Today was the last of my pre-treatment testing - a PET/CT scan at the Marsden. As far as my understanding goes, a PET is essentially an advanced form of CT that can show not just a static picture, but activity over time within cells or whatever. Apparently, once my treatment has done its thing, some lymph nodes may remain somewhat enlarged, but being able to compare PETs from then and now will allow them to confirm that there is no remaining cancer activity. Or something like that. It's complicated stuff!
The day didn't exactly start well - I managed to sleep through my alarm (set at 7 o'clock) and instead woke up at 8:35. My appointment was supposed to be at 9. That my not seem too bad, but to quote the letter they sent; "It is imperative you arrive on time for your appointment as the radioactivity has a very short shelf life. If you are late for your appointment we may not be able to proceed with your scan." Aaaaaarrrrgggg! So, threw on some clothes, splashed some water on my face and ran out the door... called them en route to say I'd be late, they said it should be fine as long as I was there before half past - I arrived at 9:20 - phew!
Went prettymuch straight through to the 'Injection Room'. In here I had to put on the lovely medical gown and rather thred-bare hospital dressing gown - nice - and lay down on a bed. Like with a CT scan, a PET requires the injection of a contrast to enable the machine to get good images of certain areas, but the PET stuff is apparently rather more radioactive. I could tell this because when the nurse brings it in to inject, it comes in an impressive looking metal carry-case thing, about the size of a small shoebox. And then when she took the needle itself out, it was encased in a chunky metal (lead I suppose) surround, about 5cm in diameter, which made it look very cool - it was like getting some kind of superhero injection - awesome. And even better, the nurse told me I should avoid children under 5 and pregnant women for the rest of the day due to my radioactivity. Badass!!
The next bit was boring - had to lay still for an hour to let the contrast soak in of whatever it does - they wouldn't even let me read, so the hour took ages to drag by. Then on to the machine. It was pretty cool - like two giant white donuts, the second deeper than the first, with a mobile bed that moves back an forth through both. Had to lay in a bit of an uncomfortable position (just 'cause I had to have my arms above my head, which ain't so good for me right now), and into the donuts I went. The first bit was quite fun - in and out through the first donut (which I think was just a CT) a few times quite quickly. But then into the second donut (the PET), and stop. And wait 5 minutes. And move a couple of inches. And wait five minutes. And.... etc etc, for the best part of an hour. Felt like my arms were gonna fall off. But then it was done.
After that it was over to outpatients for bloodtests, and then just a bit of a wait to see a Doc to sign the consent forms for the chemo, and that was me done for the day.
I was mighty tempted to drive round the corner to Sutton Hospital to visit the maternity department and use my awesome radioactive powers to create an army of nuclear super-children to use as minions in my future evil schemes. But in the end I decided to go home and have a sandwich instead. Shame really, you never know when you might need a nuclear super-child. But then, the sandwich was really good (liver sausage with apple & blueberry chutney), so I stand by my decision!
More soon kiddos,
Radioactive Man out!
So I assume you cooked the sausages by holding them between your hands and concentrating intensely?
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