“It was two years ago today that I had my surgery,” I thought. Tears dropped as I navigated the halls of a new hospital. A smile erupted when I turned a corner and saw the beautiful image of Jesus Christ by the Chapel. A woven project by the staff filled my heart with hope. An area of honoring the deceased moved me. A prayer podium inspired love. Just as my awareness of this rare cancer-my awareness of the beauty in this place was heightened.
Given the broad topic of awareness I will narrow it for an upcoming event. Tomorrow is NET Cancer Day. Have you heard of NET, yet? Feel free to use any image to help spread awareness!
NET Cancer Day is an annual event held on the 10th of November. It was created to increase awareness of neuroendocrine cancers (NETs). The event provides a voice to the NET community for improved diagnostics, treatments, information, care, and research. NET Cancer Day draws attention to this uncommon form of cancer. It starts a global conversation among communities, medical professionals, and governments. – #LetsTalkAboutNETs.
“Let’s Talk About NETs” invites NET patients around the world. It encourages them to inspire their friends, families, clinicians, and local communities. Around the world ambassadors for the NET Cancer Day campaign hope to make a difference in spreading awareness!
(International Neuroendocrine Cancer Alliance, 2025)
NET facts by the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation:
- Neuroendocrine cancer is also known as neuroendocrine tumor, or NET.
- 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.
(neuroendocrine cancer foundation, 2025)
Why the Zebra?🦓
The zebra is the mascot and international symbol for NET cancer. The term zebra is universally used to reference a rare disease or condition in the medical community. Medical students are thought to assume that the simplest explanation is usually the best, i.e., it is usually correct to look for common rather than exotic causes for disease. Doctors learn to expect common conditions, hence the phrase “If you hear hoof beats, think horses, not zebras.” At times, the zebra should be considered.
Last week I had two more MRI’s and two more CT’s and a blood draw at St. Luke’s in Kansas City. The best part of my trip was seeing my family. It’s so encouraging when they join me! Out of curiosity, I added up my scans the last three years. I’ve had ten MRI’s, fourteen CT’s, four PET scans, and five each of bone scans and X-Ray’s! No wonder people think I glow :-)!
The bone scans are easy to understand (black & white?! ;-). The bone metastasis rarely improve. They won’t determine life or death–but quality of life, for sure. I need to keep building muscle, stretching, and exercising. On Tuesday I’ll ZOOM with my cancer specialist. Once the liver results are shared, I’m certain a plan will be put in place. Stay tuned!
Friends, discussing my cancer and raising awareness is challenging. I’m aware that many individuals are facing significant hardships – economic issues, hunger, and health concerns. So many are enduring far greater difficulties than I am. What if we all were aware of the battles others are facing? Please stay aware and be an advocate for your health! If something feels “off”, seek help!Together, we can lift one another in love and light!
Do you know how loved you are? Don’t lose hope.
Keep the faith, my friends. 💚
TO MY KIDS AND GRANDS- I LOVE YOU TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!
To my family and friends–I couldn’t walk this journey without you. THANK YOU seems so little to say for all your prayers, love, and support. God bless you!
Bibliography
International Neuroendocrine Cancer Alliance. (2025, November 08). incalliance.org/net-cancer-day/. Retrieved from incalliance.org: http://www.incalliance.org/net-cancer-day/
Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation. (2025, November 09). Neuroendocrine Cancer Day Symposium. Retrieved from Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation: http://www.ncf.net
All photos by K.L. Hale-special moments in the last 2 years.
More from Flannel with Faith 💚
©2019-2025 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.
Discover more from Flannel with Faith
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I don’t think you have a zebra. You have a unicorn. But it’s a not-so-nice one. I’m pulling for you. I want you to grab that unicorn’s horn and break it off.
And I hope you are feeling well, today.
Unicorn! Oh no. I have a mean one that got “canned”! Remember Carolyn?
Tippy, it’s always good to see you my friend.
I’ve noticed my recovery from being gone takes longer than I anticipate. I’ve noticed felt 💯 but I’m 💯 blessed and happy to be here!
