Sick Girl Saga Update: Dealing with Depression and Anxiety in My Battle with a Pituitary Tumor
The ongoing journey with my pituitary tumor has been a rollercoaster, not just physically, but mentally as well. Lately, I’ve found myself facing the harsh realities of depression and anxiety, both of which have been exacerbated by my health issues and personal grief. Here’s an update on my journey, including how I’m coping with these mental health challenges alongside my pituitary tumor battle.
Experiencing Depression
The signs of depression have become all too familiar: constant fatigue, feeling out of place at social gatherings, and a reluctance to go out. I’ve also noticed a neglect in my appearance—something I never thought would happen. My motivation to do anything has been slipping away, and the emotional weight of my condition has started to feel heavier each day. It’s hard to maintain a positive outlook when it feels like every step forward comes with two steps back.
Dealing with Anxiety
On top of the anxiety related to my tumor, life threw another curveball at me with the sudden loss of my stepmother in early July. My father found her lifeless on the porch after returning from offshore work, and the grief that followed has been overwhelming. The shock and sadness compounded my already fragile mental state, making the anxiety feel even more suffocating.
Medical Updates and MRI Results
On July 16th, I went in for a series of medical tests, including an MRI. Along with the tests, I was given vaccines for various bacteria, Hepatitis A, and a new non-live shingles shot due to my weakened immune system. The MRI brought a bit of good news—the tumor had decreased in size, offering a brief sense of relief.
However, when the full radiology report came in, it showed more concerning results. There were new enhancements in several cranial nerves, and areas of gray matter heterotopia were found near the lateral ventricles. There was also persistent nodular enhancement along the posterior infundibulum and circumferential enhancement around the optic chiasm and optic nerves. While the tumor had shrunk, these findings added to my anxiety, especially as they posed risks to my vision and facial movement.
Impact on Daily Life
Learning about the tumor’s spread to my frontal lobe, which controls facial movement, eye movement, and jaw function, was incredibly difficult. The involvement of the optic chiasm put my vision at risk, adding to my fears of what the future holds. The doctors recommended continuing my current medication, hoping for further tumor shrinkage.
Coping with Mental Health Challenges
Recognizing that my mental health was spiraling, my family stepped in to support me. After consulting with my doctor, I was prescribed Zoloft to help manage the symptoms of depression and anxiety. My first trip to the pharmacy to pick up the medication was overwhelming. The crowd and noise almost triggered a panic attack, but I pushed through, knowing that taking care of my mental health is just as important as managing my physical symptoms.
Ongoing Medical Investigations
The journey didn’t stop there. My new neuroimmunologist scheduled an EEG to check for any additional neurological issues, especially since I experienced a seizure last year. I’m also set to see a psychiatrist for a possible diagnosis of ADD/ADHD, as well as an ophthalmologist for a Humphrey Visual Field test. Another MRI is planned soon to assess how the tumor is responding to medication before I meet with my neurosurgeon and endocrinologist to discuss the next steps.
Conclusion
Managing a chronic illness like a pituitary tumor goes far beyond dealing with physical symptoms—it’s a full-body and mind experience. The interplay between my condition and my mental health has been complex and, at times, overwhelming. But with the support of my family, medical team, and proactive self-care, I continue to face these challenges head-on.
Thank you all for your ongoing support—it means the world to me. Stay tuned for further updates as I continue this journey toward healing and stability.
