I was a 30-year-old successful businessman with a small chain of flower shops in Northern Virginia. The very first symptom I noticed was a decrease in my ability to maintain my balance. I fell several times over the course of a year. I was involved in a car accident in 1994. The doctor noticed my blood sugar and pressure were
elevated and, ultimately, my primary physician put me on a strict routine of diet and exercise, prescribed 1/2 dozen medications, and insulin injections.

My weight gain increased significantly despite the diet and I craved sweets so much that I would drink pancake syrup out of the bottle! My skin became extremely thin, dry and flaky, like crepe paper. I had no strength in my arms or legs. All my hair fell out from my legs, arms, chest and head. I couldn't concentrate and felt disoriented all the time. I was sensitive to cold and developed huge stretch marks on my stomach and hips. I was depressed and didn't talk to friends and family for weeks at a time.

All these symptoms were side effects from the diabetes, or so my doctor told me! They changed my medication, tested me for cocaine, and referred me to a psychiatrist. I told the HMO administrator that something is seriously wrong and "if you don't find out what it is, I'm going straight to my lawyer's office and discuss the situation with him."

They decided I needed a neurological exam. He felt sure, after a five minute exam, that I had Cushing's and referred me to an endocrinologist. After a CT scan, MRI and 20 urine/blood tests, the cause could not be determined for the source of my Cushing's, and he recommended a petrosal sinus sampling test. My HMO refused to pay until my attorney convinced them otherwise!

The CT scan revealed a "nodule" in my left lung. It had blood vessels running through it and could not be accessed with a bronchoscope. It was very close to my heart and moved in conjunction with my heartbeat. They presented my options as: we can operate and remove the nodule and if it's the cause, you will be cured. If it's not the cause of the Cushing's, then your body will not heal up properly and your chances for recovery are very slim.

I sold my house, personal possessions, my business and made out my Will. I opted for the surgery. The past 18 months had been very difficult and I wanted it over one way or the other.
The nodule that the doctors dismissed as "nothing" turned out to be an ACTH producing carcinoid that had spread throughout my left lung and lymph nodes. I was in intensive care on a respirator and the doctors told my family that I did not handle the surgery well because my body was so weak. Despite the doctors telling me how sick I was, I felt like a new person. It was ironic that for 18 months I've been telling them I was sick and they didn't believe me. Now they're telling me I'm sick and I don't believe them!

I discharged myself after 21 days (against the doctor's wishes) and underwent 8 weeks of daily radiation therapy. At the end of therapy, I flushed all my medications down the toilet and went back to work.

Three annual nuclear scans have been cancer free! I lost 50 pounds, my hair grew back and I've regained a good portion of my strength. I don't take any more pills and my blood sugar and blood pressure are normal! I bought a new house in Florida and have basically started a new life. I still suffer from some fatigue and I still have my stretch marks. But these are MINOR issues compared to what I went through with Cushing's Syndrome.

It can be beaten though, I beat it, and if I can beat it, then ANYONE can!! If there is anything I can do to help someone else get through this terrible affliction, please contact me. I have a great deal of free time on my hands (thanks to many years of hard work) and I'm available during the day or evenings on most days.