{"id":7323,"date":"2018-12-20T16:40:24","date_gmt":"2018-12-20T16:40:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/observant-decision.flywheelsites.com\/ky-lexington\/?page_id=7323"},"modified":"2025-01-06T16:32:06","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T16:32:06","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chapter.netcan.org\/ky-lexington\/","title":{"rendered":"Home"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1539476912384{border-bottom-width: 10px !important;background-color: #016566 !important;background-position: 0 0 !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;border-bottom-color: #035455 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1549403858215{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;padding-right: 30px !important;padding-left: 40px !important;background-image: url(https:\/\/chapter.netcan.org\/ky-lexington\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2019\/02\/f_ky_state_15_logo.png?id=7791) !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_empty_space height=”100″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1539544408454{padding-right: 25px !important;padding-left: 25px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1558293107606{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

ncan support groups \u2013 kentucky chapter
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[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”2″ css=”.vc_custom_1545339610002{padding-top: 10px !important;}” accent_color=”#e3e3e3″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1539208118513{padding-right: 50px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1545339415810{padding-bottom: 25px !important;background-color: #e3e3e3 !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”15″ css=”.vc_custom_1545339688776{background-color: #bbbbbb !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”7789″ alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1549403790916{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”2″ accent_color=”#999999″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Meet Geri<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”2″ accent_color=”#999999″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1549402581390{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Geri was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Cancer in 2003. She lives in Lexington, Kentucky where she receives her care at Markey Cancer Center by NETS specialist, Dr. Lowell Anthony. She believes that it is important to remain active and to give back to the Cancer community. To do this she serves on the Patient Advisory Board at Markey and by being the facilitator for the NCAN support group in Kentucky. She also serves as Patient Ambassador through Lexicon Pharmacuticals, which allows her to share her story to encourage other Neuroendocrine patients on a national level. Her greatest loves are her faith, family and friends and she says that she is blessed to remain active in the lives of her grandchildren.<\/span><\/h6>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”2″ css=”.vc_custom_1736175526548{margin-top: 5px !important;}” accent_color=”#999999″][vc_single_image image=”7888″ alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1736175316167{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”2″ accent_color=”#999999″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Meet Gigi<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”2″ accent_color=”#999999″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1736174880172{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Gigi’s Journey with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Cancer (pNET)<\/span><\/h6>\n
In July\/August 2020, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor (pNET), Grade 1 \u2013 a rare type of pancreatic cancer that accounts for only 1% of pancreatic cancers. Unlike the more aggressive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, my cancer arises from the islet cells of the pancreas, the same type that Steve Jobs and Aretha Franklin battled.<\/span><\/h6>\n
Leading up to my diagnosis, I experienced symptoms that are now unmistakable indicators of neuroendocrine cancer: facial flushing, heart palpitations, severe abdominal pain, and diarrhea. An irregular heartbeat prompted me to visit the ER, where a cardiologist’s evaluation led to further tests. It was a liver biopsy that revealed the true diagnosis, proving how crucial it is for specialists to recognize these subtle symptoms.<\/span><\/h6>\n
For a year and a half after surgery, I was no evidence of disease. During this time, I resumed cycling, achieving over 2,000 miles on my bike. But when my tumors reappeared in my liver, I began monthly Lanreotide injections \u2013 a life-extending treatment with difficult side effects, including steatorrhea (fat digestion issues), excessive gas, and blood sugar problems. In fact, my treatment led to a secondary diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, which I now manage daily.<\/span><\/h6>\n
Throughout this journey, I\u2019ve learned how important early detection and specialist care are. pNET is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed because its symptoms \u2013 hormonal issues, flushing, and even irregular heartbeat \u2013 are subtle and can mimic other conditions like menopause or IBS. I\u2019ve also come to understand that pNET tumors can be functional (secreting hormones and causing carcinoid syndrome) or non-functional, making diagnosis even trickier.<\/span><\/h6>\n
Living with cancer is a lifelong journey, but I am committed to raising awareness and sharing my story. As a chapter leader for NCAN (Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network), I advocate for better education about neuroendocrine cancers, ensuring others find the right specialists and treatments before it\u2019s too late.<\/span><\/h6>\n
I continue to face this slow-growing cancer with resilience, drawing on my background as a competitive swimmer \u2013 knowing that sometimes, you simply have to face the challenge head-on, one stroke at a time.<\/span><\/h6>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1539544932878{padding-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1549402620101{padding-top: 25px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Ms. Geri McDowell
\n<\/span><\/h3>\n