I hope you are doing ok! 🥰
That’s one unicorn I have no problem with being canned.
We are doing okay, except that my wife has a bum knee, which she’s getting a cortisone shot for, I have a sore thumb from picking up my wife’s fat dog, I have plantar fasciitis from stamping my feet too much (when I’m mad), and I’m near-sighted.
Oh Tippy! You sound a mess with issues! Yikes! You’re too funny! 😂
I do pray your wife’s knee gets better and all the things that ail you too!! 😜🥰
Thank you. And here is my prayer for you: May the Good Lord keep you with us for many years to come:🙏
You’re welcome ☺️. That’s a wonderful prayer, my friend. I join you in that one. Thank you! 🙏🙏
Thanks for the info. Yes, yes, keep the faith! 😎
You’re welcome! Thank you, Brian for reading it and encouraging me!! 🥰🙌🏻🦓
Good stuff. Hope readers see it and understand why we need to look for the “Zebras” in life too!! 🤭🤣🤣😎😎😎
That’s so kind! Yes!! For sure! 🦓🦓🥰🥰
Karla, your faith continues to shine through every part of your journey. It’s truly inspiring to see how your trust in Jesus has carried you through this battle and how you keep claiming victory in His name over cancer. I continue to pray for your full recovery and strength in every step ahead.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the strength You’ve given Karla through every test and trial. Continue to surround her with Your peace, healing, and unshakable hope. Let Your love overflow in her life as a living testimony of Your faithfulness.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
You Are Loved.
Willie, what a precious prayer and message, dear brother. You’ve inspired my journey~ you should know!
I will continue surrendering to God as HIS ways have continued to lead me. You can’t make this stuff up, Willie!
The verse you shared is one I meditate on frequently! God bless you and yours. I’m sending love, prayers, and hugs to all of you🙏♥️🙏
❤️
❤️❤️❤️
Fabulous post Karla. I applaud you and all those who continue to fight your battle with NET. I admire your sticktoittiveness and that you are always so positive even on your worst days. I have no doubt there are plenty of tears mixed in along with anger, fear and maybe a touch of hopelessness from time to time.
All perfectly acceptable emotions under these circumstances. Yes, you have a long road ahead, but yowza, look how far you’ve come!
Your photo gallery is just wonderful. I love all the photos you shared. But, if I had to choose a favorite it would be the one of your family gathered for dinner and it looks like Grandpa just might be feeding sweet Miss Finley under the table! That’s a Norman Rockwell painting if I ever saw one.
Rest, recuperate, rejoice, relax, recount your blessings and remember…..we’re all here for you young lady. YOU give all of US hope with our struggles. With all those scans and X-rays, you will glow forever.
Love and prayers to you and Finley and your family. Be well. Be safe. Be happy. Be good (optional).
ginger🦋🙏🏻💗🙏🏻💓🙏🏻
Ginger, your message is a dose of happiness and smiles!
I’ll join you in applauding all the ones battling disease and/or this rare cancer! Thank you, sweet friend🥹🙏❤️
There have been moments of mixed emotions~ but with time, and faith, fewer “answers” or “reasons” are even needed. I’ve met the most amazing individuals and drs/nurses/support groups through this process. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I accept God’s will. It’s like being a part of a huge compassion club that understands suffering (just as you do!). We love and care for others who suffer. 🙏 some won’t have this “gift”.
I’m happy you enjoyed the pics! Wait until you see my current nature ones (or I might be the only fan lol). Like you, gathering around the table is my favorite family memory! Poppy gives Finn treats! It’s their “thing”! So precious
I will continue all my “R’s” in bits of times. Interesting week ahead with the appts!
