
It’s been two years since my life suddenly changed forever. It only takes one small moment or experience to make a huge impact on your life. Two years ago I was really sick (more on that later) and spent a month and a half trying to figure out what was wrong. After 2.5 weeks at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, I received the diagnosis of neuroendocrine cancer (commonly referred to as NETs, neuroendocrine tumors) with a primary tumor in the tail of my pancreas and metastasis to my liver with innumerable amount of tiny lesions all over. NETs is often difficult to diagnose and catch early because often times there are no actual symptoms (even in blood work) until the disease is advanced. I was lucky to get a diagnosis within weeks at the hospital.
It only takes one small moment or experience to make a huge impact on your life.
I felt shame, embarrassment and a fraud for getting sick when I’m the one that teaches about health.
Wait, what!? I’m 38, I’m too young, this happens to other people, I’m active and I eat healthy. How did this happen to me? I felt shame, embarrassment and a fraud for getting sick when I am the one teaching about health. These were some of the thoughts running through my head. To be honest, my mental state was so far off at this point that I didn’t have the brain capacity to really comprehend what was happening. Looking back I felt numb hearing the diagnosis and was somewhat unreactionary.
My journey is something I have wanted to share for a while now. In the beginning it was still too raw and I was processing my emotions and learning to live with my new condition. Then life got busy with two toddlers and endless doctor and wellness appointments. I made the decision that the most important use of my time was #1 my health and #2 my family and friends. Anything else had to come after. I lived by that as a code and still do today.
I feel ready to share. I hope I can help others out that are also going through difficult circumstances, whatever they may be.
I had never heard of neuroendocrine cancer as it is rare. So I am sure most of you are unaware of it as well. It’s extremely complex because it involves your endocrine system and the cancerous cells behave differently than most common forms of cancer. It took at least 6 months of research just to get a good understanding of NETs. My family really helped me with this as I was afraid and so guarded to read about NETs. My mental state was so fragile that I didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize it.
Neuroendocrine tumors are cancers the begin in neuroendocrine cells. These cells have traits similar to hormone-producing cells. There are NETs that grow slowly and there are NETs that grow quickly. Thankfully my NETs is low grade with a KI-67 of 6% meaning the cells divide at a 6% rate. Some NETs release hormones and some don’t. We are called Zebras because the disease manifests in completely different ways in everyone. My NETs release ACTH which is the predecessor to cortisol. So I have off the charts high ACTH and cortisol levels that cause a whole other host of issues. The high limit for a normal blood cortisol level is 15 and mine is at 90! NETs don’t always cause symptoms or give you any signs which is why most of us are diagnosed after metastasis. In order to get a diagnosis, blood work is needed, a PET scan and biopsy of the cells. There are various treatment options that are unique to NETs and also medications to control the growth and excess hormones. Technically, there is no cure for NETs, but I like to say NOT YET!
When I became symptomatic it was extreme, very traumatic and I truly suffered.
When I became symptomatic it was extreme, very traumatic and I truly suffered. My first symptom was mild abdominal bloat and then difficulty sleeping. It started off where I was waking up at 3AM every morning. I had just finished breastfeeding Alana and chalked it up to my hormones adjusting. In the beginning I was able to go back to sleep, then I quickly escalated to full blown insomnia. If I did doze off, I would wake with a jolt in a pool of sweat. And when I say insomnia, I’m talking a big fat zero minutes of sleep. With cortisol levels that high, it was like I was being chased by a pack of lions ALL THE TIME! Anyone who knows me well knows that I love my sleep and always was a good sleeper. So this was difficult for me. I also developed extreme anxiety and paranoia (hello cortisol!). The anxiety was so extreme I had burning sensations down my arms and back. I am a very laid back person and never had experienced anxiety before. I couldn’t make sense of it and thought maybe I was going through a midlife crisis and stuck in an anxiety loop. It got to the point where I felt like an empty shell of a person looking in on my life and the people in my life. Physically, I lost over 20 lbs, lost muscle, lost hair, grew facial hair, developed smelly sweat, broke out in little bumps all over my face (all thanks to cortisol). High cortisol levels also cause your face to bloat so on top of it my face was blown up. Before I was admitted I could barely walk up the stairs and I certainly could not pickup my 1 year old daughter. I had to let family and friends step in and help. There is nothing harder than feeling like you can’t be a mother to your children. The high cortisol and insomnia affects your mental state and does some really crazy things in your head. Before I was admitted I started hallucinating things. The hallucinations were dark and still make me feel uneasy, although it is better now that time has passed and that I understand it wasn’t me, it was the hormones. It’s pretty scary what hormone imbalance can do to you!
