Visit with the Endocrinologist

Chapter 3. Visit with the Endocrinologist

I saw the last specialist I needed to see this morning, the endocrinologist. I didn't realize how important of a role an endocrinologist would play in the kind of tumor I have. For better or worse, I had one for my thyroid issue but had not seen him since 2013. My surgeon referred me to his friend, Dr. Tan. Well, Dr. Tan works in the same office as my old endocrinologist, Dr. Lacken, and since I was a prior patient, I would have to get them to both approve me switching doctors. I never had an issue with Dr. Lacken. I have always liked him and his PA, so I decided to go with the quicker doctor, my existing doctor, Dr. Lacken. They actually scheduled me with his PA, Ryan, but Dr. Lacken ended up coming in to talk to me given my particular situation.

Based on what the endocrinologist told me this morning, I'll be in isolation for a while after surgery to reduce the possibility of infection to the brain. The tumor is much bigger in size than we realized compared to other things in the brain, mainly the pituitary gland. Let's be honest, I was NOT a science girl in high school or college, my degree is in English. On the bright side, I have excellent research ability. My endocrinologist told me this morning that the tumor is also cutting off blood to my brain and really needs to be removed asap. They asked when my surgery was scheduled. I'll get to that in a minute. The endocrinologist said if my neuro surgeon is unable to remove all of the tumor during surgery, then I'll have to have radiation afterwards to make sure it is completely gone. My PCP told me it was big and thought they'd have to try to shrink it but it's not shrinkable based on the kind of tumor or is, so surgery is my only option. It doesn't appear to be growing out of the pituitary gland, because my labs are normal. However, it is pressing on the optic nerve and pituitary gland due to its size and that is what is causing the issues. Hopefully, my surgeons can remove it successfully.

Please pray that my pituitary gland isn't damaged during surgery. The tumor is encased around the gland. The tumor is 2 cm and the pituitary gland is .5 cm for perspective. I'm praying the surgeons can fit me into their busy schedules soon, have steady hands and can get this out without damaging the optic nerve or pituitary gland, and can remove it without the need for radiation.

I had to have additional blood work this morning. Thankfully my surgeon already had the labs ordered that the endocrinologist would need due to his friendship with Dr. Tan. I will need to be on a steroid for 6 weeks post surgery. Then removed for a night, labs checked, back on it until we see where the labs are. Then we will start testing each hormone because this surgery is what it is, there is still the unfortunate possibility of damage being done.

Also my vision can change again, yay (sarcasm), after surgery. It may improve from my current nearsightedness, but take weeks or months to level out so I won't be able to get proper lenses until it's at a steady level. Hopefully my peripheral vision will return. But these things we won't know until after surgery.

The next big question, when is surgery?? I'm so glad you asked. I asked that too and so has every doctor I've seen. I texted the scheduling lady at Dr. Lee's office this afternoon. My endocrinologist said he could refer me to someone else. However, Dr. Lee is one of the top surgeons in this area. I do actually have another appointment with another surgeon on the 19th and if we don't have a date by then, I'll see that surgeon. Since this surgery requires two surgeons, their schedules have to align.

We appreciate your prayers. My lesson in this is that if you feel something is off in your body, don't continue to deny the symptoms because there really could be something wrong. Also, God is with us in everything. I had to get three blood tests this morning after my appointment. Blood drawn, shot, then blood again, wait again, and more blood. Quest is a nightmare, this was in FW this time. Full waiting room. I entered my information as a walk-in. The computer sign-in system said the next appointment was 10:30, but I denied it and put walk-in. I was the 2nd person called while waiting. The phlebotomist, Venessa, was the sweetest lady. She told me I'd have to see her two more times and to just knock on the door after I got that shot and she'd write the times down she needed to get me. I hugged her as I left and asked if I could request her next time I was there as it looks like I'll be seeing my old endocrinologist again for a while, maybe life.

I appreciate all the outpouring of love and support you guys have given me. I appreciate the prayers, help, food, rides for myself, rides for my kids, etc. I want to cry with gratitude when I think how truly blessed I am. Thank you all so much.

Romans 15:13: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Opthalmologist Appointment

Chapter 2 - Opthalmologist Appointment

I have been asked to keep everyone updated on the status of my health, specifically the brain tumor. Today has been a pretty emotional day for me. I'm trying to be grateful for the many blessings I have while dealing with the struggles of going through my own health issues, limitations, and frustrations. Short answer, surgery will be in my future. If you'd like more information, grab a drink and read chapter 2 below.

