. That said, I show no symptoms of that (my tumor was small enough that

they're calling it incidental) and even if that happens, the illness is glacial

in speed and people can live 10-20 years with the cancer. Still. I'm leaning

toward the 'I'm fine " scenario, as 10 - 20 years is a blip when you have a 9

month old baby who needs to be steered through his mid-30's, minimum, thank you!

I'll soak up all the prayers and good wishes!!

B