Pet Scan on Wed
Of course, I am nervous about the scan. I feel good and do not have any pain. I continue to work and live my life. I try not to obsess about the cancer but at times it is impossible not to.
I worry most about my 14 year old daughter. I got to see her go to her first dance two weeks ago. She is 14. I posted a picture of her on my expression page. Friday I got to see her play her guitar at a school carnival with couple of her friends. They have a little "rock band". I am a teacher at the school she goes to. I thank God that I am there to celebrate these milestones with her.
I am feeling sad and nervous today. I am really good mentally 95% of the time, but every once in a while I get in a terrible mood. We went to a family birthday party today for my cousins 1 year old little boy. They were lots of relatives there that I haven't seen in a while. Many of them were inquiring about my health (they are all really nice people). Many seem very surprised that I am feeling well. My 80 year old Aunt was trying to force me to sit in her chair. I walked 3 miles this morning and don't need to take her seat. She is a really sweet person who I am very close to. A few times a caught my 14 year old daughter
taking this all in. I felt so bad for her having to think about everyone talking to me about my health at a birthday party where she should just be having fun.
I do not post a lot, but I do read a few times a week. I pray for all of you and I appreciate all of you being such a great support system. I live in a small town that doesn't have any support groups, and it is really hard for anyone to relate to your feelings unless they have been through this.
Brenda
Comments
-
Scan
You are in my thoughts as you go to your PET scan. Why a PET when you had CT scans before? I've never had a PET only CT so I'm not sure about the diet. Only know that when I had my CT scan I was told I could have a light meal two hours before I drank the contrast and then nothing but was not restricted to any type of food. Hope all goes well for you.
Kim0 -
Why not carbs before a PET scan
HI Brenda,
For a PET scan they inject you with a very small dose of radioactive glucose (sugar) before the scan. This labeled glucose is taken up by metabolically active cells (most cancer is much more active than healthy cells). This is why you should avoid carbs (turned into glucose by your liver). Try not to worry, you will do fine. Hoping that the scan is negative. Hang in there.
Bill0 -
Pet scan
I just had my Pet-scan on Thursday won't get the results until middle of this week. They are looking for re-occurrence of cancer due to elevated CEA. The low carb diet is just as he said. They want protein 24 hours so you're looking at chicken, lean meat, lunch meat except brown sugar and honey types and of course veggies but not potatoes corn or carrots. celery for a snack. Nothing on the meat except something like yellow mustard not honey or brown mustard. This makes the cells hungry for glucose and of course cancer eats faster than normal cells so the radiated sugar will "lite" up or hopefully NOT be there. I understand the worry. It's pretty much all I think about. I also was a elementary teacher for a year (about hundred years ago) decided to go into something safer so I became a cop. Best of luck as we sweat it out together. Sometimes alone time works best for me. Well meaning people even those who love us don't understand this time. Lou0 -
that's correctLOUSWIFT said:Pet scan
I just had my Pet-scan on Thursday won't get the results until middle of this week. They are looking for re-occurrence of cancer due to elevated CEA. The low carb diet is just as he said. They want protein 24 hours so you're looking at chicken, lean meat, lunch meat except brown sugar and honey types and of course veggies but not potatoes corn or carrots. celery for a snack. Nothing on the meat except something like yellow mustard not honey or brown mustard. This makes the cells hungry for glucose and of course cancer eats faster than normal cells so the radiated sugar will "lite" up or hopefully NOT be there. I understand the worry. It's pretty much all I think about. I also was a elementary teacher for a year (about hundred years ago) decided to go into something safer so I became a cop. Best of luck as we sweat it out together. Sometimes alone time works best for me. Well meaning people even those who love us don't understand this time. Lou
no carbs, no juice, you can have meat, eggs, salad, watch the salad dressing. I couldn't have lunch meat, no processed meat. You can have coffee and diet soda, but not the morning of. They gave me instructions.0 -
Thanks for all of theNana b said:that's correct
no carbs, no juice, you can have meat, eggs, salad, watch the salad dressing. I couldn't have lunch meat, no processed meat. You can have coffee and diet soda, but not the morning of. They gave me instructions.
