TJ's Journey with ACC
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In early May, TJ was experiencing flu-like symptoms that led him to a visit with his doctor. After several lab tests came back with abnormal results, he was admitted to the hospital for observation and treatment for what was believed to be an overactive thyroid problem. After more tests and scans, doctors discovered that a large mass had formed on his adrenal gland and was causing distress on his entire body. After getting most of his levels under control with antibiotics and fluids, TJ was sent up North to enjoy his Memorial Day weekend with Kayla and her family, relaxing and resting before prepping to have the mass removed a couple weeks later.
On May 28, however, TJ's test levels and scans came back with alarming results. He was readmitted to St. Luke's to undergo surgery to remove the mass, and was faced with a scary, worst case scenario that involved the dreaded word "cancer." After the surgery on May 29, our family learned that the mass had been removed along with his adrenal gland, spleen and a portion of his pancreas. The doctors and surgeons were pleased with how the surgery and tumor removal went but needed to wait on the pathology report to fully understand what they were dealing with. TJ started his road to recovery in the ICU for two days before being moved to another floor to continue his healing process.
On June 2, it was confirmed that the tumor was in fact cancerous, and TJ was diagnosed with Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma, or cancer of the adrenal gland. This type of cancer is extremely rare with less than 200 documented cases in the United States and leaves room for a lot of unknowns with the doctors and TJ and our family.
Right now TJ is focused on recovering from the surgery itself which is expected to take a couple weeks. His doctors are optimistic that the cancer has been removed from his body but still need to do extensive research to determine next steps. Over the next few weeks, they will evaluate his labs, scans and all of the reports from surgery to determine if he will need chemotherapy, radiation or any other proactive treatments to ensure he will live a fully and healthy life in the years ahead.
Because this type of Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma is so rare, TJ is facing a lot of medical testing ahead as well as visits to other doctors and cancer research centers. He will also need many follow-up appointments, assessments and treatments, many of which will not be covered by insurance. While he is recovering, Kayla will not be able to work full-time while she spends her days and nights caring for him.
We have been unbelievably blessed to have all of our family and friend's love and support during this difficult time and continue to ask for all of your prayers and positive thoughts as we all continue on this journey with TJ.
Love, Chelsea, Kayla and our family
On May 28, however, TJ's test levels and scans came back with alarming results. He was readmitted to St. Luke's to undergo surgery to remove the mass, and was faced with a scary, worst case scenario that involved the dreaded word "cancer." After the surgery on May 29, our family learned that the mass had been removed along with his adrenal gland, spleen and a portion of his pancreas. The doctors and surgeons were pleased with how the surgery and tumor removal went but needed to wait on the pathology report to fully understand what they were dealing with. TJ started his road to recovery in the ICU for two days before being moved to another floor to continue his healing process.
On June 2, it was confirmed that the tumor was in fact cancerous, and TJ was diagnosed with Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma, or cancer of the adrenal gland. This type of cancer is extremely rare with less than 200 documented cases in the United States and leaves room for a lot of unknowns with the doctors and TJ and our family.
Right now TJ is focused on recovering from the surgery itself which is expected to take a couple weeks. His doctors are optimistic that the cancer has been removed from his body but still need to do extensive research to determine next steps. Over the next few weeks, they will evaluate his labs, scans and all of the reports from surgery to determine if he will need chemotherapy, radiation or any other proactive treatments to ensure he will live a fully and healthy life in the years ahead.
Because this type of Adrenal Cortical Carcinoma is so rare, TJ is facing a lot of medical testing ahead as well as visits to other doctors and cancer research centers. He will also need many follow-up appointments, assessments and treatments, many of which will not be covered by insurance. While he is recovering, Kayla will not be able to work full-time while she spends her days and nights caring for him.
We have been unbelievably blessed to have all of our family and friend's love and support during this difficult time and continue to ask for all of your prayers and positive thoughts as we all continue on this journey with TJ.
Love, Chelsea, Kayla and our family
Organizer and beneficiary
Chelsea Burke
Organizer
Eau Claire, WI
Taylor Burke
Beneficiary