I was introduced to the End of Treatment Bell as another patient stood tall and proudly rang it clear for all to hear. I was intrigued as I had neither heard or heard of such a bell.
As I sat in the waiting, I couldn’t help but think about what a trip these last three years have been. First learning we were expecting twins and later finally uncovering the root of my physical issues. How we pushed on, starting a home renovation, planning for the birth of the twins and preparing for surgery, I am not certain.
I do know that after recovering from surgery we received a big break as my condition remained in remission for eight months. Once the blood work revealed increases in IGF-1 production, my clinical team immediately started me on a pharmaceutical regimen all in attempt to control the excessive growth hormone within my body. Simultaneously, I started testosterone replacement treatments to offset deficiencies in this hormone as well.
My pituitary gland, while in place, was damaged from the surgery and not working as well as it did before the tumor hijacked its functionality. Even with this I still consider the surgery a success. I mean–I’m alive, right?
I had a headache as we were leaving the Weinberg Building at Johns Hopkins. I told myself it was related to the tightness of the mask. It was too early for the radiation to really have an effect, right?
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