My Younger Sister

Prayers continue. I hope all went well.

Received this from my youngest sister a few minutes ago......


Helloooooooo...

Shelly's surgery was yesterday morning, Tue. They removed the tumor laparoscopically, (I think I spelled it correctly this time) I was able to talk to Shelly this morning, she was too groggy when I called lastnight and her throat was very scratchy and sore . Her surgery went very well according to the Dr. Not much to report. Dr said the tumor was a "Pheo". (desc. below) The only surprise was, there are usually only one ingoing blood source and one outgoing. Dr said there were at least a half dozen supply lines it had put down, so he thinks it was fixin to do some serious growth had it not been discovered.
She says other than still feeling a bit tired, she feels like she already feels better, and they've taken her off all the blood pressure meds as well as the other prescriptions they sent her home with. Having not eaten since Monday night, she's screamin hungry this morning, but all she can have yet is jello, sherbert, apple sauce or broth.
They're talking about sending her home tomorrow. I asked her, "What about the thyroid nodules?" She says she'll ask about it, but is assuming they plan to deal with those another time...



Adrenal Tumor / Pheochromocytoma
What are adrenal tumors?
There are two adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney toward the back. Tumors of the adrenal glands are rare. However, when present, they can cause many problems by excess secretion of certain adrenal-produced hormones. One type of tumor of the adrenal glands is called a pheochromocytoma.

What is a pheochromocytoma?
A pheochromocytoma is an adrenal gland tumor that secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine hormones. These hormones are responsible for regulating heart rate and blood pressure, among other functions. Pheochromocytomas occur most frequently in young to middle-aged adults between the ages of 30 and 60.

What are the symptoms of pheochromocytoma?
The most common symptom of pheochromocytoma is high blood pressure, which is sometimes extreme. Other symptoms are usually nonexistent, unless the person experiences pressure from the tumor. Symptoms can also be brought on by emotional stress, changes in posture, or is taking beta-blocker drugs for a heart disorder. The following are the most common symptoms of pheochromocytoma. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Other symptoms may include:

* rapid pulse
* palpitations
* headache
* nausea
* vomiting
* clammy skin

Shelly is home.....her daughter brought her home from the hospital and will leave out sometime today, guess this was her springbreak week....my youngest sister, Andrea will head up that way and take care of her.....thanks for all the prayers....she says she is doing much better.....they even took her off her BP meds....that tumor was creating all kinds of havoc in her body...so no more meds.....

That's wonderful news, Rhonda! Especially about her being able to go off her blood pressure meds! Thanks for the update!

Praise the Lord! So glad it all went well.

What a relief! I'm happy the news are so good!

Vanesa.

So happy to hear it's been taken care of and the news is good!

glad to here shes doing better.

Great news, Rhonda! Thanks for keeping us posted!

Wow, that's wonderful news Rhonda! Even no more meds!! So glad to hear she's doing well.

I'm so happy to hear the good news! I hope she has a quick recovery.

What great news! Glad Shelly is home and doing well.