I went to the ophthalmologist this morning and he did a field vision test. More of my peripheral vision is gone than I realized. Dr. Robert Chu said that it would not be safe for me to drive until I have the tumor removed. About 75% is gone on my left eye and 25% on the right eye. We asked if removing the tumor would restore my vision. He said in most cases yes but he will need to continue to see me. If my vision doesn't return, he will send me to vision rehab. I had no idea that was a thing. But they can work with me so that I would be able to drive safely with the lack of peripheral sight. On the positive side, I am NOT blind! I can see, just not well enough to drive.

I have an appointment with the endocrinologist very early Friday morning. I'll be honest, I am a night owl and not an early morning riser. But I'm thankful someone cancelled their appointment and I was able to get in to see the doctor. Getting an appointment with a good endocrinologist is apparently pretty difficult. I'm still waiting on a few labs but I found out last week that surgery was already going to be most likely based on what the surgeon told me last Monday. He told me that if my prolactin levels were elevated, we could try and treat this tumor with medication. I honestly was hesitant to take the most common medicine as it had some weird side effects. =0 If my levels were normal, then surgery is really the only way to keep it from growing. The fact that it's affecting my vision makes it more important to get this out as it will just continue to grow.

I called the surgeon's office and left a message. I missed their callback and will try again tomorrow. Making appointments shouldn't be so difficult but you have to push so many buttons before speaking to someone or getting an answering machine. It's really frustrating and I was on the phone with a friend when the office called me so I missed it. The phone call with my sweet friend was worth it.

I feel like a mess emotionally and don't want to be a burden to anyone. We are surrounded by good friends and family and we will get through this. Collin has been very supportive and kind. He wants to be at all my medical appointments and I'm grateful he can do that. He even hung up on a meeting today at lunch so we could talk because sometimes we just need a friend and shoulder to cry on. 

I've had friends who have taken me to get labs and scans and it's been a real blessing. Friends have picked up my kids and taken them to their classes and I'm so grateful they don't have to miss out on the things they've signed up to do. Friends have also brought our family meals and we truly are blessed. Each day I ask God to help us be a blessing to someone else.

I'm selfishly praying the surgery lines up where I can attend my kids' end of the semester events. But if I can’t, that will be okay. I will be happy when the tumor is gone and prayerful that my head won't hurt anymore and my vision is fully restored. I appreciate the love and prayers near and far.

Philippians 4:12-13: I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween! Our kids went to 3 different places to go trick or treating. After a week of doctor appointments and tests, I was too tired to walk around so Collin and I went to dinner. Collin did walk with Jackson a little around my sister's neighborhood.

Jackson was a slushy, Caden was a game show contestant, and Grace was Hermione. Collin and I had plans to dress up as the Greatest Showman couple that we considered doing for the marriage retreat dress up night or Hippies, which we ended up doing at the marriage retreat. However, this year my energy level was zero so no dressing up but I wanted to share our fun costumes that we didn't wear anyway. My sister and her husband dressed as Bob Ross and a painting. It was a fun night of the kids running around with friends and family.

Blood Work

There is no doubt there is a higher power watching over us, our Heavenly Father. My friend took me to get my blood work done this morning. Collin is trying to let others help us so he can go to my doctor's visits with me. Grace went with us as she's just one of the most caring and compassionate kids I know. I get there and check in on my phone. As I walked in I realized I forgot my paperwork. Randall also had an appointment and I was hoping we could switch. Literally within minutes of realizing I forgot my paperwork, we ran into a friend from church, Karen Owens! I had already called Collin to see if he could bring the paper work but he was stuck in meetings and I would need to wait. Please pray for him, Collin does the work for four people and now has added on my mess. Karen is such a sweet woman and I asked her if she would mind taking Grace to my house to get my paperwork and bring it back. Y'all, she was so helpful and did it. Grace was able to tell her how to get to my house and bring it back to me. Karen is one of the kindest people. Thank you for helping me today! And thank you Grace for also being there! And thank you Randall for taking me.