Thank you for being here and cheering me on all these years. Finn and I love you and support you! May we keep hanging in faith together with happiness! You’re going to be up to shenanigans this week it seems! Maybe? Optional! lol
Much love! ❤️♥️🐾🐾🐶🦓🙌🏻🙏🙏
A very beautiful post, and thank you for those humungus kind blessings Karla, and a share of a hearts profound journey kind lady. All those photo’s of family are truly that meaning of love’s walk, Christ’s footsteps in your heart to meet and greet us on that path 🤗❤️
And thank you for the wander in your medical surroundings to explain your, and many others path. But I am intrigued by the words around the outer edge of the CT scanner. It ‘clicks’ with something and I don’t know whether its because I’ve said or mentioned it before or it has something to say. It keeps nudging me 😂
But you have shared this well, with those medical connections of those in the healing world, even the energy of that lunar wanderer (great photo by the way, do I detect a nice telescope in your room? 🤣), lit up or eclipsed. It’s all God’s country kind lady 😀🙏
And you do glow beautifully Karla, in those donut rings or not. On the skeeter skooter pathways or life. Especially with those family and the love you all share. It is a powerful thing to go through what you have, and in its wake is a wisdom of what love is, what life truly is, and it stands out in those photo’s. And your journey’s appreciation of what you have found because of it. It is a gift, and sometimes a hard one. But the beauty in its wake never forgotten, never be anything but what you have become because of it ❤️🙏
Big hugs for that gift you share with us all Karla, may it be that love and light you have dared to believe and open to. Much love coming to you from maybe a slightly warmer place across the big blue 🦋🕊️🐬❤️
Oh, nearly forgot. They’ve found another young albino humpback whale off the coast over here. The one they called Migaloo many years ago disappeared but there is a rumor he’s ‘resurfaced’ off New Zealand. Take care, hang in there and much energy coming over to you 🤣😂😎🛵🥾🐾🦓🎶🦢🦋🕊️🐬🐳❤️🙏
Mark, thank you dear friend! The love and support of family and friends are profound!
Love is the only reason for everything! Right?
I’ve been watching that whale video! The newscaster is so excited too! She was curious if he’s headed North too soon or if others do that and it’s not documented? It’s so amazing!
I’m sure your weather is perfect! No telescope for the weather we’ve had! Just a camera! I love telescopes though!
Thank you for the love, light, and prayers! I look forward to sharing good news!
Finn and I send glowing love, hugs, and prayers to you! And all the ocean friends! ♥️🥰🐶🐾 🐋 🌊 ☀️ 🙏🙏❤️♥️💚💚🥰🥰🤗🤗
Yes, family is our love garden Karla. A bloom here, a bloom there. Each their own unique and beautiful part in this incredible world we live in kind lady 🤣❤️
I’ll keep following the whale, stories like that touch something within us all I think. And that moon shot is brilliant for just a camera. You must have taken that on your skeeter skooter in the reclining position then? Actually that would be a treat for ‘moon watching’ 🤣
I look forward to all good news from your tests Karla. Much love that they sing from the rooftops 🤗❤️
Much love, light and hugs from down under to you and Finn. The swans were crooning across the lake last night so I think their love and wishes coming over to you also Karla 🤗💐🥰🌹🐾🦋 🌼🦓 🌈 🌻 ☀️ 🎺🦢🌿🎸🎹🐬🌺🤣🎶🐳❤️🙏
Yay yay! I sense all beautiful things headed my way! And yours!! Much love to you too! ❤️🤗🥰🙏🙌🏻🍂🍁
Yayyy! Whoohoo!!! 🤗❤️🙏🥰🌹🐾🦋 🦓 🌈 🌻 ☀️ 🦢🐬🤣🎶🐳
Karla, I’m going to dedicate my prayers tomorrow to all the NETs patients and especially you. On Tuesday the warriors lifted you up among many others – I hope you felt the surge of love…. 🙏🏻💓🙏🏻💓🐾🐾🐾
I feel the surge of love, Val! I’m certain my NET friends will all appreciate these powerful prayers! They just know you and the warriors are super heroes !!!! 🦸♀️🙏🙏❤️💚♥️♥️🐾🐾🦓🦓 Finn and I love you and Mochi!
The feeling is mutual! 🙏🏻🐾💓🐾🙏🏻There is another pilgrimage to Lourdes being planned – I’ll make sure prayer requests are written up and sent with them again!!
