Update on my situation (Sorry so long)

[Hangin' Tough]

I had posted a week or so ago about a recent finding on a CT. The CT was done at the VA and they discovered a tumor on my left adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma), they then ordered blood and urine workup. (10 vials of blood!!! and the guy had no sense of humor :hmm: . First tests showed that the tumor was active and causing overprodoction of hormones (adreneline and such-- very bad!). A sonogram was done last Monday. On Wendnesday I got a call from the VA, basically in a panic, telling me to schedule an MRI immediately. They had seen a mass on my other (right) kidney that appeared to be a solid mass (also not good). They couldn't get me in until the 25th of July, so the head of the radiology dept. authorized an overbook. They did it last Thursday (the next day) at 10:00 in the morning! The speed of all of this freaked me out. Just got the results of the MRI yesterday. It appears to only be a simple cyst, so I dodged one bullet. However, the mass on my adrenal gland will probably precipitate the removal of the gland, because if untreated it can lead to an adverse hypertensive event i.e. stroke. So, here I sit waiting for the results of the second round of testing to confirm that the pheo is indeed active.
I am sorry that I rambled on, but each of you have been so supportive of my many medical stories that I feel that you are my family. Indeed, most of you know my history better that my co-workers. Please pray for me and more importantly my family as they are very freaked out about this whole process.
I hope that each of you finds some relief from what ails you and know that I keep you in my prayers daily. I am truely Hangin' Tough.

Steve

[patricia1]

Steve I am so happy that the MRI of your kidney came out good. I guess a cyst is so much better than the "what it could have been". I hope the other test come out good also. I will keep you in my prayers.... :pray: and sending you a angel :angel: to watch over you....

[holles]

thinking of you. my mom has a tumor on her adrenal gland too. so far, no problems. can't remember how they found it though. hope you're feeling much better soon.

10 vials of blood! YIKES!

[VickiB]

Boy, I bet that did freak you out when they told you to schedule the MRI immediately! -Not exactly the line one wants to hear! I'm glad it turned out okay, and hope the tumor on your adrenal gland can be dealt with easily.

Vicki

[Sarojini]

Good luck, Steve. The son of a friend of my husband's had an active pheo removed (they removed the entire adrenal) and now is doing well. He takes some medications as his other adrenal seemed to be insufficient on its own, but it is my understanding that this does not always happen. I hope everything is okay with you and your ordeal is over soon... and has the best resolution possible :grouphug:

[ICNDonna]

I think the testing period when you don't know what's going on is the worst of any physical problem. I'll keep my fingers crossed and be thinking of you.

Donna

[Hangin' Tough]

Donna,
You are so right about the not knowing. When they were in such a rush for the MRI, I was scared. Unfortunately (sometimes) for me, I have a medical background, so I am usually aware of what they are "not saying" as well as what they are saying.
I am still waiting, the 24 urine and some of the blood has to go to New York for testing, I am in Texas. It feels as though they are still using the Pony Express. Thanks to everyone for the thoughts.

Steve

[emilyrose197377]

Steve , I am glad that the growth on your kidney was just a cyst . I am keeping you in my prayers that your other tests go well. Please let me know how you are doing?

Take Care
Kim