On the morning of the 4th of July (2024) I was seen at the Emergency Department in Braselton for chest pains which resulted in getting a CT Scan. By grace alone the technician saw an abnormality and informed the Dr who ordered the abdomen to be scanned with contrast too. This is the start of my diagnosis of Adrenocortical Carcinoma, which is a rare aggressive cancer that forms in the outer layer of the adrenal glad. Thankfully I was accepted by the ACC teams at the NIH to undergo surgery and start care in the hands of Doctors experienced in surgery and treatment of ACC and be a part of the research the NIH is doing regarding ACC and other cancers. August 17th I left for Maryland and on August 28th Dr Hernandez and his team removed my left kidney, left adrenal gland and tumor, spleen, lymph nodes, tail-end of the pancreas and part of my diaphragm in a 6 hour long surgery. The margins were clear. I remained in Maryland till September 16th and am now home continuing my recovery. Under the care of Dr Del Rivero at the NIH who will consult with my local Oncologist and Endocrinologist I will start taking Mitotane for the next 3-5 years (end of October) and undergo scans every 3 months to keep an eye on the nodules on my lungs and ensure no other areas of concern show up. As some know, I am supporting my daughter who has IIH (diagnosed last year) and my granddaughter. As of February this year I was released from my permanent position and given a contract position at my place of employment. Without medical coverage and earning less than I was, it was a struggle. Now with the added costs not covered by NIH that comes with my diagnosis, it's been more of a struggle. I'm not one to ask for help, but the situation is of such I have to put my pride in my pocket while I await approval for assistance and Medicaid. I want to thank each and everyone who has donated, prayed and supported me in various ways. I have no idea how I will ever be able to repay your kindness and your support but rest assured you will have my friendship and support as always.
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