Wow!! Thank you!! 🥹🥹💚♥️❤️🙏🙏
Are there any others whose names should be especially remembered??
great post — and pics — thanks Karla. No, I had not heard of this type of cancer. Glad you are staying on top of things and seeing family. It’s great when you’re in a positive environment. Your Wellness meter shoots up immediately 🙂
Ah, yes, John. We want those wellness meters shooting up in the right direction!
Thank you for your support and kind words! You’re such a blessing to me! 🙏♥️💚 please take care
I’ll continue praying for you too!
panda hugs from me 🙂
Awww yay! 😀
Doubling my prayers for you and all NET “zebras” that you may feel cared for and loved by the people whose lives you have touched and by those whose awareness has been raised to the daily unseen struggles around us. God bless and keep you, dear Karla, and your beautiful family. Keep pressing on, sister! 🥰❤️😘
God bless and keep you, precious Dora. You always lift my spirits and heart! ♥️
Thank you for being a prayer warrior and “sister” on this journey together. I’m certain all my NET friends will also appreciate the prayers. I pray for you and all that you battle, dear Dora. Love and hugs, sweet sister ❤️♥️🤗 (gentle hugs!) 🙏🙏🙏
Prayers, and now more understanding from me (us) thanks to you for sharing this. Thank you.
It’s my blessing, J.K. Thank you for praying and supporting me. ❤️🙏
So wonderful to celebrate two years since your surgery, Karla. You have really been through a lot and have come so far. I love all of your photos and you cute zebra! Praying you will continue to have good results from your tests.
Thank you, Dwight! It’s such a celebration! Surreal at times.
Your prayers mean so much to me! I’ll visit with the Dr tomorrow!
This morning I met 3 senior executives of the hospital to share my cancer story. It was an impactful time for all of us. I was so impressed by their leadership and compassion. At the end of our meeting the Sr. vice President asked if she could pray over me. All 3 of them surrounded me as we prayed. It was so precious. And they met Zeb, my zebra! 🦓
I sense this winter I’ll be reading more. I’m
Hoping this round of scans will be the last for at least 4 months.
God bless you, Dwight! I appreciate you and your wife for praying and supporting me through these years❤️🦓🙏
How wonderful to have such a caring team!
Karla, I love your photos! I’m always excited when I see you have posted on your blog. I pray for you, my friend. 🙏 💕
I was just wondering, does Finley understand that the time changed? Because Henry’s internal clock is still on Daylight Savings Time! That means he wants his dinner at 3:00 instead of 4:00 for example. He wants to get up at 5:30 in the morning instead of 6:30! And the list goes on! 🤣 🐾
Thank you, sweet Cindy, for your precious comments and support.
Henry and Finley are still on the old time! Lol! Same things!
It took me more days than I thought to “recover” from my KC trip and scans. I bet part of it was time change too!
Finn and I send our love, prayers, and hugs ❤️♥️🙏🐾🥰🦓
Sending on love and support!
Blessings, katelon
Thank you, precious Katelon! I appreciate you! Sending you love, prayers, and support too. ♥️❤️🥰🙏
Love the pictorial Karla. Supporting your journey from afar seems miniscule but you have our love and prayer. Glad family is around.
Your support is massive to me, Gary! Those prayers move mountains! Thank you for all you do! I pray and send love daily to the Fultz Family. You are a special group, my friend ♥️🙏
I LOVE the photos of you looking so happy with the fam with your gorgeous smile always no matter what life brings. Wow that’s a freaking lot of treatment but you are courageous and you do bring hope in the way I have never seen it. And girlfriend, Yes “No wonder people think I glow :-)!”
YOU GLOW, YOU GO my sweet darlings soul lil sis!!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxox
Thank you big sis C!! You are so sweet and kind!!
