Active Awareness-Part I

It’s easy to get lost in thoughts and activities. I try to be extremely aware. Attention is needed to gauge my energy and commitment levels. Self-awareness and selfless awareness. To show mercy, kindness, and love–to pause to remember Paul’s words in Colossians–and be aware of others.

How does that awareness impact actions?

Awareness, as defined in Merriam-Webster, is the quality or state of being aware. It is the knowledge and understanding that something is happening or exists. Observing. Perceiving.

Since my last post, my amazing Dad has been in the hospital after an unexpected heart surgery. My precious mom has hardly left his side. Sweet family and friends have stopped in, prayed, and texted. I’m aware of the consistently and constantly changing circumstances of life–and the blessings and miracles. Sometimes it’s difficult to digest all the awareness. My spiritual awareness (knowing my true self and identity in Christ) grounds me.

Godly sorrow is a gift of the Spirit. It is a deep realization that our actions have offended our Father and our God. It is the sharp and keen awareness that our behavior caused the Savior, He who knew no sin, even the greatest of all, to endure agony and suffering.
Ezra Taft Benson

Today is NET Cancer Awareness Day. Before 2022, I was not aware of this cancer. My experience makes me more aware. Organizations, research, and new friends have grown my knowledge. I hope to bring awareness to help others. Although it’s rare, statistically, there should/could/might be others in our 417-land that have this and are…unaware.

I’m very aware.

NET Cancer Day is an annual event held on November 10th. It was created to increase awareness of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and provide a voice to the NET community for improved diagnostics, treatments, information, care, and research. The International Neuroendocrine Cancer Alliance (INCA) coordinates it and has celebrated it annually for over 10 years. (International Neuroendocrine Cancer Alliance, 2024)

Neuroendocrine cancer stands for a group of cancers that start in neuroendocrine cells and there are 2 main types:

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs)
Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs)

People with neuroendocrine tumors are frequently misdiagnosed with more common conditions such as:

Anxiety
Menopause
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Asthma
Diabetes

(Symptoms of neuroendocrine tumors vary depending on where the tumor is located)

Common persistent symptoms could be:

Flushing of the skin and face
Digestive problems
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Shortness of breath, cough, chest pain
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Heavy sweating for no known reason
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)

Seven Facts About NET (LACNETS, 2024)

NET is a rare cancer. In the United States, 7 in 100,000 people are diagnosed per year.
NET can affect neuroendocrine cells throughout the body.
NET is a difficult cancer to diagnose.
Some (but not all) NET patients have symptoms from their cancer.
The cause of NET is unknown.
Seeking the opinion of a NET specialist is important for all NET patients.

Friends, if you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms please seek out professional help! For years I experienced a “missed diagnosis” (NOT misdiagnosed). Please stay aware and seek out medical advice. Don’t give up on seeking and finding the right help! If you have symptoms like mine, feel free to reach out to me.

There’s a good chance I understand what you’re feeling. Even if I don’t, I’ll do my best to make you feel significant. Because you are.

️God, help me be aware of others. Break my heart for what breaks yours. May awareness advance advocacy and accelerate our appreciation. Let’s create a plan for abundant appreciation!

Have faith. You are loved. ❣

Tomorrow, I’ll share Part II of Active Awareness in our celebration of Veteran’s Day? I’m aware of the time it takes to read and support my blog. I love and cherish you all. THANK YOU!

Sources:

International Neuroendocrine Cancer Alliance. (2024, November 10). INCA. Retrieved from incalliance.org: https://incalliance.org/ncd-2024/campaign-toolkit-2024/

LACNETS. (2024, November 10). Lacnets.org. Retrieved from Resources: https://www.lacnets.org/resources