March 1, 2020

By Anne Dabbs, 
NCAN TN Chapter Leader, NET Patient

“April showers bring May flowers”, or so the old saying goes.

But sometimes, the showers persist to become unrelenting storms which darken our lives and our outlooks. They cloud the promise of anything as bright and comforting as springtime flowers. We, as Neuroendocrine Cancer patients and caregivers, are quick to realize that our emotional health can take a beating as well as our physical health. It is important for us to find our calm within these storms.

What do you do to identify the beginning of an emotional storm as you cope with your diagnosis?
What tips and strategies can you utilize to keep your worries and fears in check?
What can harness a setback or disappointment from turning into a full blown emotional crisis?
What can you do to ride out your storm?

Two of the most universal techniques used to nurture emotions are exercise and music.
A brisk walk or gentle yoga can brush away cobwebs. A favorite song can soothe or invigorate, and can transport you back to happier times.
Visual tools can also be helpful: Creating art or just admiring it. Reading a book or keeping a journal can be a balm for many of us.
Practicing gratitude can help find perspective on a difficult situation.

We, alone, control our own happiness, and the importance of focusing on the positive can not be ignored. Keeping mindful of our own mental health is essential. We need to be diligently aware of triggers which can turn small showers into harmful storms. We must develop skills to redirect our attitude when the blues start creeping in. Endurance: the ability to bear up under hardships, is essential. Resilience: the ability to bounce back after a disappointment or setback, needs to become our watchword.

As I continue to tweak my own skills for dealing with the inevitable emotional roller coasters that come with Neuroendocrine cancer, I have learned there is no one answer for every situation. Fitful sleep can be harnessed with a favorite album from college for one situation or a cherished memory of a lakeside vacation, for another. And when the mental burden of an incurable disease seems to rob me of my sanity, I will remind myself that even on my worst days, there is always something for which to be grateful.

If you or someone you care for need a little extra support please don’t hesitate to call the NCAN Hotline at 1-866-850-9555. That’s what we are here for.

Find out more about how YOU can help the NET Community.

Disclaimer: NCAN blog posts are the opinions of its writers and are not intended as a replacement for medical advice. Please consult your Health Care Providers for individual concerns.

March 1, 2020

By Anne Dabbs, 
NCAN TN Chapter Leader, NET Patient

Let’s talk about the elephant, I mean zebra in the room. COVID-19 and NETs don’t mix.

And while we are looking to the CDC and our individual health care providers for guidance and monitoring, it’s also important that we, as a Neuroendocrine Community, use our internal barometer to calculate our responses to the ever changing health events going on at this time.

As we assess our Neuroendocrine Cancer position of having at least one high risk qualifier, it is important that we also monitor our mind set. Structuring our thinking to avoid the panic in Pandemic is essential. While “watch and wait” is frequently perceived as a negative response with our NETs treatment plans, in light of the Coronavirus, adopting an “active surveillance” stance, might not be a bad way to go. Positioning ourselves to be able to respond with clarity, rather than panic and fear, would be the smarter choice.

My own personal stance has been one of nonchalant awareness. I had purchased household provisions 2 weeks ago, and was aware, informed, and prepared. Then, one phone call had me reassessing my situation with the realization that I am in 3 high risk categories for this disease, not 1. So, in the blink of an eye, my reality became crystal clear. And in that moment, it was time for me to social distance myself.

Self quarantine or social distancing might not be right for everyone. For some, it’s a luxury they can afford. For others, an absolute necessity. Each of us will need to choose for ourselves. One thing we know for sure, is that all of us will be effected by Coronavirus’s ripple effect. And, as we consult our individual barometers, let us also be mindful of the ripple effect of compassion for those who do not necessarily agree with our decisions. Kindness, a cure for many ailments, is infectious also.

Take care of yourselves. And if you need some extra support feel free to call the NCAN Hotline at (866) 850-9555.

Find out more about how YOU can help the NET Community.

Disclaimer: NCAN blog posts are the opinions of its writers and are not intended as a replacement for medical advice. Please consult your Health Care Providers for individual concerns.