“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.

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!

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All photos by K.L. Hale-special moments in the last 2 years.

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