Tag: support

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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Meaningful May

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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

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Follow-Up Fable🦓

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The trio (Zeb, Kristy, and I) were thrilled. 
My follow-ups were fast and faith-filled. 
A rescheduled flight, one-stop, then D.C.  
The Institute welcomes rare humanity. 

Two scans, scores of blood draws, 
and a sticky I.V. 
Fasting and waiting, 
dreams of driving an R.V. 

Two “Hales” were called
 we stood to take a look.
Another “Hale” but a male?
That’s one for the books! 

Doctors and researchers
 from across the world, 
my tears of gratitude,
 when my story was heard.

My liver and pancreas
 look as good as they should!
The nuances of this cancer 
can be misunderstood. 

A few growing lymph nodes 
and bones need a scan.
Two new mutations 
will be met with a plan.  

A follow-up at home
and a shift in the seasons.
My heart bleeds for others 
As I ponder the reasons. 

Maintenance helps symptoms,
New meds or monthly shots?
I don’t take this for granted,
I'll give it all that I’ve got. 

We're not promised tomorrow 
or a life without pain.  
Wisdom, growth, love, and RARE
are life-altering to gain. 

"Unlike me," Zeb said,
life's not always black and white.
But God made us all unique
and precious in his sight." 


K.L. Hale

Zeb in the waiting room!
Zeb signed in!
Zeb enjoying the night flight!
Zeb loves his travel pack!
Zeb loves the NIH/NCI campus!
Bye-bye, Bethesda.
A hopeful sign!
Thank you, D.C. for the beautiful welcome.

The National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health is in Bethesda, Maryland. As the nation’s leading federal agency for cancer research, NCI has 30 divisions, offices, and centers that work together to build, maintain, and enhance a cohesive and comprehensive cancer research agenda. Their work ranges from cutting-edge research on cancer causes, treatment, and prevention; to training the next generation of cancer researchers; to funding and supporting the nation’s vast network of scientists and cancer research institutions; to informing and educating the American public and the world about cancer. (cancer.gov). A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jonathan Hernandez and Dr. Jaydira Del Rivero. Their expertise and research have and are extending and enriching lives–just like mine! When my mind starts questioning or thinking, “How did I (a middle-aged woman from Missouri) access help from THERE?” I smile and say, “Thank you, God,” for it’s surreal!

Keep the faith-have heart. ❣️🦓 Do you know how loved you are?

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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

©2020-2024 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.

Active Awareness-Part I

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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

K.L. Hale's avatar

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

©2020-2024 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.