Scene 1: Patient is waiting in the dim lighted room as the nuclear medicine moves through her body over 45 minutes. The radiologist moves her to the PET SCAN machine and explains how the 20 - 30 minute procedure will run. She lays down on the flat surface, head on a pillow and knees at an angle on a wedge. The radiologist moves to his safe encased area and looks out the window at the patient and begins the procedure.
Yep...that was me laying there. I prayed for courage. I prayed that the final report would not be as bad as the CAT scan had indicated. I prayed that the next time I had a PET SCAN I would be free of any "sparkles" that indicate HOT SPOTS or cancer!
Scene 2: After the procedure, Charles and I went and had a great lunch together. Just as in a movie, we acted as if it was a regular day and we were regular folks on a regular trip to Tupelo. We didn't even talk about what the possibilities could be ahead. It was wonderful!
Scene 3: Arrive at Hematology and Oncology. Patients were coming in and out. Some with a faint smile when I said "hello." Some with that far away look that reminded me of what chemo therapy does. Waiting room 1 - 15 minutes. Waiting room 2 - 90 minutes Individual room with doctor - 10 minutes.
Scene 4: My wonderful oncologist, Dr. Julian Hill entered the room with a copy of the PET Scan results. Where my CAT scan indicated something in an aortic lymph node - (cue dramatic music) there was nothing!!! Where my CAT scan indicated a third place on my liver - (cue dramatic music) there was none!!! Where I once had a hot spot in my lung - yep you guessed it...(cue dramatic music) the radiation did its job. No longer HOT!
The two spots on my liver that I have had since day one - are HOT! (Don't you love that lingo for cancer)
One hotter than the other. Just as my new obgyn oncologist had thought - colon cancer cells had moved in to my uterus and set up shop. Also, there is something that has developed close or on my urethra. Both of these new occurrences are consistent with colon cancer.
Scene 5: I look at Charles to get a smile about the good news, and to look for comfort about the other. I got both. Dr. Hill said, "Let's get you in remission again!" So, the week after Thanksgiving I will be directed in the sequel of my first movie, "Colon Cancer on the Run!"
I look forward to meeting my supporting cast.
OK - seriously, the chemo therapy will be as last time. Twelve treatments, every two weeks. Avastin to chase down the irregular cells and cut the blood supply off from them.
Here are my three main prayer request right now:
1. That the medicine won't have the same effect on my hands and feet. That this time I won't face neuropothy.
2. Not as big a deal...but sometimes colon cancer chemo does not cause hair to fall out - that would be a plus.
3. Third, that I would be able to bring joy and comfort to those around me as we watch the drip enter out bodies.
