It's A Toomah...

Now we've just got to find the little bugger(s)! Last night I received my newest test results from my doctor: the 5HIAA test (which is a byproduct of seratonin and a marker for carcinoid syndrome) came back positive for the second time, with results elevated from the previous test. We are moving forward with a CT scan, a octreotide scan, and a visit to a GI specialist. Merry Freakin' Christmas! At least now we know what direction we are moving in. I am staying positive and know that everything will turn out. We told the kids tonight that the doctors think Mom has the big "C", but that I'm going to be okay. They know I've been sick for quite some time and we wanted to be up front with them about my situation. We also told them they're getting a trampoline for Christmas to soften the blow. I have so much love and support in my life and I'm truly blessed with a strong support system to weather this storm. I have felt everyone's love, support, and prayers and know that they will help my family get through this.

A little info:

Carcinoid Syndrome and Carcinoid Tumors at a Glance

• Carcinoid tumors are rare tumors that develop from hormone-producing cells called enterochromaffin cells that occur throughout the body with approximately 65% originating in the gastrointestinal tract and 25% in the lungs.
• Carcinoid tumors can occur almost anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract but primarily in the stomach, small intestine, appendix, colon, and rectum.
• Carcinoid tumors can be benign or malignant.
• The carcinoid syndrome is a syndrome that is caused by the release of hormones from carcinoid tumors, but only 10% of carcinoid tumors cause the carcinoid syndrome.
• The carcinoid syndrome may include manifestations such as abdominal pain, wheezing, facial flushing, diarrhea, heart disease, and "carcinoid crisis."
• Metastatic carcinoid tumors can be diagnosed by CT or MRI scans, indium 111 octreotide scans, and bone scans.
• Carcinoid tumors can be managed with observation, surgery, cryotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, hepatic artery embolization, interferon therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.