Tag: scans

NET Cancer Day 2025

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“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.

Property of INCA
Click here to visit the NCF!

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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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

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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.

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Ode to October

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Ode To October 
Oh, October, a month for goodbyes and hellos.
Where are the falling temps and colorful leaves,
that bring joy to me, yet, a summer person grieves?
When will we bid farewell and welcome?
The goodbye to heat drags, it doesn't want to end.
The hellos, just like clouds, in warm air suspend.

Oh, October you had me at the first day.
Colorful views, hiking, and the crispness of air,
always refreshen my soul and chase away despair.
Like many great things you’ve waited until the end.
For the holiday and the change is crammed in a week,
I forgive you October, for waiting until November to peak. 

K.L. Hale

Due to weather, I couldn’t “light” our first Flannel with Faith fire.Our group was small due to sicknesses and life; yet our discussions on finding rest in God “fired up” our faith. Our glows for God sparked hope!

My hope CAN’T be in this world. Shutdowns, the economy, illness, hurt, and despair. Where can one find joy? hope? Someone who cares? I’ve EXPERIENCED a God WHO CARES. He may not “fix” the problems at hand, but HE never leaves me. HE provides just what I NEED, and I know one day where I’ll BE. The days fly by and my hope stays grounded. Friends, you are loved. No matter what. 💚

Silver Dollar City!
Breast Cancer Awareness Pumpkins❣️
While painting
Finished project!
A small apple inside that crust with cinnamon ice cream! YUM!

Silver Dollar City and our area is filled with great nature places, people, and things to do. Do you know what’s special about the Ozarks? Well, to me,…it’s home. Have hope, my friends. May your home be filled with happiness as we end another month.

Have hope. Keep the faith, friends.💚

Have you heard of NET, yet?🦓

Friends, I’m returning to St. Lukes this week for scans and bloodwork. My last bone infusion and bloodwork went well. Meanwhile, I’m focusing on nourishing my body with wholesome foods, as I always do, allowing for occasional treats. Also, I’m cultivating a positive mindset, focusing on what is true, honorable, just, pure, and lovely, as Philippians 4:8 encourages. My son in Japan is doing well–his sweet family is in the midst of welcoming winter in Alaska, like Alaska just does! I’ll spend this week with my youngest son and his family. My treat is spending Halloween with them. Ah, Ode to October! Have a blessed last week of October and a safe & fun Halloween!🎃🥧

See you in November!

November 10th NET Cancer Awareness Day! If you or are loved one are living with NET cancer, click on the pic for a treasure trove of healthful information, vidoes, expert advice, and so much more! Thank you to the Directors, leaders, and members of our support group at the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation for all you do to help us in our daily lives!

Take a leap of faith and read more!

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