Monday, March 30, 2009

Paging Dr. Sheppard

My second posting for March. Ahhhhh. Feels good. March was insanely busy was it not? What with the first day of Spring and all. It's been hard to catch up.
In the middle of February some really strange things started happening to my body. Weird pregnant lady things. So, I got really excited and bought about a pregnancy test. Which was negative. So I bought about 15 more pregnancy tests. All of which were negative. Mweah Mwaaaaa. Not pregnant, I figured my body would regulate in it's own due time. It didn't. I called the gynie and her nurse told me to go get some blood work done but it was nothing to worry about. So, I do.


I get my arm poked and they give the results to my doc. Who decides not to call me with the results for over a week. Even though I called there 3 times. Am I not pushy? Am I too GD nice? Anyway, I get an urgent call that I need to come in ASAP and we're so sorry we've overlooked these results. Talk about staying calm. Geez. Get a grip. Try not to scare the animals.
I go in (March 19)for what I think is a normal breast exam. The doctor sits me down and says that the prolactin hormone in my body is off the charts. For a girl my age who is not pregnant the level should be a 4 to a 10. A pregnant lady will have a prolactin level of 20 to as high as 35 or 40. Mine was 118! Holy cow! I figured I was a fertile turtle and there's nothing wrong with that. She told me that this hormone level can be caused from two things. A thyroid problem or a brain tumor. I've been functioning as a semi-normal person for just shy of 25 years. I can't have a brain tumor. She ordered more blood work and an MRI.






Let me tell you an MRI is not like what they show you on Grey's Anatomy. It's not big and spacious. It's not even as big as this picture shows. AND there's no McSteamy walking around. It is small and noisy as hell. Did I mention scary? I was in there for an hour. With this magnet machine taking pictures of my brain. When they are almost done they come give you an IV with a chemical in it to help see your brain better. The self-proclaimed "One-Poke Wonder" had to poke me THREE friggin' times! And once he missed the vain but injected the IV anyway... "burning. BURNING!!" What a mess. Then I went and got my blood work done. They were running out of places to put needles. Let me tell ya.
Hello Dr. Sloan! Meow!

That night I was scared and I cried... until I fell asleep and woke up crying at intervals during the night. It's really strange. When she told me Thursday that I might have a brain tumor somehow I knew I did. I just knew it. And I spent that night talking to my family convincing myself I didn't. But, Friday I got the news that I have a brain tumor on my pituitary gland. It measures 8.8 millimeters.







I have met with a few doctors since then and am meeting with a neurosurgeon this Thursday. And no, it's not Dr. Sheppard from Seattle Grace. Althought I wish it was. He's the best in the world! *wink wink* There are two options to help me. Medicine or surgery. I am taking a medicine right now every night called Bromocriptine. It is supposed to help reduce the symptoms and stop my brain from producing all these extra hormones. (Ken will be happy to be out of the doghouse finally. But Rusty will miss him.) With surgery, they would go in through my nose so I won't have to get a new hair do or anything like that. There are pros and cons to both options. And I am still weighing them out. But taking the meds in the mean time.

It's been a shock. It's been not as easy as I thought to deal with. But, rest assured I am fine. I am live and kicking. And I am strong-willed and tough. This isn't going to get me down. I've got to keep on movin'! It's also brought back fond memories of a favorite childhood cartoon....

14 comments:

Poulsen Family said...

Oh my gosh, I don't know what to say?! Despite the circumstances you seem very upbeat. I am impressed by your positive attitude! I too had a brain tumor. I had it removed, through major surgery when I was four years old. It was about the size of a adult thumb. It continued to grow and protruded out my nose. It was a very scary thing for my family, but being I was small I don't remember being scared. I now have a scar down the middle of my nose and from ear to ear just behind my hair line. Luckily my tumor was benign; is your tumor benign? I hope and pray everything will work out OK. I hope to see updates on how you're doing. If there is anything I can do to help, let me know!

Kristen said...

Wow. You sound like you are keeping your spirits up. How tough! I am so sorry to hear about this. You are in out thoughts and prayers.

Julia Marcum said...

I still haven't gathered enough courage to write about my medical trial. You are truly inspirational.

Brett and Tiffany said...

Girl, you are amazing! I love your positive attitude and your motivation to all of us! We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers! You keep that strong will up! Keep us updated! We really wish you the best.

Kar said...

Pats, I just love ya to pieces. I'm so sorry you're going through this. Health problems are some of the hardest problems to get through, I think. I really, really hope it's benign, and no matter which route you decide to take, I'm behind you 100%. With plenty of Buttermilk Pie. (P.S. Did you like that? You never said, so I'm wondering if you hate it!!) I didn't realize that MRIs are really loud and really small like that. How scary.

Tracy said...

Hey Patty,

Nat has kind of been filling me in through your process. I will be thinking of you. I know you will be just fine! I still think you should go kick some gynie a$$! Grr!! Be sure to keep us posted.

Gramma n Grampa said...

Patty, I feel so bad I didn't know. I wish I would have talked to you longer on Sunday. I appreciate our friendship sooooo much. You are strong and you have a great husband, family and Ward family who Love you a ton and stand beside you no matter what. You are in our prayers.
Please, please know that I'm there for you. I've got a great shoulder to cry on, a really good phone ear and my house can be a great get away if you ever want! I also love to cook meals for "others". So please take me up on all of the above. I'm serious.
And I HATE MRI's also!!!!
Stay STRONG.

Emily Empey said...

PATTY!!! I am sooo sorry!!! I will definitly be praying for you and always rememeber i love you!!

The Dillons said...

Wow, I just talked to you not knowing...I love you Patty and Girl! You are so strong and I love you, hang in there, kick that tumors butt! Again, I love you! Like Em said, i'll be praying for you!

weloveadoption said...

I am really sorry to hear about your news. You've got a great positive attitude with the whole thing. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

johnandjana said...

Patty, I just read your blog and am so sorry about your news. Our family will be praying for you and if there is anything we can do, please let us know. We love you and Ken and want the best for both of you. You are so positive and that is good. Keep us informed. Love ya!

Megann said...

Patty, I'm so shocked! When I saw you at the activity Monday night I thought, "She is so beautiful." I love that orange sweater on you. You have awesome clothes and an awesome sense of style.

You are tough and I know everything is going to turn out fine. We love you! You have an amazing attitude.

robcallfamily said...

Sorry to hear about your news. You are so positive and uplifting! We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear this Patty!! Megann read your blog before I did and told me about your post and I just couldn't believe it!! You have an amazing attitude though! We'll be praying for you! Keep us posted.