PET Scan

backachedp
backachedp Member Posts: 132
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
I have not been on here for a while. I just wanted to let everyone know Bob will be getting his PET Scan Wednesday and I have been worrying..which I am sure all of you have gone thru...I think I told you guy's we have had no support from his family. Brother's Sister's..only his Mother who has been praying daily. His 2 brothers are taking us to Court on Wednesday trying to get Guardianship of Bob's Mom. Bob cannot miss his PET Scan, so if the Attny cannot postpone the Court hearing I will have to bring her alone with our Atty...Bob and I are POA'S on her will and have been there for her all along. The 2 Brothers took her Townhouse and she is living in Asst. Living. Theey tricked her into signing away her home in 2006. She is listed as Taxpayer only. I am so stressed about next week that I have been getting sick. Back to Bob..he is still not able to eat much of anything at all yet. He can do soup, tried oatmeal a few times, but it's so hard and takes so long. He is taking 4 cans of Isosource a day and trying Protien Shakes, Ice Cream...not much else. His taste is not back yet. He want's the Feeding Tube out, but I really do not think it's the time as he cannot eat enough to get along at all. I am hoping the Dr's will not rush him getting it out. He did say something about maybe the 27th of this month..if they want to do it I will have to speak up. I am wondering about Vitimins, has anyone found any Vitimins that are good for Cancer Patients?? I have the Anti Cancer Book, but have not had time to read alot of it. I may just have to call his Nurse Practitioner and find out about suppliments. I am now rambling..sorry...will let you know what transpires next week. Also, about how many day's does it take to get the Scan results? I was also thinking I read something about sugar and the PET..should Bob stay away from all sugars before the scan??? Sorry to unload, but these are trying times and I know so many of you have been thru this and maybe could give me some input.
Thank you....
May everyone get better and feel as well as possible.
Deb

Comments

  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    Sugar
    Yes to the avoidance of sugar. With the shot of radioactive isotopes comes another- a shot of sugar water. They do check for sugar content in the blood before the test. Had my 3rd PS on Thursday, and they said my sugar level was high, even though I had fasted for over 9-hours, except for water and meds. Takes a couple days for the results to get to your Dr.- and then comes the call we are all so anxious about.

    You and Bob hang in there.

    Believe

    kcass
  • delnative
    delnative Member Posts: 450
    Kent Cass said:

    Sugar
    Yes to the avoidance of sugar. With the shot of radioactive isotopes comes another- a shot of sugar water. They do check for sugar content in the blood before the test. Had my 3rd PS on Thursday, and they said my sugar level was high, even though I had fasted for over 9-hours, except for water and meds. Takes a couple days for the results to get to your Dr.- and then comes the call we are all so anxious about.

    You and Bob hang in there.

    Believe

    kcass

    Hi, Deb
    Regarding PET results, the amount of time between the scan and the results depends on where you have it done. I had mine done in the morning at Johns Hopkins, and that afternoon I was reviewing the results with my doc (also at Hopkins). If you have one institution doing the scan and the results sent to a physician who's not at that institution, expect it to take longer.
    Best of luck to you and Bob.

    --Jim in Delaware
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    Hi Deb

    Kent & Jim alread said everything I was going to say, so I will just keep you and Bob in my prayers

    God bless
  • Landranger25
    Landranger25 Member Posts: 210 Member
    Hondo said:

    Hi Deb

    Kent & Jim alread said everything I was going to say, so I will just keep you and Bob in my prayers

    God bless

    Hi Deb. I had my first PET
    Hi Deb. I had my first PET scan 3 months ago. For 24 hours before the scan I was only allowed to eat proteins, no sugar. (Basically the Atkins diet) Because I had lost so much muscle/weight it didn't take very long for my body to go into ketosis. This is what makes the Atkins diet work. Your body switches from using sugar for energy to using stored fat. When you go in for the PET, they inject a radioactive isotope followed by a big glass of glucose syrup. Your body immeadiatly starts uploading the sugar/glucose everywhere taking the radioactive stuff along as well. Since the cancer feeds on sugar these areas "light" up on the PET. (called uptake)My first PET I had uptake at the old cancer site and in one of my tonsils. The Docs thought this was only due to this area being aggravated by the radiation as everything else looked really good. I have another PET a week from this Wednesday (April 21) so we are hoping that this doesn't happen again. Like you, I feel anxious as well. This is normal. I want this PET to be good news as do we all. Try to keep in context that this is only one tool, albeit an important one, in the Doctors toolbox. I am so sorry you are dealing with so much. I'll be thinking of you and your husband in getting through this. Good luck.