Over the course of a month and a half we were in and out of Central DuPage Hospital ER and never got admitted. We also were desperately trying to find and get an appointment with an endocrinologist that dealt with cortisol. If they did deal with cortisol, most of them didn’t want to my case. We weren’t getting any answers and something more had to be done. One day it got so bad that I told Craig and my mom I thought I was dying. That day they decided I needed to go to a big hospital in Chicago. Craig packed me a bag and my mom drove me to the ER at Northwestern Memorial. It was there that I ended up with a great team of doctors that were finally able to give me a diagnosis and stabilize me with medications. The medications are something I am so grateful for in life and it took me a while to get to this point. I literally never took medicine, not even Ibuprofen for a headache. Taking a lot of medications right now was really hard for me. One of the drugs I’m taking blocks my cortisol receptors so I don’t feel the effects of my high cortisol levels. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to live.
I never could have imagined something like this or thought I could endure it. I’m so thankful for all my family and friends who supported me during this time and didn’t let me quit. I was blown away with the outpouring we received from others, meals, snacks, crafts and toys for the kids, flowers, books, blankets, robes, comfy clothes, money, gift cards. It made me realize how good and thoughtful and unselfish people can be. There were so many who truly empathized with me. It made me stop and think , would I have done this if the tables were turned? I don’t know, but I do know that now I am more caring, compassionate and giving person who truly empathizes with others. A cancer diagnosis can be scary and if you let it take over your life, it will. There is a lot of learning and growing that can happen if you choose positivity and joy everyday. I’n not perfect and some days, weeks or months are hard. But no matter what, I try too stay grounded. With the help of my family and friends, I am constantly uplifted. As the sun rises each day I have a fresh new start and it’s my choice if I want to stay centered in positivity or let myself fall to self-pity. Most days, I choose JOY.
As the sun rises each day I have a fresh new start and it’s my choice if I want to stay centered in positivity or let myself fall to self-pity. Most days, I choose JOY.
Your Mother-in-law Anita
Thank you for sharing this journey. We all love you so much and admire your tremendous strength and positive attitude. You have given your family tremendous strength as we watch you deal with this daily burden. God is truly at your side.
Bridget Sievers
Thank you Anita! Your continued support means everything. Love you!
Falon Mcgaughy
Bridget- your transparency is so admirable. Thank you! You may not know, but I (and Ceara’s work besties) think and pray for you often. We ask her about you. You are such a beautiful Pearson inside and out! I love you! Xo keep that positive spirit!
Bridget Sievers
Thank you Falon! It means so much to me that you think and pray for me often. xoxo
Kristi Tramont
Your humility and grace inspire me beyond words. I’m grateful to know you and keep you in our prayers everyday! We love you and wish there was more we could do!
Bridget Sievers
Thank you Kristi! Wish we were closer too. The kiddos would have so much fun. xoxoxo
Claire Kraemer
Aww Bridget! My love and prayers are with you. Never never feel ashamed! This world is so broken, no one is immune to illness. Thank you for courageously sharing your story! Keep us updated so that we know when help is needed and can be there!
Bridget Sievers
Thank you Claire for your kind words and prayers! It is so true that we should never feel ashamed. xoxo
Adhar
Thanks for sharing your story. I think of you and your beautiful family often.
Bridget Sievers
Thank you Adhar!
Diane Cleary
Bridget, the tears streaming down my face as I read this are those of admiration. You Have been in my thoughts and prayers daily. Thank you for sharing your story. You are very brave, beautiful woman. I say my rosary every morning and there is a bead on there for you and will continue to be. Much love and peace.
Diane Cleary
Bridget Sievers
Thank you so much Diane! i feel privileged to be part of your daily rosary. xo
Julie
What a journey it’s been for you, sweet friend. You are loved by so many. Praying that YOU are the first cured case!! Love, light and peace to you always.
Bridget Sievers
Thank you Julie! Love your positive vibes!
Nicole Adams
I love you my friend! Thank you for sharing your journey.💜 I am continually awed by your strength, positivity and joy for life. You are always in our prayers. Xoxo Nicole
Bridget Sievers
Thank you Nicole! xoxo
Patty McAnally
Bridget from the beginning your strength has been awe inspiring. I’m so glad you have shared this journey. You are helping others. I believe the family strength that surrounds you will carry you through. When you recover you will change lives. Your in my daily prayers. Your special.
