2 questions have been asked in responses so far: 1) Why did I stop the meds and 2) Why have I survived, thus far? The answer to stopping the meds and doctors was that I ran out of meds, and had lost my insurance. It was supposed to be a temporary situation, but time passed and I didn't go back even when I had insurance because I wasn't feeling too bad. I really started downhill in February; weight loss, severe nausea, severe headaches, and extreme fatigue. It just kept getting worse, so I knew I had to go back in. As for not getting sick, and not dying, yes, I was extremely lucky. I have always taken in huge amounts of salt, so apparently it was enough to compensate. My doctor was astounded and attributed it to a "super pituitary" secreting so much ACTH, that apparently just enough cortisol was being produced to sustain life. Obviously, the enzyme blockage is not a total and complete one, since some small amounts of cortisol are being produced. But, it does now appear, as Joan stated, that the overproduction of ACTH affects the adrenals, not only to the point of producing the hyperplasia, but over extended periods, and at high enough amounts, to the point where a tumor will actually form. I have been back on dexamethasone for about 2 months now, and I go back next week to see if that has had any effect on the tumor. If not, surgery is probably indicated. We'll see. Thanks for all responses.