Blog

January 1, 2023

By Anne Dabbs, 
NCAN TN Chapter Leader, NET Patient

As we set our sights on our New Year, we would like to share some of the gems of encouragement, motivation, and humor that many of us who attended the NCAN National Conference in Atlanta this past November overheard.

It was enlightening to hear how several patients describe their lives now, post diagnosis of Neuroendocrine Cancer:

“I feel like I am always waiting at the yellow caution traffic light before I can make any decisions”

“Life is like a bowl of jello for me now. Nothing seems stable; my situation is constantly in motion. And, I’m not sure I’m going to like it”

“My life now is like living under a microscope. Every activity, every task must be debated internally to make sure it is worth the effort.”

“This would be fascinating if it wasn’t happening to me.” (This sentiment was a frequent refrain following the medical presentations.)

Goal Setting was a repeated topic of casual conversation among our attendees. Several expressed their desire to use a reward system as a method for keeping oneself focused on self care and acknowledging efforts instead of only completed accomplishments. By setting small, but positive milestones they felt they were able to achieve a sense of hope and give a balance to their lives as they dealt with normal daily activities in the midst of juggling their treatments and symptoms of our disease. Pacing ourselves as we complete our goals was a repeated reminder as well.

A large number of patients shared similar beliefs that a positive attitude is essential to living well with our Neuroendocrine Cancer:

“You can’t focus on good things when you are preoccupied with bad things.”

“Imagination can influence reality.”

“Community is a powerful and positive force.”

“Toxic optimism is not the same as perpetual optimism. Perpetual optimism can multiply and be shared.”

“ Have a vision of how your life has been enriched by our disease.”

“Practice gratitude”

“Get mad, if you must. But then, get over it.”

2023 will bring 5 regional one day patient conferences across the US hosted by NCAN. It is our sincere hope that you will set a goal to attend one near you. Add your voice to the thousands of patients who have attended previous conferences. Together we can make a difference. Together, we are zebra strong.

As always, If you need anything, we are HERE for you.

SAVE THE DATES!
2023 NCAN Patient Conferences

NCAN 2023 Maryland/DC NET Patient Conference

Mar 11 @ 8:00AM – 5:00PM

NCAN 2023 Nebraska NET Patient Conference

Apr 15 @ 8:00AM – 5:00PM

NCAN 2023 San Diego NET Patient Conference

Jun 3 @ 8:00AM – 5:00PM

NCAN 2023 Ohio NET Patient Conference

Sep 9 @ 8:00AM – 5:00PM

NCAN 2023 Miami NET Patient Conference

Oct 21 @ 8:00AM – 5:00PM