Blog

November 1, 2024

By Anne Dabbs, 
NCAN TN Support Group Leader, NET Patient

My anniversaries of diagnosis and debulking surgery fall in August and March, but November 10th, NET Cancer Awareness Day, always puts me in a reflective mood. Like many others reading these words, I never imagined I would become a cancer patient. Over the past eight years, I’ve let go of obsessing over “How did I get here?” and instead focus on a more empowering question: “What am I doing here?”

I strive to make thoughtful lifestyle choices. Understanding what to eat, when, and how much helps me manage my disease. Listening to my body when it’s weary reassures me that it’s okay to be active when I can and rest when I must. Turning down the dial on my anxieties helps me manage the toll that stress takes on my body.

I prioritize my monthly SSA injections and never miss a physician appointment. I use my patient portal to keep my various specialists updated about any changes in my health. These are all crucial steps in managing my unique case of Neuroendocrine Cancer.

But what about the bigger picture of Neuroendocrine Cancer care and advocacy? That’s vital to my well-being, too. It’s important for all NET patients. Being actively involved in education and advocacy—for myself and others—has become a cornerstone of my journey.

Early in my diagnosis, dumb luck and a curious mind led me to a steep learning curve about NETs. Fortunately, I met a 17-year NET patient who urged me to learn more about the complexities of this disease and directed me to reliable, medically based resources. That guidance, along with my family’s support, made me realize that I needed to advocate for others as well as myself. For the past eight years, I’ve met hundreds of other NET patients who share my passion. I encourage even more of you to do the same. Acknowledging November 10th as NET Cancer Awareness Day is a great start, but consistent advocacy for NETs awareness is essential!

What are WE doing here?

This past summer, over two weeks, I watched several of my NETs internet friends engage in remarkable advocacy. Four were participating in a pharmaceutical marketing survey, two were involved in a new drug trial, and one shared her diagnosis story with pharmaceutical representatives. Another told her story to medical oncology researchers. One advocate was fine-tuning plans for a fundraising event, while others were working tirelessly behind the scenes to organize patient-physician conferences. Many more were hosting local support groups, offering hope and guidance to other patients and caregivers. Everyone was contributing in their own way, independently, yet working together for the benefit of all NET patients!

I recognize that we all reach our capacity and willingness to share our experiences in our own time, and that’s perfectly okay. But many of us have realized the power of working toward the greater good. Once your personal NET “to-do” list becomes more manageable, I invite you to join the many patients who can answer the question, “What are WE doing here?” with pride and purpose. The rewards are profound. Perhaps this is the year you’ll choose to celebrate November 10th every day!

At NCAN, we believe that no NET patient should feel alone in their journey. There are countless ways you can join the fight to improve the health and well-being of our NET community. Share your story, start a fundraiser, attend an NCAN event, or organize a local support group. You can volunteer at conferences, or help spread awareness on social media. Even a simple conversation about NETs can contribute to raising awareness.

As St. Francis of Assisi once said, “It is in giving that we receive.” Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our futures are brighter. Join us. Advocate. Make a difference.