Tattooed and Ported

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  • cph1127
    cph1127 Member Posts: 51
    sandysp said:

    email
    No - I didn't see an e-mail. But thanks. Hope you are okay.

    I will be thinking about you
    Just wanted to say I will be thinking about you tomorrow when you have your scan. It will be one more thing down.

    I received my Chemo pump yesterday and my first radiation today. Doing pretty good so far.

    Let us know how your day goes tomorrow. We are hear for you! Cindy
  • Captain11
    Captain11 Member Posts: 88
    sandysp said:

    Great information
    Thank you. It will be a first for me. I'm so glad a friend is coming with me. My husband is with his mother for her 90th birthday celebration. Is your cancer in remission now?

    so far, so good
    I completed my treatments in March 2010 and have been clear since. I went at 3 months, 6 mionths, 10 months, and 14 months post treatment for the PET/CT scans. i hope all went well today. God bless.
  • cph1127
    cph1127 Member Posts: 51
    sandysp said:

    email
    No - I didn't see an e-mail. But thanks. Hope you are okay.

    Pet Scan
    Good Morning, How did your pet scan go?
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    Captain11 said:

    Hi, Sandy, Hope all is
    Hi, Sandy, Hope all is going well your first week. I also have PET/CT scans which go from the neck to the knees. I always bring a book or magazine and I wear a hat or bandana , a sweater (with no metal buttons or zipper) and gloves, because it is freaking COLD in the lab. I also wear elastic waist pants and button down shirts or pullovers with no metal at all, this way I can stay dressed and don't have to wear that hospital gown which opens in the back. By the way, does anyone know why, with all the medical technology and breakthroughs that have come down the pike over the last 50+ years, that there has been no upgrade at all on those hospital gowns?????? For my scan I was given the finger stick, and the blood count has to be under 200, and then the butterfly needle for the radioactive injection, which lasts only a few seconds. The isotope has to go in in conjunction with a saline type solution, so you might taste the saline, but it goes away real quick. Then I get to drink abut a quart of sugar goop, which tastes like a creamsickle and really isn't too bad. Just a lot to drink in the hour prior to the scan. I know you have to fast at least 8 hours, except for water and whatever meds you take, except for diabetic meds, (check with the dr first if you or on diabetice meds). Absolutely no candy or gum chewing for at least 6 hours prior to the scan. The reason is that the muscles used for chewing and sucking on candies can harbor the glucose from the test and it will give a false reading, as though there are tumors or something going on. Because of my fecal urgency situation, I take an imodium prior to going for my test, otherwise I have to keep getting up to go to the bathroom. The techs will allow you to use the restroom, but they want you as still as possible while you are drinking that goop, so you will definitely use the restroom just before you get the scan. I can make it to the end of the scan, then I really have to use the bathroom again. If you absolutely positively can not hold it, you can ask to go during the scan, BUT it is hard for the techs to get you back to the spot where you left off and continue the scan. This is stuff you probably won't have to know, I just want to keep people informed of the possibilities you can expect. Other than that, the scan is a real cakewalk. I also had a port. I had no problem with pain or anything. I was lucky in that my surgeon is also a cancer survivor, and he knows how to show compassion for cancer patients especially. He gave me such comforting words. After about 6 weeks, my port however started coming out of my chest, so it had to be removed. When I learned that the cancer spread, I had to have a new port put in. By that time, I had lost about 20 pounds, and there was not much meat on my bones, so that was uncomfortable, but very, very tolerable. I hope your scan goes great for you. God bless you. Keep us posted. Compalin all you want. Actually, don't think of it as complaining, but as giving us all another set of experiences. Good luck tomorrow.

    Hi Sandy!
    I just wanted to say hello, as I've been gone the past week. I hope all is going okay for you and that you survived the scan okay! It's really not that bad. Please keep us posted on your upcoming treatment.
  • sandysp
    sandysp Member Posts: 868 Member
    cph1127 said:

    Pet Scan
    Good Morning, How did your pet scan go?

    I fell asleep!
    Ha, ha, ha! I was really nervous about that thing but I put my arms up and closed my eyes and concentrated on Reiki chakra stuff and had to keep reminding myself not to fall too deeply asleep. I was afraid I would move. But I didn't. I was able to just really relax. What a shock!
    The CT scan of the upper abdomen was easy too since it wasn't "with contrast" like last time. We did a "dry run" for the radiation treatments yesterday and they told me not to empty my bladder when I come in for treatments. I have an urgency problem so I had gone FOUR times since walking in the door before getting on the table. The doctor said don't go even before leaving home and I told the nurse "WHAT?????" So they changed it to just don't go when I get there until after the treatment is over. That is going to be so UNRELAXING!!!!! I'm liable to pee all over their table. Wouldn't that be something. Oh well, they've probably seen it all. I'll just do my best.
  • sandysp
    sandysp Member Posts: 868 Member
    cph1127 said:

    Pet Scan
    Good Morning, How did your pet scan go?

