Preliminary Biopsy Confirms Neuroendocrine Tumor

Dear Friends, Family, and Colleagues:

It has been an exhausting day, to say the least.

The short and quick news is that the preliminary biopsy confirms that the growth, located between my rectum and bladder (below the seminal vesicles), is a neuroendocrine tumor. We will not know the full pathology for at least a week. I plan on calling Dr. Zu on Monday to discuss these preliminary findings, and to formulate a plan of action.

What makes this confusing is the nature of neuroendocrine tumors. The one on my pancreas and the one on my liver are malignant, but have been treated successfully for four years with Afinitor. Tuberous Sclerosis, with which I was diagnosed in 1979 when I was 12, can also result in neuroendocrine tumors (and SEGA tumors, a benign tumor I have in my brain). Dr. Zu believes that the genetic expression of my tumors is determined by my Tuberous Sclerosis.

What we know tonight that we did not know before is that the tumor in question is a neuroendocrine tumor.

Beyond that, we will see what Dr. Zu and the full pathology report shows.

So many of you have supported Christine and me through this trying time. A hearty thank you to Margaret, Sandy, Will, Joe and Sharon, Andy and Erin for being with us today.

I assure you that I am resolved in my faith and belief, and am prepared to confront this challenge with vim and vigor.

With love,

Andrew