    Mike
  • backachedp
    backachedp Member Posts: 132

    Hi Deb. I had my first PET
    Hi Deb. I had my first PET scan 3 months ago. For 24 hours before the scan I was only allowed to eat proteins, no sugar. (Basically the Atkins diet) Because I had lost so much muscle/weight it didn't take very long for my body to go into ketosis. This is what makes the Atkins diet work. Your body switches from using sugar for energy to using stored fat. When you go in for the PET, they inject a radioactive isotope followed by a big glass of glucose syrup. Your body immeadiatly starts uploading the sugar/glucose everywhere taking the radioactive stuff along as well. Since the cancer feeds on sugar these areas "light" up on the PET. (called uptake)My first PET I had uptake at the old cancer site and in one of my tonsils. The Docs thought this was only due to this area being aggravated by the radiation as everything else looked really good. I have another PET a week from this Wednesday (April 21) so we are hoping that this doesn't happen again. Like you, I feel anxious as well. This is normal. I want this PET to be good news as do we all. Try to keep in context that this is only one tool, albeit an important one, in the Doctors toolbox. I am so sorry you are dealing with so much. I'll be thinking of you and your husband in getting through this. Good luck.

    Mike

    Thanks to all of you<3</b>
    Thank You for the info and support. It means so very much. bob and I went to a special Dinner party last night for employees who have more then 25 years in. It was so wonderful to see how Happy Bob was and how Happy all his friends from work were to see him. They announced peoples names with the number of years of service and when they announced Bob's name they clapped 10 times louder then for anyone else! I had tears in my eyes. It is the first time we have been out since he became sick. He is really looking great!!! His hair is comming back much darker then it was before..wierd...but it's comming in nice and thick. This next week is going to be stressful, but u guy's have all or most been there already. Bob is having the PET at the U of MN Hospital, so hopefully we will find out quickly the result's of the PET. I am sad that I may not be able to go with him, as I have to bring his Mother to Court....Hoping I will hear from the Lawyer tomorrow and he will tell me that the date has been changed..so I can be with my Hubby. Will keep you posted and best to everyone on this Board...it has truly been my lifeline.
    Much Thanks and Gratitude
    Deb
  • Landranger25
    Landranger25 Member Posts: 210 Member

    Thanks to all of you<3</b>
    Thank You for the info and support. It means so very much. bob and I went to a special Dinner party last night for employees who have more then 25 years in. It was so wonderful to see how Happy Bob was and how Happy all his friends from work were to see him. They announced peoples names with the number of years of service and when they announced Bob's name they clapped 10 times louder then for anyone else! I had tears in my eyes. It is the first time we have been out since he became sick. He is really looking great!!! His hair is comming back much darker then it was before..wierd...but it's comming in nice and thick. This next week is going to be stressful, but u guy's have all or most been there already. Bob is having the PET at the U of MN Hospital, so hopefully we will find out quickly the result's of the PET. I am sad that I may not be able to go with him, as I have to bring his Mother to Court....Hoping I will hear from the Lawyer tomorrow and he will tell me that the date has been changed..so I can be with my Hubby. Will keep you posted and best to everyone on this Board...it has truly been my lifeline.
    Much Thanks and Gratitude
    Deb

    Deb, my wife went with me on
    Deb, my wife went with me on the first one but I will just drive and do this one myself. (Now that we know what it entails) On the first one the Dr. prescribed a xanax which I will forgo this time. PET takes about 40 minutes, CT that follows maybe 15. My drive is about 30 minutes and without the xanax will be no problem. I hope you can be with him if it is possible but if not both of you know this is not a horrible test to have done. Just lay still and go where you need to in your head like in all those days of radiation.

