- Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma (ACC)
- Interviews
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.