Today I saw my doctor – the specialist (endocrinologist). He doubts I have Cushing’s syndrome as I do not have the tell-tale purple stretch marks on my abdomen that identifies Cushing’s. However, I need the results of two lab tests to come back to be sure. He diagnosed that I have a large fatty tumor at the back of my neck that needs to be removed and has scheduled me to see a surgeon on Jan. 23rd.

I feel like I have been given a reprieve. It feels so good to not have this hanging over my head. I was so convinced I had the disease. I didn’t know someone could have this big hump and have it not be something more than a fatty tumor. The pictures for Cushing’s looks just like what I have. I know the results are not final, but the doctor was optomistic and now, so am I.

I realize now that this has been weighing on me and my husband constantly. Now I feel like a huge boulder has been lifted off my shoulders. Actually it will when the surgeon removes the tumor from my neck. All will be well once the lab work comes back negative. If it comes back positive, I am ready for Step 2 and more prayers.

If my husband does not need my car tomorrow, I will go to the gym and begin to seriously work out again. I have gained 10 lbs. (4.55 kilos) in the last 2 months. When I was diagnosed by my primary care physician with Cushing’s, I just stopped going to the gym. I did not feel like going anything. Although I am taking in about 1200 calories a day, I have to work off the fat. If I can’t get to the gym, I will work out at home, which is actually a more challenging exercise routine.

All through this waiting period, I have felt the prayers of many people holding me up. When the doctor first told me his doubts, I felt these prayers being answered in the examination room. I know God is with me, but at times, I just can’t believe something good is going to replace the ‘bad’ I have in my mind. I can walk with my cross, but I am utterly amazed when the cross is lifted from my shoulders for a while. I have to learn to trust that there can be bad and GOOD potential outcomes. I am so blessed to be given this faith, this God, this trust. Remind me to read this if the tests come back positive. God’s Peace to You.