Shirley Jelinek's Story
Carcinoid cancer presents differently depending on the location of the primary tumor and the production of the tumors, requiring individualized treatment plans that fit both the disease and the person. Shirley, whom I have had the honor of meeting, has chosen to follow a very conservative, wait and see approach.
Other options that many of the carcinoid experts might recommend are 1) removal of tumors while they are small to prevent interference with other organs and to reduce tumor production that can lead to damage (including carcinoid heart disease), and 2) use of Sandostatin to reduce tumor production and deter growth. An even more aggressive approach would be systemic chemotherapy.
The best chance, and arguably the only chance, to be cured of this disease is to catch it early, while it is small, and remove it before it spreads.
Other options that many of the carcinoid experts might recommend are 1) removal of tumors while they are small to prevent interference with other organs and to reduce tumor production that can lead to damage (including carcinoid heart disease), and 2) use of Sandostatin to reduce tumor production and deter growth. An even more aggressive approach would be systemic chemotherapy.
The best chance, and arguably the only chance, to be cured of this disease is to catch it early, while it is small, and remove it before it spreads.
posted by Teresa Lanza at
5:53 PM
1 Comments:
Amy, I like the weed analogy. Think of a carcinoid tumor as a nasty weed. It responds better to treatment/weed killer when it is young and small. It is easier to pull out because it's roots haven't taken hold yet. Once it gets big and strong it is harder to pull out and impacts its surroundings more. Regarding Sando, decreased efficacy is usually related to increased tumor load/production. I had no complications with my surgeries and fully recovered. It was clearly the right choice for me. But as we know, this is an individualized disease. Having said that, here's my one bit of advice that I think applies to every carcinoid patient: call the Carcinoid Cancer Foundation to find the carcinoid specialist nearest you and consult with that specialist. You need to know what all the options are and you risk not knowing many options available to you if you are not consulting with a specialist.
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