Thanks for all of the information about the low carb diet. I made the appointment on the phone and the girl just said no carbs from noon on the day before, but did not get into specifics. She did not say anything about lunch meat not being ok. Is cheese ok to have ? Thanks for all of the information and good wishes.
Brenda0 -
Brenda
Take a deep breath. George has never had a PET so no advise there. He has only had CT scans and only 2 at that, due for a 3rd in a month or so to see where we are.
Enjoy feeling well and try and do what we do, don't wait for the other shoe to drop for something you got no control of.
Your daughter is so cute and that dress looked so pretty. Hope she had a good time.
Please let me know how your PET scan goes.
Tina0 -
Brenda:)
Hi Brenda
The first 2 lines of your post sound good to me. Basically, you are trying to reduce your gluclose so when they check your blood, you want to be at 120 or under. 92-110 would be ideal.
I think the easiest thing to do (I've had too many PETS to count anymore) is no sugar 24 hours before the test - no strenuous exercise 24 hours before - and try to just not eat anything between 8-12 hours before your test. That way with a little fasting, your level will come out nicely for the PET.
And right after the PET, you can go and get you a bite to eat - it will all be over then.
Just mind over matter here - strictly willpower. Just go lay down and watch tv and go to bed early and that will make the fasting super easy. When you wake, time to get ready, go do the scan - and then lunch time:)
It worked for me everytime.
-Craig0 -
other people
Hi Brenda,
I will be praying for you re. your upcoming PET scan this week.
I know the feeling you had at the birthday party. I just experienced the same thing at church yesterday. A few people who don't always go to church regularly were there for Mother's Day & so many seemed so surprised that I look so healthy. Several came up and asked about my health and what my "latest" is- all in front of my kids and hubby. I can see it's so hard on them. My 17 yr old doesn't go to church that often anymore and he commented later, "Mom, every time I go to church with you, I just have to keep hearing about your cancer". I know- don't know what to do about well meaning people. I'm grateful for them, but I'd really like it to not always get mentioned or asked about each week. I even took my name off the church prayer list last month because of it. I guess it would be worse if no one asked about me or acted like they cared, but it would be nice to just to be able to enjoy holidays and talking with friends without the gloomy look coming over people's faces when they see me and ask me how I'm doing- even my pastor does that- I'd like to get into interesting spiritual conversations with him, but we never seem to get past my cancer. It is getting depressing. Sometimes I almost think of changing to a church where no one knows I have cancer & then I'd keep it that way. I know it's good to have people praying for me- but I think you know what I mean.
Almost comical, but sad, picturing your 80 yr old aunt insisting on you sitting in her chair. I got the same thing from my 97 yr old great aunt once, believe it or not! I now purposely stand and even try to make myself seem more energetic than I actually feel, just to drive home to others that I am not feeble or on my deathbed! Well, Brenda, hang in there- I will be praying for you and for your family & I do really mean that.
I'll be looking for your PET scan report news soon- take care
Lisa0 -
Hi Brenda...
You have a beautiful daughter. Grade 8! This can be a scary time! I have 3 daughters. We all survived the teenage years, even with only 1 bathroom!
It is awesome that she is playing in a band already. What a good looking guitar.
You are on a trajectory of healing and recovery! Don't forget it. I'm almost 6 years into living with stage 4 colon cancer and although I'm still dealing with recurrences I have hope of a future where I walk my girls up the aisle and enjoy being a grandpa!
I know the down days too! (he says while typing from his bed at 12:47 in the afternoon!) Sometimes we just surrender to those dreary days. It is part of being authentic with our feelings.
I am inspired by your recovery. Working through chemo is not easy. I have great difficulty around when to go back to work. Currently I am off, indefinitely. My work is "life-giving" and I miss it.
I'm glad you are able to find support here and i hope the PET scan goes well. I've had the exercise and sugar restraints pre-scan. I think I have fasted on the day of.
