April 1, 2022

By Anne Dabbs, 
NCAN TN Chapter Leader, NET Patient

1. NETS CANCER TYPICALLY IS A MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT.
In other words, pace yourself.
If you find yourself in the majority of Low to Mid Grade NET patients, you have the time to set forth a mindset that you will be living with this disease for many years. You have time to plan and educate yourself on your current and future treatment options. You have the need to develop a personally comfortable acceptance of your disease.

2. “THE WOUND IS NOT MY FAULT. BUT THE HEALING IS MY RESPONSIBILITY.”
This quote by Marianne Williamson can be empowering. Once you have moved past the shock of your NETs diagnosis, it is time to become proactive in your healthcare. It is your responsibility to work with your medical personnel to develop a healthy and productive dialogue. It is your responsibility to understand your physicians’ recommendations and instructions. It is your responsibility to follow those instructions. It is time for honest communication with your physicians and family.

3. MAKE TIME TO MARCH IN THE SECOND LINE.
In New Orleans, the Second Line Band is a treasured symbol for moving forward following a tragedy. A Jazz funeral is comprised of two bands. The first band marches behind the family and plays slow, somber songs to respect their grief. But as the last sorrowful trumpet note sounds, the drum beat of the Second Line (band) picks up the cadence and the music is played to celebrate a well lived life. The Second Line is a reminder to live a joyful life. It is an invitation to celebrate life. Many cancer patients enter a phase of mourning following their diagnosis. This is normal and even healthy. But, as the Second Line teaches us, give your grief the respect it deserves, but set your sights on the possibilities of joy.

4. “DON’T LET YOUR STRUGGLE BECOME YOUR IDENTITY. “
This quote by American poet and songwriter, Ralston Bowles, gives us insights into life’s many struggles. Big or small, infrequent or chronic, struggles must be addressed and resolved so as not to become bogged down by them. It is imperative to retain a sense of self worth and identity if we want to live well with NETs. We need to skillfully categorize our struggles. Hold the little issues close and deal with them quietly, perhaps. Share your larger struggles with those who are equipped to offer you support and encouragement. Share your biggest struggles, mental and physical, with your physicians.

5. “FALL DOWN SEVEN TIMES, STAND UP EIGHT.”
This ancient Japanese proverb is a timeless, well worn piece of advice. It is appropriate in any of life’s situations, but especially in the life of a cancer patient. The shortened version of these 7 words is HOPE.

Without hope, no amount of positive thinking is beneficial.
Hope is what allows us to mourn and continue to move forward.
Hope challenges us to be our own best advocate.
Hope invites us to share in the responsibilities of our healthcare.
Hope encourages us to be reminded of our healthier selves with the intent to reclaim that identity again.
Hope says never, ever give up.
Hope affirms that perhaps today wasn’t my best day, but I will try again tomorrow.

At NCAN, hope is part of our mission; it’s why we exist.
If you need help in any way, REACH OUT, we are here for you.