Day 14 - The Pituitary Gland: Part One

The pituitary gland is about the size of a pea. It is in the most inferior part of the brain and it is sits in what looks like a saddle, part of the bottom of the skull. The pituitary gland is connected to the hypothalamus by infundibulum, which looks like a stalk.There are two different parts of the pituitary gland, the adenohypophysis, anterior lobe, and the neurohypophysis, the posterior lobe.

The anterior pituitary mostly controls hormones in the body. These hormones usually end in tropin, meaning they "feed" the target cells with hormones needed for that site. They do not literally feed them but it is kind of like a homeostatic atmosphere that the anterior pituitary will keep the target cells at.

These are the hormones that the pitutary gland produces:

• growth hormones (GH- somatotropin),
• thyroid-stimiulation homones (TSH- thyrotropin),
• adrenocorticotropic hormones (ACTH- corticotropin),
• follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH- folliculotropin),
• luteinizing hormones (LH- luteotropin),
• prolactin (PRL).

The posterior pituitary has two hormones that it secretes:

• antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
• and oxytocin.

http://lynlaukimdak.wikispaces.com/04.+Endocrinology

Day 13 - More Treatments for Cushing’s Disease

(Ivanhoe Newswire) – Cushing’s disease is a hormone disorder that causes many symptoms, such as high blood pressure, fat accumulation, osteoporosis and ultimately ending in death. It is caused by a tumor in the anterior pituitary gland that secretes excess amounts of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). The only treatment is removal of the tumor, however, researchers have found a new treatment for these reoccurring tumors.
Researchers, led by Shlomo Melmed, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, have now identified a potential new therapeutic target -- the protein EGFR, which is the target of a drug used to treat some patients with non–small cell lung cancer (gefitinib). As discussed by Melmed and colleagues in their paper, as well as Frederic Wondisford, at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, in an accompanying commentary, the data generated in human, canine, and mouse models provide strong support to investigate the clinical effects of gefitinib in patients with Cushing disease.
SOURCE: Journal of Clinical Investigation, published online November 21, 2011 

Day 12 - Picture Timeline

Kindergarten 1999

1st Grade - 2000

2nd Grade - 2001

3rd Grade - 2002

4th Grade - 2003

5th Grade - 2004

6th Grade - 2005

7th Grade - 2006

8th Grade - 2007

9th Grade - 2008

10th Grade - 2009

11th Grade - 2010

12th Grade - 2011

Day 11 - The RIGHT Doctors

How many times have you had a dr look at your MRI and ask you why you are in the office today?  Fortunately, it has only happened to us one time.  He proceeded to tell us that all of the lab work was normal too.  I was like... REALLY...  are you kidding me???!!!  Obviously, he still had a lot to learn.  I could have looked at the scan and told you that there was obviously something there.   

Dr. G came in the room next and pulled up the picture of Hunter's MRI and showed us exactly where the regrowth of tumor was and that doing a 2nd transphenoidal surgery was the best option.  Before we left the office that day Hunter had his 2nd surgery scheduled...  Dr. P said she would not put him through another surgery again...  we would need to look at other options.  I pray to GOD everyday that that day doesn't come.

Day 10 - Hunter and his doctor

Pediatric endo, Dr. P at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital who diagnosed Hunter on his very first visit. She has been the biggest blessing out of this whole situation. Hunter and her bonded very quickly. Don't want to see the day come when he can no longer be her patient... (I mean I would love for that day to come!!! I just mean that once he is out of college he will have to see and adult endo... I hope that we can find one as caring and smart as she is!)

Day 9 - Wordle Art

Day 8 - Happy Cushing's Syndrome Awareness Day and Happy Easter!

What is Cushing's?

Cushing's Syndrome is caused by an excess of cortisol production or by excessive use of cortisol or other similar steroid hormone. When too much cortisol is produced in the adrenal glands or an excess is taken in treating other diseases significant changes occur in all of the tissues and organs of the body. All of these effects together are called Cushing's Syndrome. Cushing's disease is the name given to a type of Cushing's caused by too much ACTH production from the pituitary gland.

Spontaneous overproduction of cortisol in the adrenals is divided into two groups: those due to an excess of ACTH and those that are independent of ACTH. When the source of excess cortisol production is a tumor of the adrenal gland itself, then it is not dependent on ACTH.

What are some of the Symptoms of Cushing’s? Symptoms may include but are not limited to the following changes in body habitus: abdominal obesity, face may become more round and have a swollen appearance (moon face), increased size above the collar bone (supraclavicular), protrusion (buffalo hump) at the back of the neck.

Skin and hair changes: bruise easily, purplish stretch marks (striae), red face (plethora), hair loss on head, excessive hair on face, abdomen, chest, and thighs. Depression, mood swings or anxiety. Generalized weakness and fatigue, muscle weakness. Decreased fertility or libido and menstrual disorders in women.

It is important to remember that not everyone who has Cushing's will experience the same symptoms. Also, not everyone who has the classic physical features of Cushing's will actually have the disease. Cushing's is a serious disorder and it is important to carefully exclude it from other disorders and obtain a proper diagnosis.