Von Hippel Lindau syndrome (VHL)

Hi all. Don't know if this is the right place for this - did a search, which brought up nothing.

Diagnosed with this 8 years ago; shan't bore you with the detail, but this is truly a genetic cancer nightmare. My father died of it aged 42 and his mother at the age of 36. It is only the wonders of modern surgery, radiology and chemistry that allows me to write this at the age of 58.

Currently (starting at the top!)

Haemangioblastoma inside the cervical spinal cord. They won't touch this until they have to.

Haemangioblastomas in both eyes. These are lasered as they arise.

Neuroendocrine tumours in the head of the Pancreas; awaiting biopsy results to see what can be done, if anything.

Phaeochromocytomas in both adrenal glands; both surgically removed with their associated glands.

Kidneys - multiple bilateral cysts, pre cancerous for RCC. Awaiting surgery.

I feel that I've managed to keep The Reaper skulking in the bushes for most of the time - just starting to get worried that he's making ground.

My thoughts are with all on here, and their loved ones, who have little hope. My experience, and my message - accept nothing, challenge all their decisions, push all the way. Never tolerate silence as an answer.

Richard.

Parents
  • Hi Richard

    Just logged on and seen you have no replies as yet so though I know nothing about your form of genetic cancer just wanted to welcome you to this forum and thank you for sharing your story. You have been on quite a journey which cannot have been an easy one bearing in mind you lost  your father at an early age.  As you rightly say with the wonders of improving treatment/surgery you are still fighting on  I wish you all the best with the results you now await and do come and share again. I suspect your cancer if pretty rare and there may not be many here who know of it specifically but there are many friendly supportive people who chat/read posts so hope you will not feel alone.  Best wishes Jules54

Reply
  • Hi Richard

    Just logged on and seen you have no replies as yet so though I know nothing about your form of genetic cancer just wanted to welcome you to this forum and thank you for sharing your story. You have been on quite a journey which cannot have been an easy one bearing in mind you lost  your father at an early age.  As you rightly say with the wonders of improving treatment/surgery you are still fighting on  I wish you all the best with the results you now await and do come and share again. I suspect your cancer if pretty rare and there may not be many here who know of it specifically but there are many friendly supportive people who chat/read posts so hope you will not feel alone.  Best wishes Jules54

Children
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