    I fell asleep!
    Ha, ha, ha! I was really nervous about that thing but I put my arms up and closed my eyes and concentrated on Reiki chakra stuff and had to keep reminding myself not to fall too deeply asleep. I was afraid I would move. But I didn't. I was able to just really relax. What a shock!
    The CT scan of the upper abdomen was easy too since it wasn't "with contrast" like last time. We did a "dry run" for the radiation treatments yesterday and they told me not to empty my bladder when I come in for treatments. I have an urgency problem so I had gone FOUR times since walking in the door before getting on the table. The doctor said don't go even before leaving home and I told the nurse "WHAT?????" So they changed it to just don't go when I get there until after the treatment is over. That is going to be so UNRELAXING!!!!! I'm liable to pee all over their table. Wouldn't that be something. Oh well, they've probably seen it all. I'll just do my best.
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    sandysp said:

    I fell asleep!
    Ha, ha, ha! I was really nervous about that thing but I put my arms up and closed my eyes and concentrated on Reiki chakra stuff and had to keep reminding myself not to fall too deeply asleep. I was afraid I would move. But I didn't. I was able to just really relax. What a shock!
    The CT scan of the upper abdomen was easy too since it wasn't "with contrast" like last time. We did a "dry run" for the radiation treatments yesterday and they told me not to empty my bladder when I come in for treatments. I have an urgency problem so I had gone FOUR times since walking in the door before getting on the table. The doctor said don't go even before leaving home and I told the nurse "WHAT?????" So they changed it to just don't go when I get there until after the treatment is over. That is going to be so UNRELAXING!!!!! I'm liable to pee all over their table. Wouldn't that be something. Oh well, they've probably seen it all. I'll just do my best.

    Hi Sandy!
    I'm glad to hear that your PET scan went smoothly and you were able to relax. As far as the full bladder issue, I was told to do the same thing. I had it down to a science towards the end of my treatments, knowing just how much water to drink before I left home and the perfect timing of it. You'll do fine. If you are nervous about having an accident while on the table, just tell them and they can put a Chux pad underneath you. Trust me, you would not be the first person to ever do that! I'm sure all will go well for you!
  • cph1127
    cph1127 Member Posts: 51
    sandysp said:

    I fell asleep!
    Ha, ha, ha! I was really nervous about that thing but I put my arms up and closed my eyes and concentrated on Reiki chakra stuff and had to keep reminding myself not to fall too deeply asleep. I was afraid I would move. But I didn't. I was able to just really relax. What a shock!
    The CT scan of the upper abdomen was easy too since it wasn't "with contrast" like last time. We did a "dry run" for the radiation treatments yesterday and they told me not to empty my bladder when I come in for treatments. I have an urgency problem so I had gone FOUR times since walking in the door before getting on the table. The doctor said don't go even before leaving home and I told the nurse "WHAT?????" So they changed it to just don't go when I get there until after the treatment is over. That is going to be so UNRELAXING!!!!! I'm liable to pee all over their table. Wouldn't that be something. Oh well, they've probably seen it all. I'll just do my best.

    So Glad
    Hi Sandy, I am so glad it went well. It is amazing how we can fall asleep on these tables. Just goes to show how much our bodies need the rest. Let us know when you get your results!

    Cindy
  • sephie
    sephie Member Posts: 650 Member
    mp327 said:

    Hi Sandy!
    I'm glad to hear that your PET scan went smoothly and you were able to relax. As far as the full bladder issue, I was told to do the same thing. I had it down to a science towards the end of my treatments, knowing just how much water to drink before I left home and the perfect timing of it. You'll do fine. If you are nervous about having an accident while on the table, just tell them and they can put a Chux pad underneath you. Trust me, you would not be the first person to ever do that! I'm sure all will go well for you!

    full bladder
    why do they want you to have a full bladder???? does that help keep radiation from damaging it??? sephie
  • melbas2
    melbas2 Member Posts: 108
    new port
    Sandy, How long did it take for your shoulder to stop hurting? I'm on day 5, and it's still hurts. Not to mention that they tried it in my left side first, which didn't work, so both sides hurt. I tried to drive to the Post Office today, but that's not happening yet. I did ask for pain pills and I take one per day, usually at bedtime. Tonight I took it a little early. I tried to do laundry, definitely a no go. My husband put the clothes in the washer & dryer and then brought them to the bed for me to fold and hang up. I'm learning to do things slowly, I just want to know when this pain will go away? Thanks, Melodie
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    melbas2 said:

    new port
    Sandy, How long did it take for your shoulder to stop hurting? I'm on day 5, and it's still hurts. Not to mention that they tried it in my left side first, which didn't work, so both sides hurt. I tried to drive to the Post Office today, but that's not happening yet. I did ask for pain pills and I take one per day, usually at bedtime. Tonight I took it a little early. I tried to do laundry, definitely a no go. My husband put the clothes in the washer & dryer and then brought them to the bed for me to fold and hang up. I'm learning to do things slowly, I just want to know when this pain will go away? Thanks, Melodie

