I’ve Been Scanned

Because my scan covered chest, abdomen and pelvis I needed two separate “contrast” liquids. One I chugged. Gawd, it’s awful. The other came via IV though my catheter port. When you’re scheduled for an IV any medical treatment seems a little more significant and bothersome.

GE CT scan. You’re transported in and out of the tube. It’s like a ride.

More treatment today. My oncologist thought this would be a good time to sneak a peak inside me, so off to the Medical Factory Outlet for a CT scan. We expect it will show no cancer.

A computerized tomography (CT) scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images, or slices, of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside your body. CT scan images provide more detailed information than plain X-rays do. – Mayo Clinic

The scan itself took a few minutes. It’s the prep that’s the killer.

Actually, it was forgetful Geoff first. I forgot to bring the doctor’s orders! I offered to say what was written (because no one fakes a reason to have a CT scan), but no. Twenty minutes round trip driving fast.

Because my scan covered chest, abdomen and pelvis I needed two separate “contrast” liquids. One I chugged. Gawd, it’s awful. The other came via IV though my catheter port.

When you’re scheduled for an IV any medical treatment seems a little more significant and bothersome.

I continue to be irrationally fearful of the port. Zero pain going in and a second or so coming out. I’m a baby where the port’s concerned.

Now comes the wait. I don’t see my oncologist for another few weeks. I’ll be writing his medical assistant asking for a preview when it’s in. Who wants to wait for this kind of news?

5 thoughts on “I’ve Been Scanned”

  1. Geoff, your fear of the port isn’t irrational at all. During treatments, the pain is minimal because it remains “lubricated” from the frequent flushes and chemicals being run through it. The worst is when treatment is over. My Oncologist wanted to keep mine in for 6 months “just in case” and I had to return every 8 weeks for a flush. During my 1st flush after 8 weeks, I cried like a baby – and I’m pretty tough! My chemo nurse explained that when the port is dormant for a period of time, your body forms a thin membrane over it, much like that clear film that you see on a raw, skinless chicken breast and it can be quite painful as they try to puncture through it. Hang in there, drink LOTS of water to keep your body lubricated and just keep telling yourself “it’s almost over, I’ve got this!” Sounds like you’re receiving excellent care – I can’t say enough for the wonderful care I got at the Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in Derby – they’re a division of Yale’s Smilow Cancer Center, the BEST in CT. I’ll continue to keep you in my prayers.

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