Revised Diagnosis

Revised Diagnosis

Carcinoid Neuro endocrine tumor
Meaning hormone-related symptoms are prominent
Usually slower growth than regular cancers
Unknown when growth started, therefore difficult to determine level of Stage 4 status
Numerous tumors throughout liver
Still unable to identify primary site; definitely NOT pancreas, although a tumor is there

Further Diagnosis and refining the level of Stage 4 based upon:
Blood tests
Ultrasound of neck (check status of thyroid)
Urine analysis
Octreotide scan (locates carcinoid tumors)

Prognosis: not curable

Focus of Treatment:
Sustain liver function as long as possible by eliminating tumors there

Treatments suggested:
Chemo embolization of tumors in my liver OR
Radiological liver ablation
Other treatments may be suggested by results of the current series of tests
Surgery NOT indicated because distribution throughout liver is too widespread

Medical centers that focus on this type of cancer:
MD Anderson (Houston)
Sloan Kettering (NYC)
Duke (Durham, NC)

More info:
www.carcinoid.org

Next appointment: December 4

Copyright 2006

Diagnosis

Latest from my family doctor from the liver biopsy pathology report:
Metastatic Carcinoma with neuro endocrine features
(this means pancreatic cancer)
CT scan of 11/17 revealed a 1" tumor in the pancreas, likely spread to liver from this primary source. Aggression can be inferred from results of two Liver Function Tests (LFT) measuring enzyme levels, one taken in May (normal levels) the second taken in October (slightly elevated levels). This together with the apparent size of the tumors in both organs indicates a "somewhat aggressive" growth/spread pattern given the time frame. This is MY OWN interpretation, and synchronizes with my intuitive "body knowledge" and awareness of the development of the illness.

More Monday (11/20) after we see the oncologist: a tighter diagnosis, a preliminary treatment plan.

Here are some links that describe pancreatic cancer and some treatment options.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pancreatic-cancer/DS00357/DSECTION=1

http://pathology2.jhu.edu/pancreas/index.htm

http://nccam.nih.gov/

Love to all and my boundless gratitude for your support; the knowledge of your love sustains me.

Copyright 2006

HELLO from Michael

Very simple: We are closer to each other now than we have ever been.... and as you all know that is pretty close! Linda is wonderful, I love her more each day, and I am proud to be at her side - now and forever.
Michael

Copyright 2006