Hi everyone

I am a 23 year old female and recently have been told that I had a carcinoid tumour on my appendix. I had been suffering symptoms for quite some time, but found it strange that the only symptom I had of appendicitis was some discomfort and pain. At the time they did ultrasound, blood tests and confirmed that my white blood cell count was high, and again put it don’t to appendix. I was VERY hesitant for the surgeons to remove my appendix as I just didn’t feel in that much pain, but because my appendix was seen to be inflamed on ultrasound- obviously that’s what we went with.

After the surgery I was told everything was fine, and that it wasn't as inflamed as they thought- I was annoyed but relieved I guess in a way as I wouldn’t have the risk of it rupturing in the future. My appendix were sent off for the routine check and a few weeks later I received a letter saying that I had to go to the hospital for what I thought, and was led to believe, a routine check up for the surgery. During these last few weeks, and months leading up to the surgery, I just didn't feel right. Constantly tired, nauseated, couldn't sleep properly, fast heartbeat, severe weight loss and doctors just kept putting it down to the flu, iron deficiency, run down, anxiety. I purchased a business about a 1 ½ ago so It made sense at the time.

My tumour was under the “concerned size” however I am currently waiting on blood tests and further instructions from my oncologist to make sure that nothing nasty is left in my body. I am obviously very stressed, and its worsening the symptoms I already have. I am trying to keep as positive as possible, but due to family history it is just a little freighting.

Can anyone advise me if they had something similar? The doctor and oncologist can’t believe how  young I am to have this type of tumour considering how rare it is etc…well according to them.

Thank you!