    Mike
  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member

    Deb, my wife went with me on
    Deb, my wife went with me on the first one but I will just drive and do this one myself. (Now that we know what it entails) On the first one the Dr. prescribed a xanax which I will forgo this time. PET takes about 40 minutes, CT that follows maybe 15. My drive is about 30 minutes and without the xanax will be no problem. I hope you can be with him if it is possible but if not both of you know this is not a horrible test to have done. Just lay still and go where you need to in your head like in all those days of radiation.

    Mike

    Exactly
    Drove myself to and from all three of my Pets, the most recent being last Thursday, and one of their questionns is if anyone drove you- the reason being in case there's anxiety problems, and they are inclined to give some meds to help with it. Biggest problem I had with it all is the wait- my "quiet time" before the test took some 70-minutes, instead of the customary 45, due to the PS technician haggling with her boss about her schedule, and the lady getting the PS before me having anxiety problems. With my fasting, and all, it did make for a somewhat irritating experience. But, the PS/CTS are not a big deal, aside from the time element.


    kcass
  • backachedp
    backachedp Member Posts: 132
    Kent Cass said:

    Exactly
    Drove myself to and from all three of my Pets, the most recent being last Thursday, and one of their questionns is if anyone drove you- the reason being in case there's anxiety problems, and they are inclined to give some meds to help with it. Biggest problem I had with it all is the wait- my "quiet time" before the test took some 70-minutes, instead of the customary 45, due to the PS technician haggling with her boss about her schedule, and the lady getting the PS before me having anxiety problems. With my fasting, and all, it did make for a somewhat irritating experience. But, the PS/CTS are not a big deal, aside from the time element.


    kcass

    PET Scan
    Well Bob went for the PET Scan and I had to go to Court to help his Mother...his brothers have never called him nor his Sisters since he was Diagnosed...we are her P.O.A's and they are trying to get Guardianship of her and making up lies about her. They want her money..they already stole her house...it has been a very stressful day, bt it is over and Bob is home, Court is done for now..and we will pray and wait to find out the result's. Bob seems to think he won't find out until the 27th..his next Appt. I said there is NO WAY they will make you wait that long..am I wrong??? That is way too long to be hanging in limbo. I think if we don't hear anything by Monday I/we will call. Thanks aagin to all on this wonderful Board. I have never met such kind and caring people...again best wishes to all and I wish everyone good health and hope those who are going thru treatment right now to hang in there, as there is a light at the end of this tunnel...ir seems like it takes forever, but it will get better. Bob ate 2 Buffalo Wild Wings Terriaki chicken wings tonight:))). His voice is quite horse..but then with all that is going on with his Mom and family I think he has been talking too much and it is causing him to dry out more..he never goes anywhere without his kleenex and bottle of water. I am just glad this day is over and we get good results from the PET..will keep you guy's posted.
    Thanks again for all you have done for us....

    Deb
  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member

    PET Scan
    Well Bob went for the PET Scan and I had to go to Court to help his Mother...his brothers have never called him nor his Sisters since he was Diagnosed...we are her P.O.A's and they are trying to get Guardianship of her and making up lies about her. They want her money..they already stole her house...it has been a very stressful day, bt it is over and Bob is home, Court is done for now..and we will pray and wait to find out the result's. Bob seems to think he won't find out until the 27th..his next Appt. I said there is NO WAY they will make you wait that long..am I wrong??? That is way too long to be hanging in limbo. I think if we don't hear anything by Monday I/we will call. Thanks aagin to all on this wonderful Board. I have never met such kind and caring people...again best wishes to all and I wish everyone good health and hope those who are going thru treatment right now to hang in there, as there is a light at the end of this tunnel...ir seems like it takes forever, but it will get better. Bob ate 2 Buffalo Wild Wings Terriaki chicken wings tonight:))). His voice is quite horse..but then with all that is going on with his Mom and family I think he has been talking too much and it is causing him to dry out more..he never goes anywhere without his kleenex and bottle of water. I am just glad this day is over and we get good results from the PET..will keep you guy's posted.
    Thanks again for all you have done for us....

    Deb

    Had the Oto/ENT appointment this afternoon, on the 8th day after the PS- ALL CLEAR! YES! My last rad was on 4/13/09, so I'm into the 2nd-year, post-treatment, and this is- oh yeah- really quite excellent.

