Since the last post, there have been some developments. After a review MRI done in April, I got back to see the neurosurgeon, just last week, for his assessment. The drug I was prescribed back in December, Dostinex (cabergoline), which I take weekly, has done wonders for suppressing the prolactin that I was over-producing. Sadly, it has not had the effect of shrinking the tumour.
If anything, it's grown marginally - they are known to be slow-growing, so this in itself is not a major problem.
So, the tumour cannot be described as a prolactinoma; it's more likely to be a non-functioning tumour. Put simply, this means that it doesn't produce excess hormones, in and of itself. The raised prolactin levels actually demonstrate that it is the pituitary stalk producing prolactin - think of it as a protest at being squished up out of the way by this rogue growth.
After mulling a few options over in the consultation, I decided to get it out. The surgeon offered the 21st of July as the nearest date, which I was happy to take. He says that it is fairly straightforward. It's called a transsphenoidal surgery, and basically he goes in just above my front teeth in a line back to the skull/brain base, breaking a small hole in the sphenoid bone, and using endoscopic techniques he'll go in and (hopefully) take it all out. I'll only be in hospital for a few days, and willl recover at home in about 2-6 weeks. Hopefully in time to make it back to work in September.
In myself, I'm seeing a gradual improvement, week on week. I have a bit more stamina, lasting the day and only feel whacked if I've overdone it - but so often I don't realise I've overdone it, until I've overdone it! But compared to my last visit to this blog, I can really see a difference - and the good weather recently has really helped too.
Yesterday after visiting the endocrinologist, he agreed that it was probably the best course of action to have it out, but warned that it was unlikely that I would regain any lost hormonal function. So I could well remain on cortisol (steroids) and growth hormone injections for the rest of my life.
But hey, it will be nice not to have this bump in my head, and it pressing on my sinuses, giving me headaches and vision problems and all the other problems; as well as having histology and pathology done on it to ensure there's no nasty surprises.
So roll on July 21st!
10 comments:
Jaysus, missus, that's complicated stuff. Best of luck on surgery day, we'll all be thinking of you. N x
Ah Barbara, that is all very tough and in pure 'Barbara style' you're going at it pragmatically and positively, as always an inspiration. I wish you the very best of luck for surgery in July.
Hi Barbara, I didn't know about this. I love your positive attitude, you really are very cool about the "bump". Good luck for the 21st and enjoy the recovery without rushing back to work, Take care, Mx
best of luck Barbara... you are an inpiration, lots of good wishes and support from all your hairdressing students. xx
Barbara, I'm so sorry to learn of this F'n problem, but very happy to read that it seems to be in check that everything is moving in the right direction. All the very best with the operation -- which will be a complete success. Love, P.
Thinking of you and wishing you love and healing Barbara.
Thanks to everyone for the warm wishes & healing thoughts: they're much appreciated. I'll update later on in July. Bx
Hi Barbara - they were mentioning you in an ex-OU forum, and I was looking for you on the web, and got to your blog again. Sorry to hear the trouble you've been having - and all the very best for your operation and quick recovery. Funnily enough my wife had an op of a different sort a few days ago, but is recovering very well. I am sure you will emulate her. All good wishes, Chris Bazalgette (from OU forum days)
A blast from the past. We were all fondly talking about you the other day in our ex OU group (the first of the A215ers). Heard you had a problem and came running to wish you the very best wishes for a speedy return to normal. In my prayers.
Chris! John! That's just mad! The good news is I've just had the op & am recovering reasonably well. So lovely to hear from both of you & your warm wishes gratefully received 😎 Chrus, glad your wife is healing well: John, A215 was such a great course - I loved it, & then there was the MA at Queens... Thanks for dropping in to say hello!
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