kkc, Author at CSRF - Cushing's Support & Research Foundation

Author Archives: kkc

Shelby C., Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery

It was late August, 2009 when I walked onto campus as a spunky, tiny 18 year old ready to live on my own and take on the collegiate world. Four months later I left feeling like a completely different person. I was demoralized, depressed, confused and in a lot of pain. My body and mind were quickly turning on me and it was out of my control. … Continue Reading

Kathleen C., Persistent Cushing’s

My name is Kathleen and I presently have Cushing’s disease due to an inoperable ACTH secreting pituitary tumor. I was born in 1950 and am married with two great sons and a wonderful one and a half year old grandson. My husband and I have lived in the small, rural town of Mt. Shasta, CA at the foot of the mountain with the same name since 1979.… Continue Reading

Tara S., Medication Induced Cushing’s

I’m so grateful I found the CSRF website. I have a long story and I haven’t been able to find a single person who understands what I am going through. Even though my story is a bit different, I would love for someone to reach out to me. I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) since I was 12 and I’m now 31.… Continue Reading

Non-functioning Pituitary Tumors

Question: How often are pituitary tumors not hormone secreting? Also, how often do non-functional pituitary tumors become functional for hormone secretion? Answer: The incidence of non-functioning tumors depends on what is being reported. For example, whether the numbers are obtained from those requiring surgery, observed on an MRI or CAT scan, or from population… Continue Reading

Testing for Recurrence

Question: I had successful pituitary surgery for Cushing’s 15 years ago. Recently my lab work showed elevated cortisol. What cortisol or ACTH levels are considered high enough for further testing? What would be the next level of testing for re-occurring Cushing’s? Answer: The recurrence of Cushing’s disease is relatively frequent and has been described even… Continue Reading