Carcinoid Tumor In The Intestines - Diagnosed As Ibs For Years!

My husband just had a small section of his intestines removed, along with about half of a fist-sized carcinoid tumor. It involved the major blood vessels so it could not all be removed. Chemo and radiation are not effective with this tumor. Will meet with the oncologist next month (Sept 2002), and she has suggested shots that help the symptoms. You'd think the dr's would have diagnosed this years ago, as he had all the classic symptoms, but only recently had a CT Scan which showed the tumor. He may have months, maybe years, but he knows he's had it for about 12-14 yrs. It is in one lympth node, which the dr said is not important now, as we know he has the "disease." The Oncologist is suggesting the shots Oxy something, but they do not reduce the tumor.

Has anyone heard that Broccoli Sprouts reduce tumors (better than broccoli itself)? 1 oz = 2 lbs of broccoli. We bought some capsules and hope it will help, otherwise, there is no known pharmacological product to reduce the tumor.

Help?
Lois in Missouri

Lois,
This message comes very late, but have you found the Carcinoid Foundation website? www.carcinoid.org Yahoo Groups also has a carcinoid discussion ongoing. I know that MDAnderson in Houston in starting a reseach program for carcinoid tumors that are inoperable - Dr. Ajani (or something like that) is doing the study. The trouble with carcinoid is that it is so rare it is often misdiagnosed and mistreated.
I was recently diagnosed and had surgery. My tumor was 4 cm. and there was also some lymph node involvement. From what I have been told, the tumor is not the issue - just the primary site for the disease. There are a few specialists out there. Hopefully, your oncologist will work with them.

Martha

Martha, thank you for the information. My husband seems to be doing well, but each day I worry about the re-growth, as the tumor was the size of the dr's fist, but he only got half of it and it will regrow.

I will definitely try the Carcinoid Foundation site.

We saw the broccoli sprouts are very effective for shrinking tumors, but he does not like the sprouts (I eat them, they are great on salads, sandwiches and even tacos!)
He took the sprout capsules for awhile. I'd love to be in touch with someone else who shares our problems.
Lois in MO.