A Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (ACC) interview .

Susan's interview


How did all start?

The doctors found a 1kg tumor while doing a CT scan for cervical cancer.

Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?

Yes. Stage II ACC. Approx. three weeks.

For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?

Had the tumor removed as well as my left kidney, left adrenal gland, spleen and a rib. Soon starting daily radiation and five years of Mitotane.

What has been the most useful thing for you so far?

So far it would have to be the surgery where they removed the tumor.

What have been your biggest difficulties?

Coming to terms with the cancers. And trying to figure out how the hell I got this rare cancer.

How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?

Family environment is stressed because most of the time I am depressed and sometimes angry.

What things have you stopped doing?

Temporarily stopped working while I was recuperating from the surgery and have radiation and chemo for my cervical cancer. Going back to work around October 1st. though.

What do you think about the future?

Wondering how the hell I am going to survive five years of chemo and medications. I never liked taking drugs. But I really would like to travel across Canada and see our beautiful country.

So far, which years have been the best years in your life? What have you done during them?

The best years of my life would be the years I spent raising my three girls. They have grown to be tough independent woman who really do look after their mother in her times of need.

What would you like to do if you didn’t have your condition?

Travel.

If you had to describe your life in a sentence, what would it be?

I should have done more...lived a bit more. Traveled maybe?

Finally, what advice would you give to a person in a similar situation?

I am just starting this ACC journey so I really don't have much advice to give. But my family and friends say that my outlook on life and my happy disposition will get me through this.

Interview Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (ACC)

Sep 15, 2017

By: Susan

Share the interview


Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (ACC) life expectancy

What is the life expectancy of someone with Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma...

History of Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (ACC)

What is the history of Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (ACC)?

Do I have Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (ACC)?

How do I know if I have Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (ACC)?

Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (ACC) advice

Which advice would you give to someone who has just been diagnosed wit...

Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (ACC) causes

Which are the causes of Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (ACC)?

Prevalence of Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (ACC)

What is the prevalence of Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (ACC)?

Is Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (ACC) hereditary?

Is Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (ACC) hereditary?

Living with Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (ACC)

Living with Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (ACC). How to live with Adrenal...