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I never had any neuroendocrine tumor symptoms before my diagnosis. In fact, I went in for surgery for something else altogether.

When I underwent exploratory surgery for endometriosis in 2018, my doctor in Alabama found a tumor on my appendix. He removed my appendix during surgery.

During my follow-up appointment, I found out that I had cancer and would need part of my colon removed. My mind went quiet in that moment. I was only 22 at the time.

I didn¡¯t know what type of cancer I had, but I knew that I wanted to go to a hospital that would provide the best care and compassion. My mother and aunt knew people who¡¯d been treated at MD Anderson. My aunt called to request an appointment.

Surgery leads to neuroendocrine tumor diagnosis

But before my first appointment at MD Anderson, I began to experience sharp, intense pains while my mom and I were driving from Alabama to Texas for my grandmother¡¯s funeral. I became violently ill. 

I was admitted to MD Anderson¡¯s Emergency Center for a bowel obstruction on May 21, 2018.

I needed surgery to remove the obstruction from scar tissue that formed after my appendix was removed in Alabama.

Not long after my surgery, I had an internal hemorrhage. I underwent another surgery to stop the bleeding, remove part of my colon, and join my small and large intestines.

Everything happened so fast. My dad hadn¡¯t arrived at the hospital yet, and I didn¡¯t want to go into surgery without seeing him first. Nurse Conner Francis advocated for me, and I got to see my dad and pray with him before surgery. Conner also comforted my mom.

After the surgeries and a biopsy,  diagnosed me with a stage III neuroendocrine tumor.

A personalized, team approach to my neuroendocrine tumor care

I was in horrible pain from the bowel obstruction and the surgeries, and I didn¡¯t want to see anyone. But my MD Anderson care team helped change my outlook in the month I spent at the hospital.  

I¡¯d been at a stable weight for about a year before I first came to MD Anderson. I worried that my inability to eat could be a setback in my recovery from an eating disorder. My doctors listened and worked with my dietitian to give me IV nutrition.

I also spoke with a social work counselor and saw a psychiatrist. It meant the world to me that MD Anderson wasn¡¯t just treating the cancer. They ensured I was doing well mentally, too.

Cancer pain specialist helped me manage pain in my abdomen after the surgery. He also knew that I had a history of back pain and was careful to determine whether new pain I experienced resulted from the cancer or other issues. Dr. Driver¡¯s guidance has also helped me worry less about pain flare-ups, so I can enjoy hanging out with my friends.

I now see Dr. Driver and gastroenterologist  every three months. Because I¡¯ve had multiple surgeries, I¡¯ve been dealing with severe gastrointestinal issues. But Dr. Coronel has helped me manage these side effects.

My neuroendocrine tumor treatment led me to askMDAnderson

Right before I graduated from college in 2019, I applied for a position with askMDAnderson, MD Anderson¡¯s team that answers questions and helps prospective patients and caregivers start the appointment process. I jumped up and down when I learned I got the job!

I know what patients and caregivers who call us are going through. When they repeatedly ask the same questions, I know they¡¯re just trying to process the information they¡¯re getting.

I know what they¡¯re going through if they start crying in the middle of a sentence. And that when people are frustrated, they¡¯re scared of the unknown.

Often, a call or email to askMDAnderson is someone¡¯s first experience with MD Anderson.

I¡¯m glad to be the comforting voice on the other end. I want them to feel cared for, just like I did. 

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789.