    Hi Melodie
    It may take a few days for your pain to subside. I'm sorry that you had to be traumatized on both sides of your chest area--one is bad enough! One suggestion I have for driving (and this came to me from another blogger) is to cut a piece of foam and put it between you and the seatbelt. I wish I had known that when I first got my port--it was on the left side and driving was very uncomfortable! Hang in there--your pain will go away!
  • monty gizmo
    monty gizmo Member Posts: 12
    cph1127 said:

    PET Scan
    Hi Sandy,

    I was told on the 7th of this month that I too have anal cancer. I have already had my PET scan so I can tell you what you are looking at for the procedure. If you are like me, I like to know as much as possible so I am not surprised with anything. This is my experience but I would think that yours would be similar so here it goes.

    You will be given instructions on what you can eat and what you can't eat. They will have you come early for the following. The test requires your blood sugar to be under 200 so a fingerstick test was given. Make sure you go to the bathroom before they start. Very important. They inserted a butterfly needle into my vein in my arm and inserted the radioacity tracer with glucose. This does not sting or hurt going in. It does not make you feel funney or anything. My tech made sure I was comfortable and brought me nice warm blankets. I brought a book to read because you can not leave the recliner for at least 45 mins to an hour. When they come back in they will let you get up to use the bathroom again and I suggest you try because the actual scan takes 30 - 45 mins also. At this point you will lay on a machine just like a ct scanner but larger. I was lucky and my hospital has a machine that took my CT scan and Pet Scan at the same time. After they do the CT Scan they do the Pet scan. I had a scan from the top of my head to my knees. He divided me into 7 sections and each section lasted 4 minutes. The only uncomfortable thing was that I had to lay my arms up over my head the whole time. It didn't hurt but was not the most comfortable possition. Make sure they put a wedge under your knees so your back does not hurt.

    That was it. I had no side effects and even drove myself home. If you do not know how the PET scan works I can answer that too, so just let me know. If you already knew all of this I am sorry for taking up the space but I did not know what was going to happen when I had mind done.

    We all complain about some things. We are all on the same path here and hopfully the ones who go before can remove some of the stumbling blocks for the ones who follow.

    Remember: "If God brings you to it, he will bring you through it" God Bless and let us know how it goes. :o)

    New to all of this!!!
    Thanks for all the information, and beautiful quotes. I am starting this
    journey, and I hope to be strong. Haven't been sick in 35 years or taken
    an antibiotic or aspirin. All this is pretty overwhelming.
  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member

    New to all of this!!!
    Thanks for all the information, and beautiful quotes. I am starting this
    journey, and I hope to be strong. Haven't been sick in 35 years or taken
    an antibiotic or aspirin. All this is pretty overwhelming.

    Monty
    Hello Monty, Have you been diagnosed with anal cancer? Sorry you had to find us. Please ask any question you want. I wish you well Lori.
  • sandysp
    sandysp Member Posts: 868 Member
    suzynanny said:

    oh Sandy
    Complain all you want !! Glad you are on your way. I have had a miserable week. Sick sick and more sick. So glad that pump came off today made me real sick. After my radiation tonight at 7:15 I will be one week done. I have whined all week myself. Hopefully the chemo will not make you sick as it did me.

    no nausea
    I took my nausea med at the first sign of nausea and never got sick. My oncologist prescribed two different kinds. She said if the first one isn't working, take the second right away. The one she said to take first was "prochlorperazine" 10 mg. I never had to take the second pill, "ondansetron" 8 mg. I never got sick and so far have gained seven pounds which I am so hoping is water weight! I don't want to be the only one on this board who got fat on chemo and radiation.
  • Nan-Peg11
    Nan-Peg11 Member Posts: 15
    Tattooed
    I've seen references to getting tattooed. What does that mean? Thanks
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    Nan-Peg11 said:

    Tattooed
    I've seen references to getting tattooed. What does that mean? Thanks

    Tattooed
    When the radiation simulation is done, the techs will give you very small tattoos (mine are on the very top of both thighs on the sides and in my pubic area). These are permanent and will help them line you up on the machine for each treatment in the correct place so that the radiation beams are targeted properly. The tats are very small (about the size of a pin head) and are done in the same manner as a regular tattoo--needle and ink. It's just a little uncomfortable--nothing more. I was kind of hoping for something more exciting than just a few dots--oh well!