Time to go for a walk and enjoy this Spring day...
All the very best... Rob; in Vancouver0 -
Wishing yourobinvan said:Hi Brenda...
You have a beautiful daughter. Grade 8! This can be a scary time! I have 3 daughters. We all survived the teenage years, even with only 1 bathroom!
It is awesome that she is playing in a band already. What a good looking guitar.
You are on a trajectory of healing and recovery! Don't forget it. I'm almost 6 years into living with stage 4 colon cancer and although I'm still dealing with recurrences I have hope of a future where I walk my girls up the aisle and enjoy being a grandpa!
I know the down days too! (he says while typing from his bed at 12:47 in the afternoon!) Sometimes we just surrender to those dreary days. It is part of being authentic with our feelings.
I am inspired by your recovery. Working through chemo is not easy. I have great difficulty around when to go back to work. Currently I am off, indefinitely. My work is "life-giving" and I miss it.
I'm glad you are able to find support here and i hope the PET scan goes well. I've had the exercise and sugar restraints pre-scan. I think I have fasted on the day of.
Time to go for a walk and enjoy this Spring day...
All the very best... Rob; in Vancouver
Hi Brenda,
I am wishing younothing but good results for your upcoming scan. I know how difficult the few days before and the waiting for the results can be. Hopefully you will get your results quickly.
I have two daughters.. 15 and 13 ....we fight hard FOR THEM don't we. It's the hardest and most emotional part of this disease for me. I know it is rough on them.You sound like you are doing a wonderful job keeping things as normal as possible for her as you can.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Smiles,
Dawn0 -
Lisa,lisa42 said:other people
Hi Brenda,
I will be praying for you re. your upcoming PET scan this week.
I know the feeling you had at the birthday party. I just experienced the same thing at church yesterday. A few people who don't always go to church regularly were there for Mother's Day & so many seemed so surprised that I look so healthy. Several came up and asked about my health and what my "latest" is- all in front of my kids and hubby. I can see it's so hard on them. My 17 yr old doesn't go to church that often anymore and he commented later, "Mom, every time I go to church with you, I just have to keep hearing about your cancer". I know- don't know what to do about well meaning people. I'm grateful for them, but I'd really like it to not always get mentioned or asked about each week. I even took my name off the church prayer list last month because of it. I guess it would be worse if no one asked about me or acted like they cared, but it would be nice to just to be able to enjoy holidays and talking with friends without the gloomy look coming over people's faces when they see me and ask me how I'm doing- even my pastor does that- I'd like to get into interesting spiritual conversations with him, but we never seem to get past my cancer. It is getting depressing. Sometimes I almost think of changing to a church where no one knows I have cancer & then I'd keep it that way. I know it's good to have people praying for me- but I think you know what I mean.
Almost comical, but sad, picturing your 80 yr old aunt insisting on you sitting in her chair. I got the same thing from my 97 yr old great aunt once, believe it or not! I now purposely stand and even try to make myself seem more energetic than I actually feel, just to drive home to others that I am not feeble or on my deathbed! Well, Brenda, hang in there- I will be praying for you and for your family & I do really mean that.
I'll be looking for your PET scan report news soon- take care
Lisa
I also get the same
Lisa,
I also get the same treatment at church, from many people with good intentions. They often say things in front of my daughter and she just gets very quiet. My husband doesn't go to church except on a rare occasion, which is a whole different issue. Our minister is young (35), very funny, smart, spiritual and he actually gets it. One day when I had a consultation at Fox Chase which is 3 hours away from me, he told my sister that he wanted to go with us. My sister and I were going alone and going to do some shopping, etc. We had a great 6 hours talking with him in the car. I am really thankful for him. He treats me normally. My sister and mother totally get it and are always there for me. They sometimes think that I am being too sensitive about other people. It is just so hard to take sometimes.
