Had my PET Scan today. It was rather interesting. I found out why the strange diet the keeping warm. So cells like sugar right? Well apparantly cancer cells like sugar WAY more even than normal cells. Also muscles like sugar, especially when they're cold or when you use them. So, the reason that I couldn't have any sugar or carbs and had to keep warm and not exercise was to starve my system of sugar.
The isotope they gave me in my IV after I had the Valium, is bonded with glucose. You have to lay still for an hour after they give it to you because they don't want your muscles or any other cells sucking up the isotopes and glucose, only the cancer. That way when they do the scan, the cancer is much easier to see.
Taking the Valium made me a little nervous because I didn't want a repeat of the last time I was on any pain/relaxant pills but it wasn't so bad. My head got a little floaty and then I went to sleep/became unconscious for abut 40 minusts. Then I woke up/came to and was really bored for the last 20 minutes or so. Then the girl came back and I had to drink the lemon lime barium juice...yum. I just made myself take a sip every count of 10 and got it down in the 20 minutes I had to drink it in.
Then I went into the CAT scan room. I laid on the little platform that they slide you in and out on. It was a much deeper tunnel than other CAT scans I've seen. It almost looked more like a MRI machine than a CT. They put yet a 3rd radioactive contrast in my IV and did the CT scan. Then they started the PET which seemed like a really slow CT that you could breathe during. It took about 40 minutes and you can't move at all. That was it, they took out my IV and I was on my way at about 3:30. To get some food cuz I was starving.
Oh, and the strangest part, I'm now radioactive. Unfortunately I don't glow in the dark (I checked), nor do I have the urge to put on tights and a cape and fight evil, at least not any more than usual. The down side is I can't touch anyone, including my dogs whose feelings are all hurt cuz I couldn't love on them when I got home. Apparently I won't be radioactive tomorrow though so I'll have to give them double love then.
Preop appt tomorrow at 11:30. I will have more details about the surgery then. Take care everyone!
Haha! :) You make me laugh! I personally think you'd look great in tights & a cape! Thanks for posting your radioactive adventures. :)
ReplyDeleteYou have such a great attitude, Briana! Too bad you didn't glow in the dark... that would have been cool :)
ReplyDeleteHello Bri. Your blog idea is a smart one. Repeating the same information over and over again to people who only wish you well can have a wearing effect on you that people without serious illnesses cannot really understand. I really don't know what else to say on this thing other than statistics mean nothing to the individual. You are not a statistic, but rather a single individual who has the ability and strength to beat this thing. Me and Sharon will continue to pray for you.
ReplyDeleteLove Brian
brian.hockey.97@gmail.com
What he said. That's my bestie, but if you count both our religious views, you are prayed for all around the world. You are not your last Ikea order. (Watch Fight Club.)
ReplyDeleteThat was interesting what you said about the radio active isotopes you were given. About eight years ago when I had to have a bone scan done I was also given a radio active fluid in an IV. Unlike you I did develop some superhuman abilities. Unfortunately they turned out to be very disappointing. The only thing I was able to do was tell you the exact change you had in your pocket, and shoot marshmallows out of my nose. With these newfound abilities I really couldn't figure out a way to fight crime so I decided I would locate the next top secret meeting of superheroes, you know, Spiderman, Wolverine, the Flash and the like. However, when I told them what my powers were they laughed me out of the room. Even Aquaman, that lame ass whose only ability is to talk to fish made fun of me. It made me feel very sad and I would appreciate it if you wouldn't bring it up again. Take care, e-mail me if you have the chance.
ReplyDelete