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KENTUCKY SUPPORT GROUP LEADER<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

(859) 576-3299<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

pgmcdowell@aol.com<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h5>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1736181121325{padding-top: 25px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Ms. Gigi Baker
\n<\/span><\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

KENTUCKY SUPPORT GROUP LEADER<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

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(425) 442-2240<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

gigi.ky.NCAN@gmail.com<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/h5>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”GROUP MEETING CALENDAR” style=”custom” custom_background=”#016566″ custom_text=”#ffffff” shape=”round” size=”xs” align=”left” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-calendar-o” css=”.vc_custom_1545175493240{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 25px !important;}” add_icon=”true” link=”||target:%20_blank|”][vc_separator color=”custom” style=”dotted” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3e3e3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1545239591678{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

WHERE WE MEET<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” style=”dotted” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3e3e3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1549406969348{padding-top: 25px !important;}”]NCAN Kentucky Blugrass Zebras
\nUK Markey Cancer Center
\n800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY, 40536
\n<\/span><\/strong>(check email for occasional venue changes)<\/em><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_gmaps link=”#E-8_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” size=”” css=”.vc_custom_1549402884592{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” style=”dotted” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3e3e3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1545239644093{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

WHEN WE MEET<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” style=”dotted” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3e3e3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1582741278879{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Our support group meets monthly on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 1-3PM at Markey Cancer Center. <\/strong><\/em>Meeting reminders are sent out via email to members and posted on our website as well as Markey Cancer Centers website.<\/strong><\/em>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1569883600511{padding-bottom: 25px !important;}”]Next meeting: To Be Determined.<\/strong> The exact dates and times will vary, so check with me<\/strong><\/em><\/a>\u00a0 before hand, or join our group<\/a><\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 and receive email updates.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” style=”dotted” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3e3e3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1545239631765{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

ABOUT OUR GROUP<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” style=”dotted” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3e3e3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1582741316782{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]NCAN Chapter Support Group meetings are built on the concept of patients helping patients.<\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”7794″ img_size=”750×495″ css=”.vc_custom_1549406888229{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1569883618924{padding-bottom: 25px !important;}”]Our meetings are all about getting to know people who understand exactly what you\u2019re going through, and about getting you the most up-to-date information on NET testing, treatment options, and lifestyle tips.<\/p>\n

Meetings are open to all fellow carcinoid\/NETS Cancer patients, caregivers, family members and their friends.<\/strong> We come together to share our concerns and support each other. We also learn ways to educate ourselves and raise awareness of our disease.<\/p>\n