Secondly, Quest is in desperate need of a better system. There were so many elderly people having trouble logging into their system. Since 2020, they got rid of having someone at the front desk to help customers. Customer service is zero and many of these people would benefit from help. Randall and I helped several people navigate signing in and getting on the waitlist. The room was packed and it's highly recommended to have an appointment but so many of these people don't know how to do that online. I know we're in the middle of elections but let's look around our community and see how we can make real changes now.

And it's fun to celebrate when someone who has been waiting for over an hour gets called back to get their blood drawn. The joy in these people's faces when they hear their name called was kind of like cheering when your favorite football team scores a touchdown. People are waiting months to get into see a doctor to have these tests done. Then stressed and confused with all the extra questions.

And no, they didn't let me switch appointments with my friend. They called me back and told me they couldn't do anything without my orders so they bumped me down on the list. It wasn't terrible. I had to fast and have hypoglycemia when I don't eat or drink which is why I usually don't go alone and am not supposed to drive right now. But I had a protein smoothie ready to drink afterwards and am doing just fine.

 

Marisa has a Brain Tumor

Chapter 1

Hello friends, it's been a while. I think the last post I made was when Collin was diagnosed with colon cancer. I want to document my health journey so my kids can easily find it as they grow older. I appreciate my husband and all the friends and family who have been so supportive of us since finding out I had a brain tumor. From helping with kids, rides, meals, covered my classes, etc., I appreciate each and everyone of you and the prayers as we are navigating the news we received on October 18th, when I went to the ER. It is evident that God is actively working in my life and I need to give Him the glory! I'll give a shrot version first and more details for those who care to read this chapter of my life, which is really an amazing God story. Also read about the salt and plants at the end. 

I have a brain tumor in the pituitary gland. Last week they thought I also might have an aneurysm. We have been covered with prayers. I found out Friday, it’s a large vein that can give the appearance of an aneurysm. That was such an answer to prayer that we only have a tumor to deal with. I saw the surgeon today. Things are moving quickly. I have to get bloodwork and if my prolactin levels are high, there’s medicine that can help, if they are level, then I’ll have surgery. I have strong reservations about taking anything for life. The surgery, honestly, doesn’t seem as bad, it would be done by two surgeons, the brain surgeon, Dr. Lee, whom I saw today, and an ear, throat, and nose doctor. Nevertheless, let’s continue to pray for whatever is best. It also does not look like its cancerous. I also lost my voice last weekend, but was brought soups and prayers.

Onto the novel. Some of you have heard some or all of my story. I have been having constant headaches for weeks. I tried drinking more water thinking that was part of the cause, I blamed the all season weather we have in Texas because that can cause them. Nevertheless, headaches are nothing new, I’ve dealt with them most of my life. In middle school and high school I would often visit Mrs. Pippin to get some headache medicine. If you went to SCS back in the day, she was a dream to have working in the front office. She always knew how to take care of us.

I also get Migraines, which I had one a few weeks ago. When a headache turns into a migraine I cannot function. I usually get sick and have to go to bed in a dark quiet room. The weekend before last we had our annual American Heritage Girls Father/Daughter event. The Thursday before I was extra tired, my head continued to throb, but I made it through the day, barely. I sat on the couch all day and even watched a movie to try to take my mind off my head. I NEVER do that. Friday, I took Grace to our homeschool co-op, joined the rest of the board for pictures, and came home to get Jackson before getting back to teach. He wasn’t ready yet that morning and normally we’d wait for him but I had to be there early for the pictures. When I got home, I was exhausted, my head was pounding and I told Collin I thought I needed to go to the ER. If someone would have taken a hammer to my head, I would have felt better. He asked if I wanted to go to our doctor first but his office doesn’t open until 10. I told him no, I needed some medicine to knock this headache out. Nothing had been working and I had a very busy weekend ahead of me. I told him it’s probably worse than I thought because I have a pretty high pain tolerance. I’ve given birth to three kids all unmedicated. We dropped Jackson off at co-op and went to the ER.

