Patient Stories

November 2023 marked a pivotal moment in my life. I was on a business trip in Paris, where the stress of work weighed heavily on my shoulders. On November 13th, my birthday, I returned to Riyadh, eager to celebrate with family and friends. Yet, what should have been a day of joy turned into a nightmare.

I was struck by an agonizing migraine and experienced severe pain. My blood pressure skyrocketed to an alarming 245 over 150, and I began vomiting dark red blood. In the ICU, the doctors focused their efforts on my brain, running all the usual tests in search of answers. But answers eluded us at every turn until one astute doctor decided to look beyond the obvious.

She ordered tests for adrenal gland hormones The results revealed alarmingly high levels of metanephrine and normetanephrine—800, when the normal level should be around 120. A week later, a second test yielded even more shocking results: over 500.

And so, my journey began in earnest. Further tests revealed a 3.5 cm tumor nestled in my right adrenal gland pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor that had been wreaking havoc on my body for years.

As I sat across from my doctor, listening to the words that would redefine my reality, I felt an unexpected sense of relief wash over me. I wasn’t sad; I didn’t cry. Instead, I embraced the reality of my diagnosis. I was becoming one of the rare Saudi citizens diagnosed with pheochromocytoma a new experience and challenge I accepted without hesitation.

As the pain intensified, my family and friends felt helpless, struggling to comprehend the turmoil within me if only I could grasp it myself. I was alone in my battle I sought support from my doctor, who recommended a website with stories of others who had faced similar battles. Reading their experiences gave me hope and reassured me that I was not alone ,Others around the world were fighting, surviving, and thriving despite their diagnoses. This sense of solidarity sparked a flame of hope in me.

I underwent surgery at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. The procedure was robotic, involving only six small incisions, and I was surrounded by a capable medical team who cared for me. To my surprise, the recovery process was smooth, contrary to my preconceived notions of how difficult it would be.

With the support of my family , friends and doctors , I gradually regained my strength

I don’t know how to describe my feeling. Imagine that when I woke up and came back from this difficult experience, I looked at my daughter, who had just turned 12, and I said to myself:
Oh my God, this girl, when did she grow up so quickly?
where were i?
Why don’t I remember the stages of her maturity from a child to a lady!!
I missed a lot

In the end, I found myself once more. After three arduous years of fatigue and illness, I was finally back to feeling like a normal person. No longer the shadow of my former self, I could revel in the simple joys of life, embracing each moment with renewed energy and gratitude.

My journey with pheochromocytoma has transformed me profoundly. What once felt like an insurmountable challenge has become an integral part of my story—a reminder of my resilience and the strength of the human spirit. I emerged not just as a survivor but as someone who cherishes life’s smallest blessings

I share my story to inspire those who may feel lost or unheard in their own struggles. I am a testament to the power of hope and the importance of being heard when something feels amiss within. With newfound health and happiness, I look forward to the future—one filled with possibilities and an appreciation for the life I almost lost.

With love
Albandari from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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