I also feel that I take care of my family. My 14 year old daughter depends on me for almost everything. She is very smart, but I still help her study, make sure she has stuff for projects, run to Walmart at 10pm if the ink cartridge runs out and a report is due. I love doing things for her, and feel like it is not an option for anything to happen to me, because of her.
Love,
Brenda0 -
I'll remember you in prayerdmdwins said:Wishing you
Hi Brenda,
I am wishing younothing but good results for your upcoming scan. I know how difficult the few days before and the waiting for the results can be. Hopefully you will get your results quickly.
I have two daughters.. 15 and 13 ....we fight hard FOR THEM don't we. It's the hardest and most emotional part of this disease for me. I know it is rough on them.You sound like you are doing a wonderful job keeping things as normal as possible for her as you can.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Smiles,
Dawn
I'll remember you in prayer tomorrow Brenda for only good reports!
Hubby and I adopted our grandson as an infant so we have a 15 year old son. :-) I'm going to be 60 and Jim is 63.0 -
Rob,robinvan said:Hi Brenda...
You have a beautiful daughter. Grade 8! This can be a scary time! I have 3 daughters. We all survived the teenage years, even with only 1 bathroom!
It is awesome that she is playing in a band already. What a good looking guitar.
You are on a trajectory of healing and recovery! Don't forget it. I'm almost 6 years into living with stage 4 colon cancer and although I'm still dealing with recurrences I have hope of a future where I walk my girls up the aisle and enjoy being a grandpa!
I know the down days too! (he says while typing from his bed at 12:47 in the afternoon!) Sometimes we just surrender to those dreary days. It is part of being authentic with our feelings.
I am inspired by your recovery. Working through chemo is not easy. I have great difficulty around when to go back to work. Currently I am off, indefinitely. My work is "life-giving" and I miss it.
I'm glad you are able to find support here and i hope the PET scan goes well. I've had the exercise and sugar restraints pre-scan. I think I have fasted on the day of.
Time to go for a walk and enjoy this Spring day...
All the very best... Rob; in Vancouver
Thanks for the good
Rob,
Thanks for the good wishes. Your attitude is inspiring ! 6 years is great. My daughter will be 20 in 6 years. I like that thought ! She is obsessed with her guitar. What did you use to do for work ? I am very thankful that I am able to work. I love my job. Teaching is so rewarding. I feel really blessed to have a job that I am so happy with. It is hard juggling things at time, but it really helps my mental state to work.
Brenda0 -
Thanks Dawn,dmdwins said:Wishing you
Hi Brenda,
I am wishing younothing but good results for your upcoming scan. I know how difficult the few days before and the waiting for the results can be. Hopefully you will get your results quickly.
I have two daughters.. 15 and 13 ....we fight hard FOR THEM don't we. It's the hardest and most emotional part of this disease for me. I know it is rough on them.You sound like you are doing a wonderful job keeping things as normal as possible for her as you can.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Smiles,
Dawn
I agree we do
Thanks Dawn,
I agree we do fight hard for our kids. It is definitely the emotional part of the disease for me too. My biggest worry is what would happen to my daughter if something happened to me. My mother has been a huge part of my life and still is. I want my daughter to have the same experience. I try to keep things as normal as possible, but of course things have changed.
Thanks for the good wishes.
Your girls are lucky to have each other. My sister and I are very close.
Brenda0 -
Diane and Anne,AnneCan said:Hi Brenda,
I want to wish
Hi Brenda,
I want to wish you only good results for your PET scan.
Thank you
Diane and Anne,
Thank you for the good wishes and prayers. It means a lot to me.
Diane- Having the 15 year old son must be what keeps you looking so young !
Love,
Brenda0 -
hiBrenda3.16 said:Diane and Anne,
Thank you
Diane and Anne,
Thank you for the good wishes and prayers. It means a lot to me.
Diane- Having the 15 year old son must be what keeps you looking so young !
Love,
Brenda
hi brenda good luck on your pet wednesday. i have one on thursday and am feeling the same as you. i have never had to do anything for my PET prep except for fasting for 6 hours prior. they have never asked me to cut my carbs0
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