No Surgery or Biopsy
November 2, 2011
Again, let me thank you for your prayers!
As family and close friends know I have been recently released from the hospital after 6 days of constant tests! I am one happy man.
While I “looked good” and seemed to lack specific symptoms, due to CT Scans and MRIs doctors refused to let me leave the hospital until they could identify the 20 mm mass filling my sphenoid sinus cavity.
I was finally given a diagnosis:
Somatomammotroph Adenoma
Somewhat rare (it is a mutation of a mutation?), and goes by different names depending on what medical discipline you subscribe to, so Dr. Snyder said I can tell everyone that I have a:
Benign tumor of the pituitary gland that makes prolactin and growth hormone.
Apparently my “wild ride” with all kinds of possible diagnosis, some very scary, ranged from massive infection, cyst, fungus, all varieties of tumors possibly located in the brain, the pituitary gland or the sinus cavity, pituitary aneurysm, was due to two oddities:
- I was not showing symptoms
- The mass was very large, well past the size that typically causes physical issues
Right now I am grateful to have, as one primary doctor put it “the best possible tumor.” Of course no tumor is great. Ellen and I consider it a privilege to be able to work with Penn Medical and Dr. Snyder, who is a world expert on that tiny pea sized pituitary gland! I was told by Dr. Zager (also renowned, but for brain issues about a half inch away from my issue!) that Dr. Snyder had just “Presented” on pituitary tumors that do not present physical symptoms. WOW! Now he has a real live case.
Again, thanks for your prayers. I am told my life will now consist of monthly shots, hormone pills, regular MRI’s and blood tests. Some people have bad reactions to medications and rarely some do not respond necessitating surgery. El and I are praying the “Medical Therapy” rout works so there will be no need for a surgery.
So many of our friends and family have been such a blessing. Thank you all.
