I'm not really sure how to start this post... I don't really feel comfortable talking about this, but I also think its important that I put it out here because it is a significant health issue for me.
I saw my doctor in April this year because I had not had my period since December 2007. At that time she took some blood and screened for thyroid issues. None were found and she prescribed some medicine to help 'jump start' my system which did not work. So, I went back in November and she ran a few additional tests on another blood sample. The test results showed I had elevated prolactin levels in my blood, so to further check this out I was scheduled for a CT scan for Monday 12/8. Long story short I ended up with an MRI and not a CT and I got the results yesterday. The results show that I have a pituitary tumor. Specifically it's called a prolactinoma.
I have a tumor in my head. It feels really weird to write that, let alone know that it's there in my head. I feel like I should be saying "It's not a tumor" like Arnold Schwarzenegger in Kindergarten Cop, only without the not.
First, it's not life-threatening. That's the important part. There are treatment options. Ben and I are meeting with my doctor on Monday to go over them. Basically there are either prescription medications to help regulate prolactin and shrink the tumor, or surgery. Also, I feel good that we live so close to Boston so that if I do need a neurosurgeon I will be able to find a higly qualified one. Same goes for an endocrinologist.
Here's the other part though- I am infertile because of this tumor. I always thought I would have another baby someday. I was not prepared to not have a choice in that matter at this point. From what I have read so far it is possible after treatment to become pregnant, which is something we will have to discuss Monday with my doctor.
I am very private about this stuff, so it's hard to talk about, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around this whole process, but I wanted to get it out there. I don't mind anyone knowing this news, I just feel weird talking about it so far. Maybe that will change as I go forward, and I'll post updates now and then once I get more information.
11 comments:
Sending you good healthy thoughts!!!!
(((hugs))) My thoughts and prayers are with you Steph!
Thoughts and prayers!!
Oh (((hugs!))) My prayers are with you sweetie.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh Steph, I am so incredibly sorry to hear this. I'm sure the tumor part is hard enough, but the infertility is an extra kick in the face.
I had similar issues in my early 20s... didn't have my period for a year then when I got it I had it for 4 solid months. That, along with some other issues (hardened milk sacs and some personal stuff), made my drs in SF and Chicago diagnose me with a prolactin imbalance. They told me I would not have kids either.
Anyway, I'm not telling you this to compare our stories because in my case, they were wrong. They told me when it was time to have kids, to try for 6 months then go see a specialist, so you can imagine my surprise when I got pregnant with N&A the first try after years of thinking I was infertile.
But I know that horrible pit in your stomach when you hear no kids are in the future. I took a few days off work and cried and cried. It was one of the worst days of my life and I am so sorry to hear that you have to get this news.
Thanks for sharing. We will all be thinking about you.
I am glad you decided to share this. I think the support you will get from friends and family alike is worth making yourself feel a little vulnerable when you first put it into words for everyone who reads your blog to see.
And we are all here for you.
Please keep us posted on your appt Monday. I know you are anxious to ask the doctor questions and decide on the best course of action. I am sending hugs and good thoughts your way.
Oh Steph you are so strong to talk about this. It sounds like there are positive options and that's great.
I'm so terrible sorry that you found that you are infertile. That has to be very difficult.
I will keep you in my prayers and remember you can always talk to all of us. We'll be here in any way possible.
Thank you for sharing this. I'm really praying that whatever treatment you decide to pursue will be easy on your body and that you will come out of it healthy and hopefully fertile again. You are definitely in my thoughts.
((HUGS)) I'm so sorry to hear what you are going through. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
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