Testimonial - Gladys
My name is Gladys and I am 86-years-old. In July 2002, ultrasound screening at my local hospital revealed a “shadow on my pancreas”, yet the surgical team thought I was “too well to have cancer”. I was therefore referred to Professor Farid, who at the initial examination correctly diagnosed that I had a parathyroid tumour. Further investigations established that I also had a tumour on my pituitary gland and DNA screening revealed that I had the rare genetic disorder, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1, Burin variant. This disorder affects the parathyroid glands, the pituitary gland, and the pancreas.1 Needless to say, I was shocked.
Professor Farid explained that the pituitary tumour could be controlled with cabergoline, which I continue to take twice weekly. The parathyroid tumour could not be controlled.2 I had to decide whether to have the tumour surgically removed, or to become so unwell that my kidneys would fail, and Professor Farid would be unable to help me. Without hesitation, I agreed to the operation.
In February 2003, at the age of 81, I was admitted to The Middlesex Hospital for the operation. The tumour and two of my four parathyroid glands were removed. I was discharged home after five days. I have to take calcium and vitamin D supplements to compensate for the reduced calcium production by my remaining two parathyroid glands.
The last MRI scan of my head showed that the pituitary tumour had shrunk considerably. My kidneys have been damaged by the high level of calcium, caused by the parathyroid tumour that was present in my body for years. This went undetected until I met Professor Farid.
For the past six years Professor Farid has continuously given me the best care and attention. I shall always be deeply grateful to him for restoring my life. As Professor Farid said to me at our last review “I see no reason why you shouldn’t see your 90th birthday”. Thank you, Professor.
1 Prof Farid: "In this variant syndrome the pituitary tumour almost always secretes prolactin, which is lucky as it can be controlled with tablets."
2Prof Farid: "At the time I got involved in Gladys’s management her serum calcium was consistently more than 2.83 mmol/L. The doctors involved in her care favoured a wait and see approach, whereas my concern was that if Gladys developed an undercurrent infection, calcium levels could rise dangerously, threatening her life; under those circumstances she would be a candidate for surgery, whereas at the time the decision was taken to seek a surgical consultation, she was quite fit."
