Another PET scan down, my 3rd in 11 months. I guess that makes me a regular as my nurse recognized me. I asked her if it was my eyes or hair or perhaps the fact that I wear the same outfit to every scan as to why she recognized me! She might think I wear the same baggy stretchy dress for luck but I actually wear it to avoid wearing the oh so lovely hospital gown! Carly 1, hospital gown 0.....gotta have a win somewhere!
The waiting lobby was quite full and as much as you don't listen in on others, it's hard not to hear what's being said. A woman I'd guess to be in her 70's was chatting with her daughter and anxious for her first PET scan. She was right beside me so I said hello and offered some comfort. I told her the only pain she'd have was the needle. I told her to turn off the lights in the room and take a nap during the 45 min waiting period. I told her to close her eyes while on the scanning bed and picture her favourite place. I told her there was no physical pain but the results waiting game wasn't fun. I got called in and never saw her again. I hope my words helped her....I hope she'll be ok. She has lung cancer which is the #1 cancer causing death in women a fact not known to many.
After my PET scan I headed to the 2nd floor for my biopsy. My Dr is amazing but I was scared, so she called in a nurse to help me cope. I will not lie, tears were rolling down and I might have sworn once....or twice! The cramping was awful and I can only imagine how childbirth must feel...you poor women but at least you get a reward! I didn't budge but unfortunately she couldn't get the sample. Nothing I did wrong, just anatomy stuff.
July 3rd at 9am I'll undergo a day surgery where I'll be sedated and the Dr can get all she wants and needs without any pain coming my way. She'll also take a better look at surgical areas to ensure things are healed proper. I'll be picked up at noon & recover at home. We don't expect any trauma, mostly I'll just be coming off the anesthetic and tired. There's always the chance of complication but that goes without saying & my surgical odds are good. If my PET scan results come back prior to Friday and show improvement since the last scan, then most likely surgery will be cancelled. If the uterus still shows a marker then we continue.
After the bleeding and some discomfort over the last couple weeks, hearing my Dr say she thinks things look good was music to my ears. I felt so much better leaving as I did arriving. I had to call my dad prior to my scan as I was scared, or as he would say I had a panic attack. Silly dad, no panic attack just a reality slap in the face. Mom & auntie Shelly met me post biopsy as I needed someone to drive Snowflake home. Thanks AS, hope Snowflake made you proud!
My last blog expressed that I was needing some support, like therapy. I signed on with Inspire Health and attended their introduction meeting. A 2 day seminar is to follow July 8-9 where I'll hear all about what they have to offer. Therapy, meditation, nutrition, yoga and more are just a few points offered to cancer patients as well as their supporters. If you know of anyone who needs help on any level, please tell them to check out their web site. This service is now of no cost in thanks to funding and donations.
My 1 year diagnosis date is creeping up in July. So much has happened this past year and you've been along for the journey with me. My hope is that the cancer stays away and that I can make a career change where I'll be able to support others going through cancer. I've always stayed as positive as I could and believed this was happening for a reason, and now it's becoming more clear. Over 30,000 views on this blog and 30,000 thank you's sent back your way!
XOXO
#carly2conquercancer
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