This cancer requires a LOT of scanning! Oh my 😜
I love and appreciate you C!! Sending huge hugs! ♥️🙏💚❤️🥰🥰🦓🤗
Happy NET Day, Karla! And far more importantly, happy every day beyond NET day, dear friend❣
Thank you, dear Mitch!! I appreciate you so much, dear friend!❤️♥️❤️
Praying for you and with you as you continue on this unwelcome journey. Your first story reminds me of a painting I saw in the surgery waiting room at what was then Shawnee Mission Medical Center there in Kansas City. It was an operating room with all the lights and equipment and the doctors and nurses in their scrubs performing a procedure of some kind. But there behind all of them, with his arms open wide, was Jesus. I hope you take that picture into every scan, MRI, and procedure you face. God bless you, Karla.
What a beautiful message!! Thank you so much 🥹♥️🙏 I will “see” that picture too.
Often that’s how I visualize Jesus….in every situation,
I appreciate you so much!
Thank you for sharing your love, wisdom & faith. Hope yesterday with the talking with the ‘medical community’ was a wonderful experience & not too tiring. Praying you feel stronger each day & you feel the love of all your friends and family wrapping you in peace and joy! xo Love Always, Sue
Dear Sue, your message ended up in my spam (so thank you for your sweet text, too). Everything this week has taught me many lessons. It’s a life I didn’t expect, Sue. But it’s LIFE and for that, I’m always grateful. Many challenges have tried to disable my faith. But my faith is solid and strong. Life isn’t better “there”…we’re living our lives HERE, in the NOW. Many won’t see the beauty or wonder because of being disconnected. Sue, I heard a philospher/poet say, “If we don’t learn to shed, we WILL be broken.” Life happens to ALL of us. It’s not easy to choose love; it’s God working through me. With that power, I can choose to see the miracles all around me, too. I know you live this way. I’m wrapping you in love and prayers. Love you, dear Sue. God bless you! xo
Karla– Celebrating your life and your faith and hope in each day. Per your zebra analogy, I thought of this quote from Dr. Seuss: “There’s no limit to how much you will know; depending on how far beyond zebra you’ll go”. Keep going, my friend, far beyond zebra! Peace that passes… Jane
Jane, such a beautiful message! Thank you dear friend! I celebrate your life with you too. Peace that passes….amen! Love and peace to you!
Glad family could be with you little sister. Praying for you.
Hi Karla, thank you for being an advocate and spokesperson for this rare cancer. You make a difference! Now I know why Zeb is part of you. I didn’t know the history behind zebras and why it’s the mascot for NET cancer. I love your photos! Stay strong and positive! Sending you much love! ❤️
Your courage in speaking out and raising awareness about NET cancer is inspirational! Before I came across your blog, I’d never heard of NET, so your voice is educating others. But more important is your positive attitude and your willingness to share your faith. When my husband was dealing with colon/rectal cancer, I discovered just how important a good attitude is, and how valuable support from others is. One of the very few good things about getting cancer is that it opens our eyes to all the love and support that are in our lives, that we simply didn’t notice because we didn’t think we needed it! You are always in my prayers……
Ann, your message is filled with such wisdom for me! I’m so sorry about your husband’s cancer journey.
Support and a good attitude are great healers!
I’m blown away by those who lift me in so many ways. It’s very humbling.
Thank you for walking this journey with me and your continued support, love, and prayers. All my prayers and love to you and yours too, Ann.
As you have walked this journey, I see grace written all over it! Know my friend you are in my prayers daily and I am with you all the way!
Sending love and hugs ❤️🥰🙏🏻❤️
I love you, Pam. Thank you for your never-waivering support, prayers, love, and friendship. It means so much to me.
I feel the love and hugs–so needed and appreciated! I hope you feel mine! ❣️❤️🦓💚🙏🏻
Karla, I appreciate your positive attitude while you walk on a difficult journey. Please continue to let your light shine so many others can see Christ and hope during their difficult days. Praying for you always.
I’ve missed you sweet Tangie. Thank you for your precious friendship, prayers, and support! I’m praying for you always too, sister.❤️♥️🙏💚
Through such difficult times, you never fail to lift my heart, to see the beauty in life and beyond ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, dear friend. ❤️♥️❤️🙏