msunseri's interview
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How did all start?
In October 2017, I had a foot infection that would not heal. A battery of test were done, discovering nothing . One thing that was always noted though, was low blood pressure. I was sent to a cardiologist who ran ever test known to man including exploratory surgery. It was at that time a 7Cm nodule was found on my thyroid. I was referred to CTCA in Tulsa and underwent a total thyroidectomy in January of 2018. It was in fact Medullary thyroid cancer. And was contained. Post operatively I had a CT of the chest . At which time a 7CM mass was found on my left adrenal gland. I underwent a ULA on 09/18. Needless to say my symptoms increased as well post operatively and a CT revealed my right adrenal now had a 2 Cm mass and the gland itself was shrinking . My cortisol was almost non existent. Test have confirmed its not functioning and I will undergo ULA of the right in the coming months ( spring 2019)
Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?
it took approximately 1 year
For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?
endo and General endocrine surgeon
What has been the most useful thing for you so far?
figuring out my life, learning to understand my body and how thing effect it .
What have been your biggest difficulties?
adapting to the new lifestyle . dealing with anxiety that I never before had
How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?
My family has been great , My daughter always is the most reassuring and takes on each diagnosis with " you got this Mom" . My sons worry , and always question what doctors say. My husband just takes things in stride. I really don't believe my family knows the seriousness of the disease. My aunt Tootie has been great , Im able to get her thoughts and advice .
What things have you stopped doing?
Taking life for granted
What do you think about the future?
I worry , I want to see my children marry and watch my grandchildren grow up.
So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?
I absolutely adore my children and they are my world, as is my husband David but I can honestly say my best day was when my grandson Noah was born . He is absolutely my world. My daughter was in school at the time and I got to spend lots of his first year with him. I know I will have other grandchildren and I will love them just the same. But my sweet Noah will always have a special place with me .
What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?
Travel the world without worrying , drive to see my kids without worrying . Im very paranoid of an adrenal crisis
If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?
My life is a roller coaster.
Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?
Be a warrior. Be your own advocate . FIGHT for everything . Live life to the fullest . And tell everyone you love them
