Living Creatively with Stage 4 Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: Anita’s Story
When Anita was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroendocrine carcinoma at just 22, her world flipped. Life became unfamiliar and uncertain, but not without meaning. Despite facing a rare and aggressive form of cancer, she’s discovered ways to stay grounded and empowered through art, advocacy, and honoring her father’s legacy.
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Katrina Villareal
Anita’s symptoms of leg spasms and abdominal swelling began seven months after her father passed away from skin cancer, but they were initially dismissed as due to stress and anxiety. Frustrated and unheard, she pushed for answers, eventually heading to the ER one Saturday, expecting a quick scan before a beach day. Instead, she was told she had more than 16 tumors and had to stay overnight. That moment unraveled everything.
Doctors first suspected Ewing sarcoma. After weeks in the hospital and a biopsy sent to Mayo Clinic, her stage 4 neuroendocrine carcinoma diagnosis was confirmed. Her liver hosted a massive 12-centimeter tumor, and the cancer had spread to her bones. The treatment plan? Lifelong chemo.
The early rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy were brutal. Worse, a failed clinical trial for stage 4 neuroendocrine carcinoma treatment and unchecked tumor growth led to partial paralysis. Emergency spinal surgery, intense radiation, and learning to walk again became Anita’s new reality. Yet through it all, she found a powerful coping tool: art.
Anita creates alien-themed cancer awareness art under the name “Awkward Life of Cancer,” with a character named Apollo who represents the unique, isolating experience of living with cancer. She channels awkwardness, grief, and hope into creativity, making something deeply personal and universally relatable. For her, Apollo is for anyone who feels misunderstood or otherworldly in their pain.
These days, Anita continues chemotherapy at home and goes for infusions every two weeks. She’s rebuilding independence with the help of physical therapy. While she’s still regaining full mobility, she takes morning walks with her dog and celebrates small milestones like putting on socks or walking without a cane.
Her dad, a Vietnamese war veteran and her forever hero, remains her guiding light. His strength fuels hers. Through sadness and setbacks, Anita reminds others that it’s okay to rest, feel deeply, and then keep showing up for yourself. Believing you’re meant for greater things is what keeps the fire alive.
Watch Anita’s video to find out more about her story:
- From classroom to canvas: how she turned cancer into creativity.
- “I felt like an alien” — Anita’s honest take on being misunderstood with stage 4 neuroendocrine carcinoma.
- She was dismissed by doctors, but her voice never stayed silent.
- Cancer changed her body, not her spirit: how Anita reclaimed control.
- Why Apollo the alien represents all of us: navigating life’s hardest chapters.
- Name: Anita T.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 22
- Diagnosis:
- Neuroendocrine Carcinoma
- Staging:
- Stage 4
- Symptoms:
- Leg spasms
- Vomiting
- Back pain
- Abdominal swelling and pain
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Treatments:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Clinical trial
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.
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