An Unusual Summer Experience
After my junior year of high school, I was eager to attend summer camp for three weeks. Despite the fun activities, I noticed unusual symptoms: excessive sweating, burning even with sunscreen, acne, and increased appetite. These seemed normal due to the active schedule, but when summer transitioned to fall, the symptoms persisted and evolved.
Escalating Symptoms and Stress
As the new school year began, I stopped having periods, struggled with insomnia, developed anxiety, bruised easily, suffered migraines, and gained significant weight. Balancing SAT prep, a part-time job, and the college application process seemed stressful, but these symptoms felt individually explainable. I was exercising often and was under stress, leading to increased hunger. Migraines seemed genetic, as my mother had them too.
Seeking Medical Help and Diagnosis
Concerned by the missed periods, I sought medical advice. My pediatrician suspected Cushing’s Syndrome, a hormonal condition linked to high cortisol levels. Tests confirmed elevated cortisol. Next, we investigated the cause, often linked to benign pituitary tumors. My MRI showed no tumor, so further abdominal tests were needed.
‘Scans Showed the Worst-Case Scenario’
Tests revealed a tumor in my abdomen, then spreading to my liver and lungs. This indicated stage 4 cancer. I was diagnosed with Cushing’s Syndrome on November 1, 2023, and adrenocortical carcinoma later. This rare cancer affects about one in a million annually, now including me. Receiving the diagnosis, I felt disconnected, grappling with the reality of the situation.
Facing Surgery and Treatment
A skilled surgeon from Memorial Sloan Kettering performed surgery to remove my adrenal gland, tumor, part of my liver, and diaphragm. Though successful, residual lung issues required chemotherapy, which was a challenging period. Amid treatment, I completed senior year remotely and got into NYU, graduating while using a chemo pump.
By July 2024, chemotherapy concluded, marking my official cancer-free status, although subsequent hospitalization for gastritis dampened celebrations. Improvement followed in fall, allowing me to reconnect with friends and defer NYU acceptance to rebuild my life.
Recurrence and Continued Fight
A lung scan in March 2025 revealed the cancer’s return. Immunotherapy offered temporary reprieve, enabling NYU attendance in Washington, DC. Yet, another threat emerged with a tumor near my heart, leading to lung surgery and radiation while completing school.
Ongoing lung issues caused school withdrawal, resulting from fluid accumulation and radiation scarring. Now in a clinical trial, I travel to NIH for treatments while continuing my sophomore year at NYU.
‘Living With Cancer to the Best of My Ability’
Side effects include chemo-induced neuropathy, impairing sensation in my limbs, impacting daily activities. Despite challenges, I embrace life, cherishing time with friends and family. Cancer broadens life’s scope, introducing new experiences.
My message emphasizes self-advocacy. Listen to your body and seek help when needed. Ignoring symptoms could have cost me my life. Even with dire diagnoses, happiness is achievable. Ginny Hooper, 20, from Northern Virginia, documents her journey on social media, inspiring others.