Here is where the blessings really start. We had the BEST ER doctor. The ER doctor asked when my last CT scan was. I told him I don’t think I’ve ever had one. He suggested I have one. Collin was worried about radiation, which is concerning, but I told him I really would love to find out if there’s a cause of these headaches. They gave me a shot for my headache and some medicine and I was pain free. I hadn’t been pain free in weeks! The radiologist was running behind because of some technical issues so he wasn’t able to read it. I had requested leaving as soon as possible because I was needing to get my kids and help setup for this father daughter event. The ER doctor came in and said we could be released but it looks like there could be a cyst on my brain but they hadn’t gotten the results and I’d probably need to follow up with that. About 5 minutes later, he and another doctor and nurse came in and said they still hadn’t gotten the results but it looked like a tumor on the pituitary gland. He said he had only seen this one other time in the 10 years he’s worked at the ER and has seen over 50,000 patients. He said it was important to get an MRI and see a neurosurgeon next week.

Honestly, there wasn’t much I could do at that point. It was suggested that we cancel the father daughter event but we had 77 people signed up to come, the food was ordered, that honestly would have stressed me out even more. I was still alive and pain free. That’s exactly what I was hoping to be after going to the ER, I just wasn’t supposed to drive on the medication and never expected to have a brain tumor. I also needed to follow up with my doctor and get an MRI asap. When I got home, I called my doctor and he wanted me to come in then. My doctor is also a true godsend and amazing doctor. I was hoping to take an hour nap before working that evening but instead went to his office. He put in orders for the MRI and referral to some neurosurgeons. He told me I needed to see an endocrinologist as well. I should be seeing one every 6 months but haven’t been to mine since 2013 after the miracle of the 3 nodules in my thyroid disappeared. Then I gave birth to my daughter and then youngest son and never took the time to go back. I have nodules on my thyroid again so we will investigate that as well with another new friendly doctor. I’m feeling really old typing all this, doctor this, doctor that…

The ER doctor, Dr. Blakenship, called me Saturday to follow up. He left a voicemail and gave me his cell phone number as he wanted to follow up and see how I was. He suggested two highly rated neurosurgeons. He’s been so kind following up with me and my case. He said as long as my PCP put in a referral I could get in with the highly rated neurosurgeon he recommended.

Monday I got an MRI, walked in my doctor’s office afterwards and he showed me the pictures. He’s just like that, his other patients were running late so I slipped in to say hi since I was a few doors down at Touchstone. He was amazing when Collin had colon cancer and would call him to check on him from time to time. Tuesday I met with my doctor again and he went over the results. I have the tumor, a cyst, a possible brain aneurysm, and basically an ear infection. Y’all my heart sunk. My biggest fear was a brain aneurysm. I held it together. Collin was with me and we asked our church family to pray for us and close friends. I had to get a CTA with contrast for another look.

Friday morning the neurosurgeon’s office called to schedule an appointment for Monday with the doctor we wanted! My doctor called me on his lunch hour apologizing for not being able to get ahold of anyone in their office but had a referral to an excellent surgeon at UT Southwestern in Dallas (I didn’t want to go to Dallas), and another surgeon I already had an appointment with later in November because he’s currently out of the country. I said, “Dr. Whaley, I already have an appointment with Dr. Lee on Monday! They called me this morning to schedule it.” I also said I had an appointment with him in 15 minutes and would see him soon.

At my appointment on Friday, I got the results of the CTA. What they thought was an aneurysm is an enlarged vein that gives the appearance of an aneurysm. Praise God!! You give someone bad news with even more potential bad news, that is something else, it makes the bad news not so bad.

That brings me to my visit today. I cried at the surgeon’s office like a big old baby. I’m not a crier and have not cried at a doctor’s office since giving birth to my babies. However, Dr. Lee is exactly who I would want for a surgeon and doctor. He is a man of faith, told me he is just doing the work God called him to do. He scheduled me with an endocrinologist I'll be seeing this week, whose name I can pronounce (yay!), Dr. Tan. And get this, he referred me to an ophthalmologist who was the first eye doctor I ever had! Dr. Chu, is the eye doctor who helped me see after I failed the vision test at the DPS when I was 15 when trying to get my permit to drive. He saw me that day and gave me contacts so I could see! If you’ve ever needed glasses, you know how amazing it is to be able to see! I was amazed at the details of the leaves on trees! It explained so much in middle school and early high school not being able to see the white board in class. Then we went back to the DPS and I got my permit and have been driving ever since! I can't believe he's still around, and at the same office! All that to say, God is so good! We are counting our blessings, naming them one by one. Now I’m really feeling old being excited to see a doctor, but really, I’m looking forward to thanking my first eye doctor for helping me see. I have lost my peripheral vision and my balance is a little off which is why I’m getting referred to him. I have awesome friends who have been helping drive me and the kids around.

