Tuesday, September 17, 2013

PART 5: IMPORTANCE OF SECOND SURGERY/FAILURE OF FIRST SURGERY


PART 5: 2ND SURGERY PART 
Posted June 21st, 2013 by Michelle Ghiassi

PART 5: SECOND SURGERY NECESSITY
Both second opinions said a second surgery was the best option for me. Radiation did not make sense at this time because they have to be able to locate the tumor as well for radiation. Radiation could take several years. It just was not optimal. My best chance at recovery was this second surgery. This is the nutshell version without going into all the reasons. 
HEARING SURGERY FAILED THE FIRST TIME
In March of 2013, in one of the second opinions, the specialist told us I was going to die almost 5 times. It is like, you hear it, but you don’t. The tumor was not removed completely and we should have come to him for the first surgery. This is not the surgeon we are using.
This was the day before we were having our friends come over the next day for a party for a new business that Mark and I had been trying to start. I had been fooling myself into thinking I was recovered or in denial, I don't know.  That night I pretended we did not hear this news. Cushing's had already taken so much from us. 
Mark and I had come so far in the hopes of recovery. This was the first time all of my friends had been around me after surgery and were trying to show their support.  Inside I was crying because I knew this disease was not over. I couldn't bare to tell them that night. 
 MEETING SECOND SURGEON FOR SECOND SURGERY
THAT NEXT WEEK, I was online with my Cushing’s support group and posted about what was happening. Very shortly, I received a telephone call from one of my friends on there. This was the middle of the day. She told who she went to for surgery in Santa Monica, why to go, and what to do.
DRIVING ON MY OWN TO THE SPECIALIST
This friend made me get in my car and take my file all the way to Santa Monica for the specialist to review that day. Like I told you, Mark and I did not have enough knowledge on my disease during the first process.  These are the moments when you realize how strong you really are or not. With her strength as a friend pushing me, I did it. I think she was my angel sent because I had been so depressed after the party and was at a loss.
She had me call her and tell her I did it.  I was blessed by her call.  This is how we came to where we are at with this surgeon.  We liked him instantly and felt confident with him. It is so important to trust and research.
 Since then I have met two patients who have recovered from this Center and have given me hope about recovery. I wanted to share this because everyone is being supportive.  I try to remain positive and keep my eye on the goal! Recovery/Remission whatever you want to call it.
 FOUR MONTHS FIGHTING FOR SURGEON
I switched endocrinologists during this time and he and all my other doctors were on board with going to this specialist.  I have already told the insurance battle so I do not have to write about it again. YOU ALL KNOW WHERE THAT STANDS.
HEALTH PROBLEMS DURING FOUR MONTHS
I have endured being anemic, having iv of iron, having a allergic reaction to the iron during the infusions. I have been through muscle/nerve testing. I have had a colonoscopy and endoscopy.  And various other issues.  The body can only take so much.  The day my anemia was bad I thought I was going to die I could not breathe, walk right, focus. It was awful. Mark and I were scared. It is moments like these which made us realize this surgery needed to happen no matter what.

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