We hope you decide to JOIN<\/a> us at an upcoming meeting\u2026we look so forward to meeting you!<\/strong><\/em>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”7793″ img_size=”750×500″ css=”.vc_custom_1549406777753{padding-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”7795″ img_size=”750×500″ css=”.vc_custom_1549406765794{padding-bottom: 25px !important;}”][vc_btn title=”JOIN US” style=”custom” custom_background=”#94070a” custom_text=”#ffffff” shape=”round” size=”lg” align=”left” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-heart” css=”.vc_custom_1569883632238{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}” add_icon=”true” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fchapter.netcan.org%2Fky-lexington%2Fkentucky-chapter-membership-form%2F|||”][vc_btn title=”JOIN US ON FB” style=”custom” custom_background=”#94070a” custom_text=”#ffffff” shape=”round” size=”lg” align=”left” i_icon_fontawesome=”fab fa-facebook” css=”.vc_custom_1610319605659{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;}” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fgroups%2F1688936128069501|title:Facebook|target:_blank”][vc_separator color=”custom” style=”dotted” border_width=”5″ accent_color=”#e3e3e3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1547872314401{padding-top: 25px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Get Involved<\/span><\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”ATTEND AN NCAN EVENT” style=”custom” custom_background=”#999999″ custom_text=”#ffffff” shape=”round” size=”lg” align=”center” i_type=”entypo” i_icon_entypo=”entypo-icon entypo-icon-users” css=”.vc_custom_1547872329607{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}” button_block=”true” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.netcancerawareness.org%2Fupcoming-events%2F|title:www.netcancerawareness.org%2Fupcoming-events%2F|target:%20_blank|”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1547872369526{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Support NCAN’s Mission<\/span><\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”MAKE A DONATION TODAY” style=”custom” custom_background=”#999999″ custom_text=”#ffffff” shape=”round” size=”lg” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-usd” css=”.vc_custom_1547872385035{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 25px !important;}” button_block=”true” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.netcancerawareness.org%2Fdonations-funding%2F|title:www.netcancerawareness.org%2Fdonations-funding%2F|target:%20_blank|”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1545339740740{background-color: #e3e3e3 !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”15″ css=”.vc_custom_1547944631783{margin-bottom: 15px !important;background-color: #bbbbbb !important;}”][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”post-sidebar”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1539552264609{background-color: #035455 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”35″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1539476912384{border-bottom-width: 10px !important;background-color: #016566 !important;background-position: 0 0 !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;border-bottom-color: #035455 !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1549403858215{margin-top: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;padding-right: 30px !important;padding-left: 40px !important;background-image: url(https:\/\/chapter.netcan.org\/ky-lexington\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/14\/2019\/02\/f_ky_state_15_logo.png?id=7791) !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_empty_space height=”100″][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1539544408454{padding-right: 25px !important;padding-left: 25px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1558293107606{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”] ncan support groups \u2013 kentucky chapter [\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”2″ css=”.vc_custom_1545339610002{padding-top: 10px !important;}” accent_color=”#e3e3e3″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1539208118513{padding-right: 50px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/4″ css=”.vc_custom_1545339415810{padding-bottom: 25px !important;background-color: #e3e3e3 !important;}”][vc_empty_space height=”15″ css=”.vc_custom_1545339688776{background-color: #bbbbbb !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”7789″ alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1549403790916{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”2″ accent_color=”#999999″][vc_column_text] Meet Geri [\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”2″ accent_color=”#999999″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1549402581390{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;}”] Geri was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Cancer in 2003. She lives in Lexington, Kentucky where she receives her care at Markey Cancer Center by NETS specialist, Dr. Lowell Anthony. She believes that it is important to remain active and to give back to the Cancer community. To do this she serves on the Patient Advisory Board at Markey and by being the facilitator for the NCAN support group in Kentucky. She also serves as Patient Ambassador through Lexicon Pharmacuticals, which allows her to share her story to encourage other Neuroendocrine patients on a national level. Her greatest loves are her faith, family and friends and she says that she is blessed to remain active in the lives of her grandchildren. [\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”2″ css=”.vc_custom_1736175526548{margin-top: 5px !important;}” accent_color=”#999999″][vc_single_image image=”7888″ alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1736175316167{padding-top: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}”][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”2″ accent_color=”#999999″][vc_column_text css=””] Meet Gigi [\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”2″ accent_color=”#999999″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1736174880172{padding-top: 15px !important;padding-bottom: 5px !important;}”] Gigi’s Journey with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Cancer (pNET) In July\/August 2020, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor (pNET), Grade 1 \u2013 a rare type of pancreatic cancer that accounts for only 1% of pancreatic cancers. Unlike the more aggressive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, my cancer arises from the islet cells of the pancreas, the same type that Steve Jobs and Aretha Franklin battled. Leading up to my diagnosis, I experienced symptoms that are now unmistakable indicators of neuroendocrine cancer: facial flushing, heart palpitations, severe abdominal pain, and diarrhea. An irregular heartbeat prompted me to visit the ER, where a cardiologist’s evaluation led to further tests. It was a liver biopsy that revealed the true diagnosis, proving how crucial it is for specialists to recognize these subtle symptoms. For a year and a half after surgery, I was no evidence of disease. During this time, I resumed cycling, achieving over 2,000 miles on my bike. But when my tumors reappeared in my liver, I began monthly Lanreotide injections \u2013 a life-extending treatment with difficult side effects, including steatorrhea (fat digestion issues), excessive gas, and blood sugar problems. In fact, my treatment led to a secondary diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, which I now manage daily. Throughout this journey, I\u2019ve learned how important early detection and specialist care are. pNET is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed because its symptoms \u2013 hormonal issues, flushing, and even irregular heartbeat \u2013 are subtle and can mimic other conditions like menopause or IBS. I\u2019ve also come to understand that pNET tumors can be functional (secreting hormones and causing carcinoid syndrome) or non-functional, making diagnosis even trickier. Living with cancer is a lifelong journey, but I am committed to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-7323","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chapter.netcan.org\/ky-lexington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7323","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chapter.netcan.org\/ky-lexington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chapter.netcan.org\/ky-lexington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chapter.netcan.org\/ky-lexington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chapter.netcan.org\/ky-lexington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7323"}],"version-history":[{"count":18,"href":"https:\/\/chapter.netcan.org\/ky-lexington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7323\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7895,"href":"https:\/\/chapter.netcan.org\/ky-lexington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7323\/revisions\/7895"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chapter.netcan.org\/ky-lexington\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7323"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}