Eleven Year battle with cancer -Neuro Endocrin... - Couch to 5K

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Eleven Year battle with cancer -Neuro Endocrine. This was a rare type but is now classed as lesser known. I also work for Cancer Research UK

Andydorro profile image
19 Replies

The below story is my eleven years in full. This should hopefully explain the highs and lows during this time. This has been used by my local MP who has taken it forward to the health department to hopefully obtain a substantive response as to why the drug has been removed from the NICE list?

My story started when I was diagnosed with a Neuroendocrine Tumor to the pancreas.

I was at my Doctors surgery and I noticed that they were providing well man checks for the over 40s Male. I decided to take these basic checks. After a couple of weeks, the initial blood test that I had given came back with abnormalities.

After further checks I was sent to the local hospital for an ultrasound check. Not long after having this check within minutes I was given a CT scan that resulted in a large mass being located on my ride hand side of my upper body that was the size of a CRICKET BALL. I had felt no pain.

It was diagnosed as a Neuroendocrine tumor to my pancreas that must had been secreted there for years and years.

The surgeons moved quickly and remarkably it was supposedly all removed and I was given the all clear. I lost my spleen and tail end of my pancreas during surgery as well as the large tumor.

This remained the same for approximately seven years when I returned to the Doctors for an unrelated matter, Due to my mental state at that time the Doctor recommended me for another CT scan that picked up that tumors had returned to my Liver and pancreas that were in operable.

I was subsequently allocated a Specialist Professor. He took care of me for the next four years providing routine treatments in order to control the tumors. This worked for about five years whereby I was able to live a normal life with hospital visits whilst still living with my cancer.

Following this period I was allocated another Specialist Professor who continued the treatments He also used other treatments in order to control the tumors. Also during this time, I was provided with a Nuclear scan that was supposed to light up the areas affected by the tumors. A number of limited areas showed up on the scan. I was provided with Everolimus, but due to my low immune system I contracted Encephalitis and nearly died as a result. I was seriously ill and now I had to retire from my excellent and very responsible role as a Detective Sergeant serving 26 years within the Humberside police serving at different jobs varying in seriousness.

I have done a lot of speaking to several varying audiences and made and presented my own presentations.

During this time my family were very worried and struggled to cope and became increasingly worried and aware that my treatments were becoming limited and that my

options were running out as my calcium had also started to rise as the tumors sought more calcium from my body and my levels started to increase alarmingly.

This continued for approximately two years whereby I was in and out of hospital on a regular basis. Whilst in hospital I was provided with fluids and other medications that did

not succeed at lowering my calcium levels that continued to rise. The Doctors became worried because nothing would lower my calcium levels,

It was also starting to take its control over Myself.

I began to lose my speech and ability to hold a conversation. I also could hardly walk a few feet as my legs were becoming increasingly weak, I was more or less bed bound at this time. It also made me increasingly susceptible to loud noises and I became withdrawn in Myself.

It was also very hard for my family who had to increasingly get used to my regular mood swings. It was also impossible for me to button my shirt or my trousers due to my deteriorating health. During this time, I also suffered heavy falls in hospital and at home leaving me Badly bruised and sore. The Specialist staff continued to give me treatments that did not work and allowed my calcium to become at dangerous levels threatening my bone marrow and other parts of the body.

By this time my normal treatment options for reducing calcium were ending and showed no signs of any improvement and I continued my very poor health remaining weak and withdrawn. About six months to nine months ago, I was being considered for palliative care at home such was my state of health.

The route of all my problems was my calcium levels being so high and were affecting my basic bodily functions.

At this point Professor X recommended me to Sheffield to speak with Doctor Y who was performing a relatively new treatment that involved nuclear medicine that was non evasive and injected into my arms. It was clear to the Professor that one of the tumors appeared to stand out and was requesting the extra calcium to enter the blood stream. An earlier nuclear scan was provided to Dr Y along with my medical records. The scan showed up limited areas where I had been effected.

Despite my very poor health I was accepted for the treatment by Dr Y

In October 2016, and had my first treatment staying overnight at the hospital before leaving the next day.

Nothing really happened for the next week apart from me being tired but I suffered no real side effects.

Within a week and without any warning I started to feel subtle changes and the benefits of the treatment.

It was life changing because all of a sudden I was able to join in conversations and my coordination became back allowing me to eventually walk five miles. Walking my Golden Retriever dog. The change was unbelievable and people started to comment on how well and coordinated I had become. My memory is becoming sharper as I am able to recognize names and faces again. I also more tolerant with family and friends. I can now dress Myself and walk and run in a straight line. It’s incredible how this has become true after only one treatment.

My family and Myself have recognized a massive change in my overall health and the fact that they are able to perform less tasks on my behalf. I am now also able to get up early in the morning and occupy Myself rather than staying

in bed to lunchtime or late afternoon. The health benefits have been terrific and unbelievable. I feel like person reborn and given another chance in life. Before I always used to think how long I have got and when am I going to die? Now these thoughts have gone and I intend to live my life to the full with the help of Dr Y whom took that chance with me and that has handsomely paid off with added bonuses to my health. Only recently, I am able to compile this report to you as it was impossible previously.

I am now so enthusiastic about life and enjoying it with my family. Life is now a joy as I communicate on face book my many friends and family to tell my story to give help to others with the message never to give up. I am sure that this treatment will provide others with the unbelievable health benefits that I have achieved through the treatment.”

