In 2005 the doctors here did a type of exploratory surgery making two incisions in my abdomen. One above the liver and one in the appendix area and were suppose to get samples and any clean up possible. After a 5 hr surgery and hours in recovery I woke up to find out the surgeon closed up both incisions without doing one thing. He took no samples for biopsies and basically was a waste of time. He said it was such a big mess he didn't know what to do and since they were having trouble with my blood pressure bottoming out he closed. This took a very big toll on me both physically and mentally. At this point I thought I have reached the end I will not make it if they cannot even keep me on an operating table 5 hrs I would never make it through the long surgeries at one of the specialty hospital having my liver resected. My aunt had died in May and she had been my friend and companion since we both had cancer and hope was something I did not have.

Then my friend told me I was sitting at the bus stop holding a one way ticket to Heaven and pretty soon that bus was going to stop for me. I had to do something. So I went to a new oncologist and ask for help. At this time I had never been put on Sandostatin LAR only the daily shots I gave myself. I told him I had prayed for someone just to help me here in Amarillo because I could not travel to the Carcinoid specialist. I am on 3 liters of oxygen my lungs are bad and my heart is still in trouble. He sent me that day for my first LAR and gave me one every week for one month. At the end of the month I was a LOT better. I went down to taking the LAR every 2 weeks then a few months later went to every 10 days. He does Cat scans every 6-month's and the 5 HIAA this doctor has been very active in watching my progress. He recently told me I could now travel to the Mayo or where I choose to go. The only thing is that they would not be able to do a surgery because he felt like I would not make it off the operating table. So I do not really know the benefits in going.

I do have a lot of ups and downs. So I CHERISH my up days and get everything done I can. I save my strength to go to a show with my grandkids or have them spend the day with me. This is so much better than where I was two years ago that I do THANK GOD for every single day I have. Each day gets me closer to maybe a new treatment or maybe even the strength to one day go have that surgery. So some of my story may sound bleak but it is not I am blessed and I know God carries me when I am weak and rejoices when I am strong.

For More Information Contact:

Texas Carcinoid Support Group
Carol-Anne Wilson 2609 Windsor Place Plano Texas 75075
Tel: 972-867-4417
FAX:
Internet: carol-anne.wilson@carcinoid-tx.org