Some Facts

The facts as we know it are that Alex, who will be 36 in June, has been diagnosed with a malignant (cancerous) carcinoid tumor. His symptoms have been reoccurring coughing fits with blood for some time now, increasing fatigue, and shortness of breath.

**Insert disclaimer** Before you read further, please understand I am in NO way a medical expert and disclose that this information is strictly for the purpose of sharing one experience, not intended to be used to help others self-diagnose, etc.

Carcinoid. A carcinoid tumor is somewhat of a hybrid tumor in the world of cancer. When biopsied, we have been told that these tumors most often have malignant properties with benign behaviors. In Alex's case, the tumor itself is cancerous, but it is a slow grower and has not metastasized (or spread) which is more classic behavior of a non-cancerous tumor. Certainly a positive in a negative situation!

The tumor is shaped similar to a tree. It has a stem that is attached to the wall of his right bronchial tube. From there grows the bulk of the tumor which is closer to the opening of the bronchial tube into the trachea. This blockage has left Alex with just 60% airflow between the 2 lungs. Definitely explains the shortness of breath. Also, with each breath, the tumor moves & bleeds a little which is the likely cause of his constant need to cough and also explains where the blood is coming from.