My IGF-1 (Somatomedin-C) Levels

My pituitary tumor is considered a plurihormonal adenoma which means it excretes more than one hormone: prolactin and growth hormone. Pathology reports confirmed this in two surgeries.

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Please note what is considered a normal range for IGF-1 can differ among labs and depends on age. There are many variations on what is considered "normal". My most recent result is 74. The lab work processed by the Mayo clinic through MD Anderson Cancer Center says the standard range for my age (42 yrs) is 62-205 ng/mL. Last year MD Anderson's range was 106-277. It is likely that the downward trend in my recent results is due to radiotherapy treatment.

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I haven't taken any medication to control excess hormone excretion. My tumor is deemed "partially functioning" which means it excretes excess hormone sporadically. After surgery in 2005, my hormone levels consistently stayed within normal range despite continued enlargement of my tumor and invasion into both cavernous sinuses and clivus. If doctors looked for residual adenoma solely on the basis of my lab results, they wouldn't find it. Interestingly, this past year my prolactin levels have increased, but MRI images show my tumor as stable and/or possibly shrinking.

Rest in Peace, Richard Kiel

I read in the news this afternoon that Richard Kiel - AKA "Jaws" - died yesterday.

Link: Richard Kiel, who played lovable giant ‘Jaws’ in ‘James Bond’ films, is dead

I remember him most from his role as the evil villain, Jaws, in the James Bond movies. Shortly after I was diagnosed with acromegaly, I discovered I had the same disease as him and was fearful of what might happen to me if my tumor did not stop producing excess growth hormone. Would I become a giant, too? As time passed, I realized my situation was entirely different from his because my tumor began excreting excess growth hormone in my twenties - after my growth plates hardened. The photo I posted above is a keepsake I purchased from his website a couple of years ago. Nothing about acromegaly is mentioned on his site, but he does share his testimony about becoming a Christian and being delivered from alcoholism (with God's help) many years ago. Even though Mr. Kiel had acromegaly, he lived 74 years old - which is an inspiration in itself. His family posted a message on Facebook regarding his passing. You can read their announcement here.

The Pituitary Gland and Hormonal Related Disorders

Endocrinologist Dr. Pejman Cohan spoke at Saint John's Health Center earlier this month for the Pituitary Tumor Patient Support Group in Southern California. I found this to be an extremely helpful and informative video on pituitary tumor treatment, hormone imbalances, and quality of life.

Pituitary Gland and Hormonal Related Disorders and How they Affect Our Quality of Life