PET Scans and Topotecan

floridajo

Hello ladies,
I went to see my Onc and because of the ct scan results we will be doing a PET scan. I have never had one, what can I expect?? Also if the results show cancer we'll be going on to Topotecan...what can I expect from this drug?? I'll be getting it once a week for 3 weeks then off one week. I had a terrible wek with horrible abd pains, that slowly got better , and I told my Onc. He said it sounds like bowel obstructions, that are relieving itself. I have had 3 attacks in the past 6 weeks. When should I go to the hospital when I get these pains...besides bad pain what are the sx. of bowel obstructions??? I have many questions today,don't I???? Also what can I take to make sure I don't get blocked?? Love and ((((hugz)))..to all ...Joanne

collins

Dear Joannne,

I just had my second PET scan a little over two weeks ago. They are quite painless. I had to fast from midnight on. My pet scan was at 10:30am. They put some radioactive stuff in my vein through my port and left me in a darkened room for about an hour. Since I have ovc I had to drink the contrast --uck!
Then they put me in a scanner which is is a round tube that only covers about a fourth of your body at one time -- much like the ct scan. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour for the scans but again not much different that the ct scan -- just a lot longer. It isn't bad at all. I was on topotecan and carbo for nine treatments and was able to work eight hours a day and live a normal life. I had fatigue but the worst part was it played havoc with my bone marrow. I had to have shots for my whte count every day and could not use the neustsra because of my chemo schedule. I did not have much nausia and for the most part felt pretty good for being on chemo.

eleen

mopar

Joann:
Eleen is right - the PET scans are painless. I had to fast as of midnight the night before. But my meals the day before consisted of NO CARBS. That means, no sugars, breads, etc. When you go in they will give you an injection. The compound has some sort of 'carbohydrate type' element that any cancer cells thrive on (goes to show you what we should avoid in our diets!). Anyway, the scan itself is easy - they played some nice music during my test. They will be able to see what's called 'uptake'. In other words, if there are any areas that light up from the injection. While my doctor says this is not a good diagnostic tool, it is certainly helpful and a big part of the diagnosis process.

Senna-S is a good choice to avoid constipation or worse. My husband had an intestinal blockage and it was horrible. He hadn't gone for quite some time due to medications from back surgery, and he couldn't even keep down anymore water, or anything. It kept coming up and eventually it was bile coming up. His abdomen was extremely distended and hard as a rock. That's when I knew what was going on and got him to the hospital right away. So watch for vomiting, inability to keep down liquids, distention of the abdomen, severe pain. Hopefully, you can avoid this with lots of liquids, Senna-S, fibrous foods like veges (broccoli and cabbage are great), apples, bran cereals, prune juice is also wonderful (drink 4-6 oz. daily).
Hope you feel better, Joann. Let us know how the test results are.
Luv and Hugs,
Monika

fainia

collins said:

Dear Joannne,

I just had my second PET scan a little over two weeks ago. They are quite painless. I had to fast from midnight on. My pet scan was at 10:30am. They put some radioactive stuff in my vein through my port and left me in a darkened room for about an hour. Since I have ovc I had to drink the contrast --uck!
Then they put me in a scanner which is is a round tube that only covers about a fourth of your body at one time -- much like the ct scan. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour for the scans but again not much different that the ct scan -- just a lot longer. It isn't bad at all. I was on topotecan and carbo for nine treatments and was able to work eight hours a day and live a normal life. I had fatigue but the worst part was it played havoc with my bone marrow. I had to have shots for my whte count every day and could not use the neustsra because of my chemo schedule. I did not have much nausia and for the most part felt pretty good for being on chemo.

eleen

After my surgery and CAT Scan the doctor thought I needed a PET scan. They saw some nodules on my lungs. I was scared to death. I went to my scan alone and while waiting another couple was there also waiting for the husbands test. The wife askes me if I'm claustrophobic. Well not exactly but I am scared as hell and her trying to freak me out before the test didn't help. She told me her husband went for the test a few days earlier, took one look at the machine and freaked out. He had to go to his doctor for valium. One thing I did do was looked up a PET scan on the internet and saw the machine ahead of time. It looked like the CAT scanner so I wasn't too scared .
When it was my turn, they inject the radioactive glucose(sugar). It takes 45 minutes for it to run through your body. So I sat and listened to music until it was time. I was in a mobile unit in the back parkinglot of the hospitol. Seems this unit has to travel from place to place since the facilities down here don't own one. Crazy huh?
Anyway, to make a long story longer the scan took abouit 15 minutes and is painless. Just close your eyes and think happy thought and it's over before you know it.
I wish you the best of luck with the test. Phyllis

mark1965

I'm so amazed by all of you...not just because of what you are dealing with and how strong you are, but also because you are willing to share your experiences and questions so that others can benefit. Joanne, hang in there, and ask them to play whatever music you like best!! Mark

BonnieR

Hi Joanne, just another voice saying PET scans are just about like ctscans except a little longer. And then there is the waiting period, take a book with or enjoy a nap. :-)

Have a great Thanksgiving. Hugs N Prayers Bonnie

saundra

I don't have experience with PET scans or Topotecan but just wanted to check in on the bowel. Just don't let it get to an obstruction stage by taking stool softener if I get sluggish and a laxative if I need to. Gas can cause the pains too, remember. I will be waiting to hear your experience with the PET scan for future reference. Love and (((hugs))) right back to you. Saundra

floridajo

Hello friends,
Thanks for all the in-put. Today is the day,and I 'll be leaving in about 2 hours for the hospital. I wasn't told to not have sugar the day before,just to fast from midnight on. Again thanks again you are all the greatest!!!! (((hugz)))..Joanne