I have also taken up three roles within CRUK, with one being a CRUK Ambassador that I really enjoy representing the charity. I also do some more work when I get time for the NET Foundation that deals with my type of Cancer.

I have done campaigning work with my MP the Rt Hon David Davis MP & Brexit Minister. This Relationship is very good and I also have contact with his Parliamentary Secretary in Parliament. He has been touched by cancer and is a keen supporter to END CANCER SOONER. I have also now been able to join the gym under the NHS rehabilitation Scheme that has proved marvellous with trained staff who support you all the way. From only walking a few feet I can now ride 6 miles, Run 3 miles and walk 5 miles. I have now joined the gym full time. I hope you find my story interesting and hopefully inspiring to some?

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Andydorro
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19 Replies
Paul46-ipswich profile image
Paul46-ipswichGraduate

Nice story and a good positive message, thankyou

Andydorro profile image
Andydorro in reply to Paul46-ipswich

Pleasure:)

Andydorro profile image
Andydorro in reply to Paul46-ipswich

My Pleasure Paul 46.

skysue16 profile image
skysue16Graduate

Certainly inspirational and reminds me how lucky I am to have good health. Thank you for sharing your story.

Andydorro profile image
Andydorro in reply to skysue16

That's very good skysue16 my story has the message NEVER GIVE UP! and just to be aware. However, basically enjoy your life to the best of your ability. I was just unlucky but that is the way it goes. I have had great help and support x

kickibro profile image
kickibroGraduate

Thanks for sharing. NHS is such a vital support for us all. I hope it will see investment in years to come.

Andydorro profile image
Andydorro in reply to kickibro

The NHS at all levels from Porters to Professors were all brilliant and kind to me throughout the ordeal for me and my family. I have written to Jeremy Hunt via my MP Rt. Hon David Davis MP and many others have too. Hopefully, they will input some cash or it will be a catastrophe and all fall down.

davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate

Excellent! Great post!😊

Andydorro profile image
Andydorro in reply to davelinks

Thank you Dave. I just want to help as many as possible. NEVER GIVE UP. I know there are still some sad cases but CRUK are spending and working their rocks off to find cure to end cancer sooner. However, people must understand that it is not an overnight job. People are living and surviving longer.

davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate in reply to Andydorro

I like many others have lost friends to cancer, last year one to Pancreatic cancer who passed away within months of being diagnosed, and another with bowel cancer but luckily who is surviving after surgery.

My sister-in-law survived breast cancer some 20 years ago only for it to return as bone cancer about 2 years ago, with the ongoing drug therapy she is in remission and doing very well, so much so she can excercise and run around the local park, so must go to show the advancement in cancer drug therapy..

Andydorro profile image
Andydorro in reply to davelinks

The advancements are coming all the time. Being a member of CRUK you can see it. Experts from around the world are collaborating in a brand new centre in London (name escapes me at the moment) costs millions but at least they are now pooling their expertise to beat it. It is just there are a few to go through of all different natures. Best Wishes to you and the rest of your family. Just for curiosity? I f you wanted CRUK information leaflets circulated where would you like them deposited apart from the normal like Drs and Pharmacies etc.

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate

Wow! What an inspiring story of courage against all the odds. So glad you are doing so well and giving so much back. Thank you for sharing.☺

Andydorro profile image
Andydorro in reply to Sandraj39

Thank you for your kind words Sandra. It is something as a family we had to deal with but it was horrible as I nearly died twice for one reason or another. I'm doing fine at the moment but NEVER GIVE UP!.

Andydorro profile image
Andydorro

Hello Sandra, That is my idea, it is all true and from the heart. I am very lucky and it was not my time but things did look bleak twice when I nearly died and they were talking about palliative care for m at one point such was poor state, However, not a clue but I came back (corny I know) to tell my story. I cannot believe how lucky I am but I am on new radio active treatment that targets my tumours. Just keep my head down and keep going helping others. :)

Vickyb123 profile image
Vickyb123

Wow what an inspiration you are! Just shows what people can really do. So often we make excuses not to make the effort to do something - too tired, too busy, too old. You're a real example of how untrue all of these excuses are. I'm sure a lot of people who read your story will now think, if he can do it SO CAN I !! Well done for your amazing efforts and determination and good luck on the rest of your journey.

nhs2015 profile image
nhs2015Graduate

I am interested to know more about Doctor Y and about what was injected. My husband being in remission and often worrying when something is not up to scratch, is making us interested to hear about other people treatments and results. They do say "knowledge is power" 😃

Andydorro profile image
Andydorro in reply to nhs2015

Hello NHS 2015. I apologise and my best wishes to your husband. I have been told to keep them to this format. However, you should be able to make a referral at Weston Park Sheffield or I believe Dr Caplan at the London Free is a very good option in respect of NETS knowledge and treatments etc. Hope this helps? Kind Regards Andy.

Andydorro profile image
Andydorro in reply to nhs2015

Mine came back after three years but I am still here given some luck. Just keep regular checks and if you get the slightest hint of a problem then get straight back. As you will know this nasty cancer mimics other ailments so be careful but not paranoid and ruin your life. YOU ARE ALIVE & NEVER GIVE UP! Best Wishes. Andy.

davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate

Very inspiring Andy, hope you continue to be well, are you still running? Parkrun?

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