NET Cancer Day 2026

There are paths in life we consciously choose to walk.Trails forced upon us that we never asked to trek. For many facing neuroendocrine cancer, the initial journey is defined not just by a disease, but by hesitation: the choice to endure lingering symptoms to silence, to normalize the exhaustion, or to dismiss the subtle warning signs because stepping onto the road of diagnosis feels too daunting! It’s not about ignoring reality. But about the sheer exhaustion of trying to make the unknown “heard”. Years of symptoms and questions. Thriving with this demands navigating uncertainty, the medical mazes, and the waiting rooms. Since my diagnosis, this journey continues asking me to step forward in faith-to look the unknown in the eye while praying with hope for stability. Thank you, God, for being my strength and steady ground!

Have you heard of NET, yet?🦓

The Diagnostic Challenge-Over 90% of all Neuroendocrine Tumor (NET) patients are initially misdiagnosed and treated for the wrong disease (such as IBS or asthma), often leading to significant delays in getting answers.

Initiatives by INCA and organizations like NCF emphasize early detection and awareness with campaigns centered around recognizing NET behind common, lingering symptoms (like flushing, chronic fatigue, abdominal pain, or wheezing).

NET Cancer Day unites patients, caregivers, and advocates worldwide using the zebra symbol to push for better research, specialized treatments, and the core message that NETs are not rare—they are frequently dismissed, underdiagnosed, and forgotten.

It’s no coincidence that I have my Dotatate PET scan TODAY. Last week, after my “Godsmacked” experience of wanting a “quick fix” NOW for energy, fatigue,…and headaches, I’m expecting reassuring news of continued stability since March and the last 3 PRRT treatments. My bone marrow might be slow to recover, but my Spirit is healed. When my energy is low, my faith is HIGH. My fellow zebra friends and I often discuss “scanxiety”. The frequent scans, blood draws, appointments–it’s a marathon; not a sprint! That’s life for all of us, dear friends. Please know how GRATEFUL I am for your continued friendship, prayers, and partnership. For reading about my marathon and cheering me on in the stands. Do you know how much it means to me? DO YOU REALLY KNOW how LOVED YOU ARE?

THANK YOU’S~

To my sons and daughter-in-love’s-Jarrod & Brooke, Jay & Cierra, and my precious grandkids-Asher, Ainsley, & Whitley-I love you all to infinity and beyond. Your love and support, even with distance, propels me! It motivates me to continue walking in resilience and love. To my precious and amazing parents, sisters, brother-in-law, niece, nephew, and host of MANY family members–your love and support continue to lift me. To my immediate friends–your hands and feet that help me. I couldn’t walk this path without all of you. I LOVE YOU ALL!

I’d like to also thank my amazing team of doctors here in the 417-land. Dr. Lobins, Nurse Kayla and the crew, Dr. Woodall, the entire staff at the Hulston Cancer Center infusion center (their leader is phenominal, too!), Dr. Jaydera Del Rivero for her exhausting and continued expertise, medical care, and teaching, Dr. Hernandez, my surgeon from the NIH/NCI and his team. And now to my newest NET specialty doctor–Dr. MoSalem at St. Luke’s in Kansas City. Again, it was NO COINCIDENCE that Dr. MoSalem opened up a clinic specializing in NET in the Missouri region! I’m so thankful for he and his nurse, Abbi! After my scan today, I will meet with Dr. Lobins and Dr. MoSalem to discuss results and continue monthly injections (and infusions as needed) to keep this cancer “at bay”.

To anyone battling NET cancer, ANY cancer, or disease– we are MORE than the disease, the diagnosis (or misdiagnoses) and more than the waiting rooms. I know the architect of my HOPE and TRUTH. Our Creator, King, Redeemer, and Friend! Our Savior! I pray you DO, too!

Keep the faith. Don’t lose hope, dear friends. 💚

“She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt her body that she was healed of her disease. And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?” And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?'” And he looked around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happend to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” Mark 5: 27-34

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I want to dedicate today’s NET Cancer post to Lisa Yen, wife of the late and beloved Tom Bajoras. Tom’s legacy lives on through Lisa-and his music. She’s dedicated many years to the neuroendocrine foundation and its cause. Through her loss and love for Tom, she will continue to advocate and lead. We have lost so many amazing friends in our organization. Many had personal and positive impacts on me, just like Tom and Lisa. Thank you to Heather, our Director of Community Engagement, for her tireless advocacy. She lost her precious mother to NET and also continues to lead our group! Thank you, Mary, Brent, and all of our mentors and members. I love you all!

Support NET cancer awareness with items from our Finley River Collection—a portion of proceeds helps spread awareness and support fellow zebra warriors!

☕ Finley River NET Cancer Awareness Mug – Start your morning with a reminder of hope, strength, and resilience.

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