Winning the Fight Against Neuroendocrine Cancer Mercy Medical Angels

Two years ago, William started having health issues. Doctors dismissed it. His wife, Terri, began to worry. “They kept saying he had food poisoning,” said Terri. However, she suspected it was more than food poisoning. Then, a blood test confirmed her worries: William had neuroendocrine cancer.

The cancer spread rapidly through William’s body. It attacked his pancreas. He needed a major surgery to remove it. After the operation, he had to stay in the hospital for a month.

“We save every penny just to keep a roof over our heads,” said Terri. The surgery and hospital stays were expensive, and the cancer wasn’t quitting. She had to find a better option to save William’s life.

Neuroendocrine cancer is extremely rare. Because of that, very few doctors can correctly diagnose and treat it. Dr. Liu is one of the top specialists in the country. Aside from treating the disease, he tries to spread awareness of it.

There was only one problem. Dr. Liu’s practice is in Denver, CO – over 1,700 miles away from William’s home. The round trip tickets would be too costly.

Mercy Medical Angels and the American Cancer Society teamed up to support William. Through a partnership with Delta Airlines, the American Cancer Society can help fund transportation for cancer patients. Mercy Medical Angels arranges the travel.

William was able to travel to Denver. His daughter accompanied him. “Mercy Medical Angels enabled us to get there,” said Terri, “which relieved our financial struggles.”

Dr. Liu compared the treatment options to “tools in a toolbox.” It requires much more caution than a construction job: “You have to use the right tools at the right time.” One tool is an injection. It has kept the cancer in check for a whole year. Another tool is a Gallium scan. It makes images that are more precise than an MRI, and can spot tumors that would normally go unnoticed.

The way neuroendocrine cancer develops is borderline unpredictable. “You really have to follow closely.” said Terri. Dr. Liu is doing just that. The treatment plan involves working with doctors whose practices aren’t so far away. This careful monitoring will ensure that William has the best shot at life.

William’s fight with neuroendocrine cancer is is far from over. “We’re confident and positive that we’re doing the right thing,” said Terri. Knowing a specialist is on their side “gives us hope.”

“William still has a lot of living to do.” said Terri. Mercy Medical Angels, the American Cancer Society, and Dr. Liu will make sure that happens. Fighting neuroendocrine cancer is hard, and the disease won’t pull any punches. But with a strong corner, William is ready to win the next rounds.