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~ this site is a member of the Brain Tumor Ring of Hope ~

This Page is for my Friend's

with Pituitary Tumors

Each Friend represents a world in us...a world that is possibly not born before they arrive. ~ Anais Nin

In the last several months, I have met hundreds of people that share this problem with me. I am amazed... I always thought I was unusual in having been affected by a Pituitary Disorder...little did I know, that I would uncover great friendships in the process of getting well again.

"You are my Friend....Accept no Substitute"

We support each other, cheer each other up, and most of all...listen to each other's fears and frustrations. We talk online, in person, on the phone and via hundreds of letters that have found their way to me from all over the world.

[Image] In my quest for finding answers, I conducted a survey regarding Pituitary Disorders and various problems associated with this condition, including symptoms, medications, weight changes, and many more topics of interest for those with a Pituitary Tumor. Click here for the Survey summary

[Image] The results of the survey have been circulated to ,over 600 people within the Medical Community, the more than one hundred participants and by request. The survey was an attempt to finally answer some of those questions that had bothered me for the past eight years. This was an incredible learning process for me, and hopefully for those that participated. The support was over whelming! With everyone's help and contributions to the survey, we made some important progress....and now we know we are not alone!

Survey Sample

Courage is grace, under Pressure ~Ernest Hemingway

[Image] Letters arrived from Spain, Hong Kong, Singapore, The Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, England, Australia, South Africa, Canada, Germany, Scotland and from all over the United States in response to the survey.

[Image] A lot of people wrote on behalf of themselves, but many letters were sent by concerned parents, friends, siblings and co-workers. It was truly touching to see how this disorder affects the lives of everyone that loves and cares for us. I use to try to "tough it out", and just get on with things....then one day, not too long ago, I realized I need the support of my friends and family. This is my third "round" in eight years...it's been a bigger battle, but once I discovered I wasn't alone, I felt so much better!

[Image] In the past few months I have been working on putting others with Pit tumors in touch with people that are willing to share their experience. You will find that information on the page I call "Experience Exchange". I can't begin to tell you what meeting fellow "pit - pats" has meant to me...and how much I have learned from so many neat people! It made a difference in how I feel about myself, and how I deal with this part of my life.

Service to others is our rent here on earth. ~Mohammad Ali

[Image] Most of all....just know you are NOT alone in this....there are thousands of us online, ...including many Endocrinologists and Neurosurgeons. A lot of us will share our experience "from the road" because we actually feel better when we do! It's helped me put a lot of things in perspective, and along the way, I have learned to count my blessings...so many people have it much rougher than I do, and yet, face all of their problems with such courage and determination. I love that!!! and I have to believe it makes a difference. I am fortunate to meet many brave people through this experience.

PDES Recently, I was asked to sit on the Board of Directors for a great organization called PDES (Pituitary Disorders, Education and Support). I gladly joined this non profit organization which is dedicated to the education and support of it's members. I would like everyone reading this page to tour the PDES website and read the benefits of becoming a member. Those that know me, know that I don't believe you have to join a pit tumor club, nor do I believe you should have to buy things or mail money to get a glimpse at current research information that might benefit your recovery. I also detest the hard nose approach of the PNA and wouldn't join an organization that made me feel as though I OWE it to them just because I own a Pit tumor!

I do believe however, there are tremendous benefits from being linked to an Education and Support Group like PDES and invite you to look at what PDES can do for you. Those that can attend the free lectures and support programs in Michigan will gain a tremendous amount of information and make new friends in the process both from the Pit tumor world and the medical community. Those outside Michigan will benefit from the personal email communication in addition to a first class newsletter that will be mailed to your home. The big difference is that PDES is about Education and Support, and from my own experience, that's what worked for me.

[Image] Join the Pit Tumor mail service (see the "links page") provided by St. John's hospital. Questions and answers will be emailed to you directly. I really enjoy this service a lot, and I think you will too! It's something available to all of us and a good way to learn a great deal. You can post a question, answer a question or simply just read the information.

[Image] Later this year, my story and the stories of several others with brain tumors will be included in a book written by Mary Stevens. Check back again, when the details of the book are finalized. The book will span four decades of Pituitary Disorders and treatments. Mary titled my chapter "Round 3", and I am proud to play a small role in her book.

The Book is Ready...click below for details on ordering!!

It's All in Your Head!!

The Author's Website

Order the book!

Light today with tomorrrow ~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

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G U E S T B O O K

Please sign the guestbook, and leave any questions you may have. I know at a lot of people with Pituitary Tumors....and if I can't answer your question, I may know someone that can!

Everyone is asked to sign the Guest Book, whether you have a Pituitary Disorder or not...I like you just the same!!

New! Message board on this website.....post a question OR answer a question for someone that and benefit from your experience.

Click on the graphic to reach the Message Board!! Scroll a little further to reach the guest books!

Sign the Guestbook

Read the Guestbook


    Guestbook Archives

One of the best things about having this website is reading the Guestbook,so please take a minute to let me know you were here! I usually write to everyone that posts a message.

" All you gotta do is call, and I'll be there, yah, You've got a friend."

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

– Mohandas Ghandi

[Image] Website Map [Image]

Click on the graphics to navigate!

Links to Information

PDES

Survey Results

Experience Exchange

A Short Story

Thought for the Day

Can You Answer these ????

Friends

An Update

Health, peace and sweet content be yours. ~William Shakespeare

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This site became part of the Phenomenal Women of the Web about three months after it was launched. I am very proud to join this elite group of webmistresses! Awards for this Website are found on this page also.

Today is your day, your mountain is waiting...so get underway!! ~Dr.Suess