    Should celebrate with a steak, or something a little more special, but not. It's a Garden Salad, tonight, Hal. What can I say? I'm a multi-ingredient salad w/French dressing freak, and it sure is gonna taste great tonight. YES!

    Another Round of my fight won- for all of us, friends, and Brothers and Sisters. You know, if this news gives any of you at least a little smile- thus, truly my smile will become all the greater, as will the happiness within that I feel. The Big C is in the opposite corner, a little battle weary and trying to figure-out how he can be a factor in this fight. Hey, he had me on the canvas a number of times a little over a year ago. He thought the fight was his. But I still had the One in my corner, urging me to get back up every time I got knocked-down, and I was always able to before the Spectre Ref got to the number of Ten, and the fight continued/continues. C's been losing the fight since the end of week #6, in 3/09; and, yeah, wouldn't it really be sweet if the C just gives-up the fight he's been losing for so long, and be happy just with having done some damage to my mouth and teeth? Yeah, and the One in my corner is still there, Hondo. The Ref, that old Spectre, even seems to have lost his enthusiasm for the fight. The One in my corner has a lot to do with that, as you know.

    Believe

    kcass
  • micktissue
    micktissue Member Posts: 430
    Kent Cass said:

    Had the Oto/ENT appointment this afternoon, on the 8th day after the PS- ALL CLEAR! YES! My last rad was on 4/13/09, so I'm into the 2nd-year, post-treatment, and this is- oh yeah- really quite excellent.

    Should celebrate with a steak, or something a little more special, but not. It's a Garden Salad, tonight, Hal. What can I say? I'm a multi-ingredient salad w/French dressing freak, and it sure is gonna taste great tonight. YES!

    Another Round of my fight won- for all of us, friends, and Brothers and Sisters. You know, if this news gives any of you at least a little smile- thus, truly my smile will become all the greater, as will the happiness within that I feel. The Big C is in the opposite corner, a little battle weary and trying to figure-out how he can be a factor in this fight. Hey, he had me on the canvas a number of times a little over a year ago. He thought the fight was his. But I still had the One in my corner, urging me to get back up every time I got knocked-down, and I was always able to before the Spectre Ref got to the number of Ten, and the fight continued/continues. C's been losing the fight since the end of week #6, in 3/09; and, yeah, wouldn't it really be sweet if the C just gives-up the fight he's been losing for so long, and be happy just with having done some damage to my mouth and teeth? Yeah, and the One in my corner is still there, Hondo. The Ref, that old Spectre, even seems to have lost his enthusiasm for the fight. The One in my corner has a lot to do with that, as you know.

    Believe

    kcass

    excellent
    Excellent news Kent.

    Best,

    Mick
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    Kent Cass said:

    Had the Oto/ENT appointment this afternoon, on the 8th day after the PS- ALL CLEAR! YES! My last rad was on 4/13/09, so I'm into the 2nd-year, post-treatment, and this is- oh yeah- really quite excellent.

    Should celebrate with a steak, or something a little more special, but not. It's a Garden Salad, tonight, Hal. What can I say? I'm a multi-ingredient salad w/French dressing freak, and it sure is gonna taste great tonight. YES!

    Another Round of my fight won- for all of us, friends, and Brothers and Sisters. You know, if this news gives any of you at least a little smile- thus, truly my smile will become all the greater, as will the happiness within that I feel. The Big C is in the opposite corner, a little battle weary and trying to figure-out how he can be a factor in this fight. Hey, he had me on the canvas a number of times a little over a year ago. He thought the fight was his. But I still had the One in my corner, urging me to get back up every time I got knocked-down, and I was always able to before the Spectre Ref got to the number of Ten, and the fight continued/continues. C's been losing the fight since the end of week #6, in 3/09; and, yeah, wouldn't it really be sweet if the C just gives-up the fight he's been losing for so long, and be happy just with having done some damage to my mouth and teeth? Yeah, and the One in my corner is still there, Hondo. The Ref, that old Spectre, even seems to have lost his enthusiasm for the fight. The One in my corner has a lot to do with that, as you know.

    Believe

    kcass

    Kent

    I am so happy for you my brother, I think I too will celebrate with a Salad tonight but ranch dressing. Two years that is just great news.