Next steps. After I get the blood test done, and I meet with the endocrinologist, we will know if surgery or medication is the better way to treat this. Honestly I would kind of rather do the surgery than take medication for life. I’m praying for wisdom and good guidance. I’m thankful for one more day. No matter what happens, that’s really all we can do. Be thankful for today and not worry about tomorrow.

I read through the Bible every year. But had missed this part until Saturday when I read Luke 14:34-35: “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.” I love homesteading and gardening or the idea of it and have had gardens for a number of years. I’ve never thought to add salt to soil or a manure pile, which we have used both to grow crops. Did you know, upon further research, that salt can help soil retain moisture, kill weeds, and make soil easier to till. It can also release nutrients in the soil that plants can use. In some cases, salt can help prevent rust and blight in crops and yield your plant growth 2x to 4x. I shared this with my life group Saturday as some of us are into gardening and stuff like that.

My friend shared this with me today from her study Bible. Salt can lose its flavor. When it gets wet and then dries, nothing is left but a tasteless residue. Many Christians blend into the world and avoid the cost of boldly living out their faith. But Jesus says that if Christians lose their distinctive saltiness, they become worthless. Just as salt flavors and preserves food, we are to preserve the good in the world and bring new flavor to life. This requires careful planning, willing sacrifice, and an unswerving commitment to Jesus’ kingdom. But if we fail to be “salty,” we fail to represent Jesus in the world. How “salty” are you?

Each day is a gift. Everyday we have the opportunity to serve, be kind, and bless someone. If you are reading this, God has a purpose for you. Find it! Live it out if you aren’t already. Love you guys! Thanks for reading this chapter in my life.

Update on My Husband's Cancer

My husband was diagnosed with colon cancer at the end of November. They found a massive tumor in his colon the day before Thanksgiving. He was scheduled for surgery December 17th. Two days before surgery they called and said he'd need to reschedule due to staffing issues at the hospital. His surgery got bumped to January 12th. Two days before they called and told him his surgery was changed to another hospital because of staff out due to covid and to get tested for covid. He took a test at home and it was positive. We felt horrible that we exposed a bunch of friends the previous day at our daughter's surprise birthday party. Needless to say, his surgery was cancelled again and they told him to call to schedule once he had a negative covid test. Several people who were at the party with us tested for covid and they all tested negative, thankfully!

How did we do with covid? Just fine. We honestly wouldn't have known we had it except we tested for it. Kids had zero symtoms. We had a little congestion. I took an allergy pill and my congestion cleared up. We do eat super heatlhy. No sugar, mostly organic, and all plant based. We also take a number of supplements and went ahead and took Ivermectin since it's known to help shrink cancer tumors. Not sure if it helped with covid or cancer but that's what we did. 

He got his results from his last test from Saturday late Monday night. It was negative. We've been praying a bunch about this and trying to seek God's will in how to handle everything. After talking to many, many people, including many who have had colon cancer, he's decided to go ahead with the resection surgery. We are so thankful for all the prayers and support we've received. We will continue with our plant based diet. We are greatly enjoying juicing and have seen so many health benefits from doing both. Thanks again for the prayers. 

Grace is 8!

Dear Grace,

You are now 8 years old! Your daddy was scheduled to have surgery the day before your birthday and was going to be in the hospital on your birthday. I planned a surprise party with some of your friends the Sunday afternoon before. We dropped you off at your aunt and uncle's house and you thought you were going to go swimming with them. You showed up at our recreation center and we were there with your friends to surprise you. One of your little brother's friends asked if you were going swimming that afternoon and kind of gave it away. But you had a blast and the party was fun for all. You finally got a swimming birthday party!

2nd grade is going well. Your reading and reading comprehension is amazing. You are excelling in all of your subjects. You enjoy dance and American Heritage Girls. You want to play basketball this summer. Your relationship with God is growing and you read your Bible daily. You love your cat and all the animals. I could see you working with animals when you grow up. Right now when you grow up you want to be a vet. Your best friend is Emma. Your favorite food is macaroni and cheese. We are so proud of the young woman you are becoming. You have your annual checkup with your doctor next week.

Love,

Mom



Pictures from your party.