Bridget Sievers
Thank you Patty. Family IS everything! I hope that sharing will help others. xo
Janice
Bridget, it’s truly amazing what you’ve endured (and continue to endure) and you do it with such grace and gratitude. I am praying for you,hard, as you continue to fight the disease and also carry on as an amazing mom and wife and daughter and friend. You are so inspiring! Love you.
Bridget Sievers
Awe, love ya too!
Demi
I love your strength Bridet. You’ve really been an inspiration to stay on the health journey, keep learning, and never giving up!
Bridget Sievers
Thank you Demi! xoxo
Wendie Grimes Connors
I choose joy, too. You are amazing. There is honestly NO OTHER WORD FOR YOU! Love you so much and continue prayers for a CURE and TOTAL HEALING! Not today, Gertie. 🙂
Bridget Sievers
No, not today Gertie! Love ya too!
Erin Stawarz
My beautiful sister I have walked along side you fighting this battle since the beginning, and still your words are raw and bring tears to my eyes. I am so proud of your vulnerability in sharing your story. We continue to keep you in our daily prayers, for with God nothing shall be impossible. 🙏🏻❤️
Bridget Sievers
Thank you to walking beside me! Your words brought tears to my eyes too. Love you!
Jan Hamilton
You inspire so many of us with your determination and fight Bridget. To share your story is a very selfless act and one that may help so many others. God bless and keep you, Craig, Kieran and Alana during this very difficult journey! We love you.
Bridget Sievers
Thank you Aunt Jan! xo
Pattie Miller
Bridget, please know how often I have thought of you and prayed for you. Thank you for sharing your personal journey. Your strength is amazing and also is encouragement to others who may be struggling. I will continue praying for healing for you and may you continue to choose joy!
Bridget Sievers
Thank you Pattie! xo
Cindy Churchill
Bridget, you are an inspiration to so many. Thank you for sharing your journey and know you are in my continuing prayers for your health & healing and for your family’s strength. May you always know joy.
Bridget Sievers
Thank you Cindy!
Kimberly
I work with your sister Ceara and I also follow your page. You are so brave and I continually pray for you and your family. Thanks for sharing your story.
Bridget Sievers
Thank you Kim!
Linda Bradley
Your story is truly overwhelming!! You are such a beautiful strong woman. I will continue to keep you in our prayers always. Stay positive & strong. Big hugs to you & your amazing family. Much love, Linda & Patrick Bradley
Bridget Sievers
Thank you!
Angie Michelini
Bridget, you are so courageous to share your story. I hope it brings you peace to know that there are so many people out there who care about you. Our family has been praying for you and your family every night since we first learned of your diagnosis. I wish there was more that we could do to take away your struggle.
Bridget Sievers
Thank you so much Angie, it means a lot to me and the family.
Amy Doctor
You are prayed for daily, Bridget! You and your beautiful family. Blessing are abundant and will continue… God Bless! Amy Doctor and family
Bridget Sievers
Thank you Amy!
Edward R Straka
Thank you for sharing your journey, and your story, Bridget.
You have been and will remain in my prayers.
Ed
Bridget Sievers
Thank you Eddie!
Jim Merkel
Bridget, just know that we love you and your family. Every day we pray for you. I wish we could do more for you and your family. Life is hard and then having to deal with this curve ball, it’s not fair. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. You are a warrior. We love you,
Bridget Sievers
Thank you! And thank you for being there with my parent’s during the worst of it. xo
Anna Pavlovic
Thank you for sharing Bridget 🙂 I’m always thinking of you my beautiful friend. Love you! Besos
Bridget Sievers
Thank you! xo
Jeff Keiser
Sharing this story as hard as that is… is a great blessing to those around you that you know, and those of us that you don’t know. Both share in your journey’s darkness and in the light that means so much more through the darkness of your story.
Bridget Sievers
Thank you Jeff!
Ann Baker
Dear Bridget, Katie has kept us up on your courageous and constant fight for wellness. You have been a part of our family since what, second grade? I have watched you grow into a beautiful, caring woman with an amazing, sweet family. I have a jar of Joy Bomb Skin Salve (gift from Katie) sitting on my desk, and it reminds me of you each time I open it. Please know that we think of you and all of your family often and send you positive thoughts of health and wellness.
Bridget Sievers
Third grade, but still a long time ago! It’s hard to believe. I am glad you like the Joy Bomb 🙂