    All the best to you and your family my friend.
  • thegirlfriend
    thegirlfriend Member Posts: 142

    excellent
    Excellent news Kent.

    Best,

    Mick

    very relieved for you Kent
    K

    very relieved for you Kent

    K
  • delnative
    delnative Member Posts: 450
    Hondo said:

    Kent

    I am so happy for you my brother, I think I too will celebrate with a Salad tonight but ranch dressing. Two years that is just great news.

    All the best to you and your family my friend.

    Dude!
    Kent, that is wonderful news that gladdens my heart.
    Celebrate!

    --Jim in Delaware
  • Fire34
    Fire34 Member Posts: 365
    delnative said:

    Dude!
    Kent, that is wonderful news that gladdens my heart.
    Celebrate!

    --Jim in Delaware

    Way to Go
    Kent
    Great news really glad for you. I would go for the steak LOL
    Dave
  • Scambuster
    Scambuster Member Posts: 973
    Fire34 said:

    Way to Go
    Kent
    Great news really glad for you. I would go for the steak LOL
    Dave

    Like DUUUUUUDE Dude !!
    Kent,

    Just back from Beijing a couple of hour ago and this was great news to get back to. Yahoooo ! Really happy for you. Now waiting to hear your PEG is out and you are off and away !

    Cheers brother.
    Scam

    Jim, Sorry but just had to out Dude you there seeing you got in first ;o)
  • Glenna M
    Glenna M Member Posts: 1,576
    Kent Cass said:

    Had the Oto/ENT appointment this afternoon, on the 8th day after the PS- ALL CLEAR! YES! My last rad was on 4/13/09, so I'm into the 2nd-year, post-treatment, and this is- oh yeah- really quite excellent.

    Should celebrate with a steak, or something a little more special, but not. It's a Garden Salad, tonight, Hal. What can I say? I'm a multi-ingredient salad w/French dressing freak, and it sure is gonna taste great tonight. YES!

    Another Round of my fight won- for all of us, friends, and Brothers and Sisters. You know, if this news gives any of you at least a little smile- thus, truly my smile will become all the greater, as will the happiness within that I feel. The Big C is in the opposite corner, a little battle weary and trying to figure-out how he can be a factor in this fight. Hey, he had me on the canvas a number of times a little over a year ago. He thought the fight was his. But I still had the One in my corner, urging me to get back up every time I got knocked-down, and I was always able to before the Spectre Ref got to the number of Ten, and the fight continued/continues. C's been losing the fight since the end of week #6, in 3/09; and, yeah, wouldn't it really be sweet if the C just gives-up the fight he's been losing for so long, and be happy just with having done some damage to my mouth and teeth? Yeah, and the One in my corner is still there, Hondo. The Ref, that old Spectre, even seems to have lost his enthusiasm for the fight. The One in my corner has a lot to do with that, as you know.

    Believe

    kcass

    Fantastic news!!!
    Kent, it is so great to hear about your ALL CLEAR!! This news not only gives me a smile but a reason to do the happy dance again. There has been a lot of good news on these forums lately. There really is HOPE.

    Take care and stay well,

    Glenna
  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member

    Like DUUUUUUDE Dude !!
    Kent,

    Just back from Beijing a couple of hour ago and this was great news to get back to. Yahoooo ! Really happy for you. Now waiting to hear your PEG is out and you are off and away !

    Cheers brother.
    Scam

    Jim, Sorry but just had to out Dude you there seeing you got in first ;o)

    Thank you
    Many thanks to y'all for the responses to my good news- along with my hopes and Prayers for all- that such good Scan results are the only results all of us get.

    Scam- as for the PEG, I drove immediately from the ENT to the Surgeon's office in the Trinity hospital, and only got to talk with his Receptionist, who schedules things. Told her about the ASAP removal. Sure enough, the Surgeon is taking next week off, and the earliest I can see him is on 5/4! Even explained to her about knowing what he would do to remove it- actually telling her that I could remove it, but wasn't sure about the compression bandage, or possible need for a stitch, or two. My words didn't exactly register with her, and not sure she knows what ASAP means! So, this is a little frustrating. Oh well.

    Believe

    kcass