Happy Spring sunshine -off to Hawaii!

What a beautiful spring day it is! I am getting ready for my trip to Hawaii. It turns out I need to take some Octreotide short acting injectable with me for the last 10 days. When I was first diagnosed in October 2011 I had to give myself 3 shots per day in the tummy. I did this for 6 weeks until they could tell that I was tolerating the medication well. Then we went to the LAR 30 long acting shots that I get once every 28 days in my hip area (alternating sides). So for the last 10 days I'm in Hawaii I'll be giving myself the injections again. Only this time I have lost all sensitivity in the area where I get the shots due to the surgeries so I shouldn't even feel the injections. :-) It is a very tiny needle and I tolerated the shots well. The every 28 days shot is a very large needle. I have to bring the viles of Octreotide and syringes on the plane in my carry on along with a letter from my doctor. Octreotide has to be refrigerated so I have to take a cold bag with me and ask the flight attendants to put it in the fridge on the airplane. This will be interesting. As long as they understand I'm not a security threat. :-)

I got a massage this morning and have Paityn and my friend Louise over for the day. We are going to walk the 3 mile Seward Park Loop. My yard is full of color and blooming spring plants. This makes me really cheerful every time I see and smell it. I've got wonderful little Easter baskets for the 3 grandkids all ready to give since I won't be here on Easter. There are a lot of good bunny and spring books for little ones. I got a Grandma Loves You book that is so darling.

My darling husband is finishing up our taxes and the kids tonight before we leave for Hawaii. There are many benefits to having a Corporate Controller husband when it comes to budgets and taxes.

Below is an interesting email I got today from the company that distributes Octreotide.

Happy Spring!!!

Love,
Caryn





Dear RealSupport Member,

As a person living with the challenges of metastatic carcinoid tumors (carcinoid syndrome), it is important to know that you are not alone. There are many others who face the same challenges and have the same questions that you may have.

In response to your request for additional support, I am pleased to welcome you to RealSupport, a new program exclusively for people who are coping with the daily challenges of living with carcinoid syndrome. Your doctor may have told you about Sandostatin^® LAR Depot (octreotide acetate for injectable suspension). Sandostatin^® LAR Depot (octreotide acetate for injectable suspension) is indicated for long-term treatment of the severe diarrhea and flushing associated with metastatic carcinoid tumors and long-term treatment of the profuse watery diarrhea associated with VIP-secreting tumors in patients in who initial treatment with immediate release Sandostatin^® (octreotide acetate) Injection has been shown to be effective and tolerated. In patients with carcinoid syndrome and VIPomas, the effect of Sandostatin Injection and Sandostatin LAR Depot on tumor size, rate of growth and development of metastases has not been determined. Treatment with Sandostatin LAR Depot may affect gallbladder function, sugar metabolism, thyroid and heart function, and nutritional absorption, which may require monitoring by your doctor. Please see additional Important Safety Information below.

I have learned a lot since my diagnosis with carcinoid syndrome. As a retired school teacher, I have a strong belief in the value of education and support. RealSupport offers you a chance to learn about the challenges of carcinoid syndrome and about the experiences of other patients.

While RealSupport does not replace the guidance you receive from your health care team, it will serve as an additional source of information about carcinoid syndrome.

Through this program, you will receive:

• Patient Webcasts that give you a chance to view brief videos hosted by experts who can provide real insights into living with carcinoid syndrome
• Podcasts (ie, audio programs) via e-mail, featuring stories of real people with carcinoid syndrome
• A Treatment Journal designed specifically for people living with the severe diarrhea and flushing associated with carcinoid syndrome

If your doctor prescribes Sandostatin LAR in the near future, you will have the opportunity to update your information and receive appropriate support materials.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Warnings and Precautions: Treatment with Sandostatin^® LAR Depot may affect gallbladder function, sugar metabolism, thyroid and heart function, and nutritional absorption, which may require monitoring by your doctor.
Before taking Sandostatin^® LAR Depot: Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or are taking other medications, including: cyclosporine, insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, beta-blockers, and bromocriptine.
Common side effects: Most patients experience side effects at some time. Some common side effects you may experience include: back pain, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, and dizziness.
Other information: Patients with carcinoid tumors and VIPomas should adhere closely to their scheduled return visits for reinjection in order to minimize exacerbation of symptoms.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Sandostatin^® LAR Depot (octreotide acetate for injectable suspension) is indicated for long-term treatment of the severe diarreha and flushing episodes associated with metastatic carcinoid tumors and long-term treatment of the profuse watery diarrhea associated with VIP-secreting tumors in patients in whom initial treatment with immeditate release Sandostatin^® (octreotide acetate) Injection has been shown to be effective and tolerated. In patients with carcinoid syndrome and VIPomas, the effect of Sandostatin Injection and Sandostatin LAR Depot on tumor size, rate of growth and development of metastases has not been determined.