MRI Day

Today I had my MRI to see if the tumor can be seen and where it is.  It is always fun being put into that tight little tube.  I figured out a long time ago that even with the noise of the magnets, it is a great place to meditate and talk with God.  The hardest thing about having the test is trying not to swallow.  When you swallow, you move ever so slightly and have to start the series again.  I should have results in the next couple of days.  Last week I grieved for the time I have and will lose.  This week, I have given it to God and am relying on Him to lead the way.

What is Cushing’s?Cushing’s syndrome, also known as hypercortisolism or hyperadrenocorticism, is an endocrine disorder caused by prolonged exposure of the body’s tissues to high levels of the hormone cortisol (in the blood) from a variety of causes, including primary pituitary adenoma (known as Cushing’s disease), primary adrenal hyperplasia or neoplasia, ectopic ACTH production (e.g., from a small cell lung cancer), and iatrogenic (steroid use). It is relatively rare and most commonly affects adults aged 20 to 50. An estimated 10 to 15 of every million people are affected each year. Cushing’s was discovered by American physician, surgeon and endocrinologist Harvey Cushing (1869-1939) and reported by him in 1932.Normally, cortisol is released from the adrenal glands in response to ACTH being released from the pituitary gland. Both Cushing’s syndrome and Cushing’s disease are characterized by elevated levels of cortisol in the blood, but the cause of elevated cortisol differs between the two. Cushing’s disease specifically refers to a tumor in the pituitary gland that stimulates excessive release of cortisol from the adrenal glands by releasing large amounts of ACTH.

In Cushing’s syndrome, ACTH levels will normally drop due to negative feedback from the high levels of cortisol. All forms of Cushing’s are correctly called Cushing’s Syndrome.

Cushing’s syndrome occurs when the body’s tissues are exposed to excessive levels of cortisol for long periods of time. Cortisol helps maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function and is responsible for helping the body respond to stress. Many people suffer the symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome because they take steroids such as prednisone for asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other inflammatory diseases, or for immunosuppression after transplantation. Prednisone is well-known for a “bloating” look that it gives people who take it.

 Symptoms include (Note: Not every patient has every symptom):

 Fatness of the face, sometimes called “moonface”, neck and trunk, Facial plethora, Puffy eyes, Softening of the spine, Ruddy complexion with purple markings, Pink or purple stretch marks may appear on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms and breasts (striae), Easy bruising, poor healing after cuts and bruises, Acne, Diminished resistance to infections, Hypertension, Osteopenia, Osteoporosis (thin, weak bones), Diabetes mellitus, Muscle weakness, Kidney stones, “Buffalo hump“, a fat accumulation over the upper back and trunk, Facial hair in women (Hirsuitism), Peptic ulcers, Low resistance to infection, Mental disturbances, including depressions and hallucinations may occur, moodiness, anxiety or irritability; confusion or psychosis, Severe fatigue, weak muscles, lack of energy, high blood pressure and high blood sugar.