A Cushing's Collection: A Humorous Journey Surviving Cushing's Disease, Diabetes Insipidus, and a Bilateral Adrenalectomy

by Marie Conley

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Diagnosed with a rare disease that only affects between two and ten people per million, Marie Conley used emails to communicate with family, friends, and co-workers to keep them apprised of the diagnosis and prognosis of Cushing’s disease and the many complications she experienced on this journey. Her ironic humor and raw, emotional approach helps bring hope to those touched by this rare and unrelenting disease.

In her mid-thirties, Conley, who strived to keep herself healthy while maintaining the delicate balance of raising a young child, keeping a home, and a demanding career, began to experience a variety of unexplained maladies inconsistent with her life style.

Because of the elusive nature of Cushing’s disease, the treatment is a long and complicated process of trial and error. At this time, there is no cure, largely due to the fact that Cushing’s disease is considered an “orphan disease.” As is her nature, she has decided to “adopt” this “orphan” and is doing everything she can to bring awareness to this disease.

Conley’s tenacious spirit and determination would not allow this insidious disease to triumph over her life. Armed with her laptop as the only weapon available in the sterility of the recovery room, the author attacks the keyboard with a vengeance to let friends and family know that in this battle, there is no surrender.

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90 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2015

Reviews

[Maria Jary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a cushings survivor myself, I was interested in hearing someone flexes experiences of it, and being written in email form, it kind of made it like you were one of the friends receiving it into your inbox too. My heart sank for her when, like me, she found out her operation had been unsuccessful.
I think that this book would be good for anyone who has had Cushings to read. It doesn't go into all of the gory details (which is obvious that she didn't want to scare her close friends and family too much!) I love how she set up her own foundation to help others- as knowledge is definitely needed a lot more! Scarily, a lot of medical staff have no idea what it is- and it is down to the patient to explain, which could be fatal. Some terminology is slightly different (I am from the UK) but anyone would be able to understand what she is saying.

I also like how the forward reminds people that the book is of her experiences and not everyone will be the same. That is always important to remember.

I read this in less than a day! And thank Marie for sharing it with us. It made me wish I'd kept a diary/journal through my treatment to help others too.

For anyone in the UK - There is a brilliant charity called The Pituitary Foundation, who offer a lot of support and advice.

I wish Marie and all Cushies a bright future- where ever they may be in their journey. Xx