During the summer following my junior year, I spent three weeks at a camp. Despite applying sunscreen, I continued to sweat excessively, burn easily, and developed acne. My appetite increased dramatically. These changes seemed normal due to the physical activities and walking involved.
However, as summer transitioned to fall, my symptoms worsened. I missed periods, experienced insomnia, anxiety, easy bruising, migraines, and gained significant weight. Balancing these with college applications, the SAT, and a part-time job led me to attribute them to stress.
Each symptom had a potential explanation. Increased eating resulted from stress and exercise. Migraines ran in the family. Nonetheless, the mental impact was severe, affecting my self-image and causing isolation.
‘Scans Showed the Worst-Case Scenario’
I sought medical help after missing a second period. The doctor suspected Cushing’s Syndrome due to my facial features, leading to blood tests, a 24-hour urine collection, and a midnight saliva test. The results showed elevated cortisol levels.
Understanding the cause, we suspected pituitary tumors and scheduled a brain MRI. Meanwhile, I managed my NYU application and school, reaching a breaking point, and insisted on further medical intervention.
Despite a negative brain MRI, an abdominal ultrasound revealed a 9-cm tumor. Additional CT and MRI scans discovered a larger 11-cm tumor, with cancer spreading to my liver and lungs, pointing to stage 4 cancer.
On November 1, 2023, I was diagnosed with Cushing’s Syndrome, and by November 28, I faced adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare diagnosis affecting about one in a million people annually.
Receiving the diagnosis left me numb, half-aware of the gravity, and reluctant to face reality.
‘Another Scare Just Around the Corner’
With confirmation of my condition, we sought a skilled surgeon, eventually selecting one from Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City. I endured a nine-hour surgery, removing my adrenal gland, primary tumor, part of my liver, and diaphragm, yet my lungs remained affected.
Chemotherapy followed, marked by struggle, but I completed senior year remotely and celebrated graduation while using a chemo pump. A standing ovation accompanied my walk across the stage.
By July 2024, I was cancer-free but spent a month hospitalized due to gastritis. Improvement began by fall, and I deferred NYU admission for a year to enjoy life again.
In March 2025, however, a routine lung scan revealed a recurrence. Transitioning to immunotherapy extended my months, enabling class attendance in DC, yet another tumor appeared near my heart.
Surgeons removed six tumors from my right lung, but the heart-adjacent tumor remained. Radiation ensued amid recovery and academic efforts, but complications forced withdrawal from school.
Currently, I participate in a clinical trial at the NIH, receiving tri-weekly infusions while attending NYU and managing travel.
‘Living With Cancer to the Best of My Ability’
Each treatment brings side effects, with chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy the most debilitating, impairing my ability to feel with my limbs.
Despite the ongoing presence of cancer in my lungs and liver, I focus on living well, finding joy with friends and family, and relishing good food.
Cancer expands my world, introducing new people and experiences. I urge others to heed their bodies’ signals, advocate for themselves, and seek help when needed.
Even amid daunting diagnoses, leading a fulfilling life remains possible.
Virginia Hooper, 20, known as Ginny, resides in Northern Virginia and visits Washington and Maryland for medical appointments. She shares her cancer journey on Instagram (@_ginnyhooper_) and TikTok (@ginnyhoop) to inform and inspire others.