Is there anything I hate more than getting a scan?-UPDATED

annalexandria
annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member
edited September 2013 in Colorectal Cancer #1

No.

Can’t think of much of anything I hate more…
with the possible exception of waiting for scan results.
But I can’t complain too much about the PET I had this morning, considering that the only reason that I get to have regular PET scans involves me throwing a kinda embarrassing tantrum, complete with words like "lawyer" and "sue your  ___".

It’s just that I have a little extra anxiety about getting the scan at this particular facility, because of what happened the first time I had one there.

Everything seemed normal at the start, bit of a drive to the big, fancy, brand-new building (oh really, Group “We Can’t Afford to Pay for Your Scan” Health?), bit of a wait in the waiting room, but no real problems. Then the man came out to take me in for my appointent. We walked down a long hallway, through a door, down another long hallway, through another door, down another hallway, into an elevator, down several floors…ok, so the scanning room is really in the bowels of this place, but that’s pretty normal for radiology stuff, right? Then he escorts me out one last door, and into…the parking lot.

And in front of us is what appears to be...

a taco truck.

1st thought: Oooh, I can get a taco after I get done!  Awesome!

                          .... then I notice the taco truck doesn’t have any windows.


2nd thought:  Oh no! This guy is actually a serial killer who abducts unsuspecting cancer patients and dismembers them in his little silver trailer of horror…after giving them an unnecessary scan. A killer who likes to add insult to injury!

(It is possible that I had been sitting at home watching way too many horror movies at this point in my life).


Guy notices the look on my face, says so they didn’t explain to you that we have a subcontractor who comes once a week with a trailer to do the scans?

Oh.  Feeling stupid (and hungry) now.  Of course I knew that.  Just how dumb do you think I am?
Anyway, it was good to know that I wouldn’t end up stuffed in the trunk of a car in the Group Health parking garage.
But I was sorry I didn't get a taco.

Scan results as soon as I get them, guys.

Lots o' love~AA

PS This was something like my 12th scan.  I am now on first name basis with my tech (cute little guy from Louisiana), know all about his girlfriend troubles and what not.  Being good buds with your scanning tech is possibly not the best sign.

Just got an email from my doc.  All is well, still NED.  That makes 22 months for me now, which in the world of my tumor type, is equivalent to maybe 5 years in normal stage 4 crc.  In fact, something like 80% of people with carcinosarcomas are dead within two years, so this is basically like winning the lottery.  I'm happy, but I'd be a hell of a lot happier if I could share my winnings with everyone here.  Better go tell my kids and husband...I told you guys first!

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Comments

  • lol --- let's hear a loud

    lol --- let's hear a loud "NED" soon!!!

  • janderson1964
    janderson1964 Member Posts: 2,215 Member
    Great story Anna. BTW I think

    Great story Anna. BTW I think waiting for the results are worse. Especially after the nurse takes your vitals and then leaves you alone in th exam room waiting for the doctor to make his grand entrance. At least that is how it works for me lately.

  • tanstaafl
    tanstaafl Member Posts: 1,313 Member
    seeing no evil

    funny one about the taco truck, you might ask if they offer fries ...

    ---------------------------------

    My question is what are the best scan and detection strategies over the long term, given various likelihoods, cost pressures and guidelines.  

    We don't like to put all our chips on one technology.  We mostly use frequent blood results with lots of biomarkers, typically monthly for maximum microscopic sensitivity right now, and stretch out the scans.  Doing the rounds for MRI in July, I noticed one hospital now offered a better/pricier diagnostic CT scan over the regular PET/CT package.  Originally, CT with the PET was mostly a low xray intensity overlay with a less fancy CT to locate the PET results.  Not sure whether their CT "extra" is more xray intensity and/or contrast with the less fancy CT (vs newest software and hardware). 

    For scanning, we are rotating some, CT (mostly, on a new machine), MRI enhanced for peritoneum and liver scans, maybe the PET/diagnostic CT next year, trying to maximize each technology's capabilities and resolution.

     

  • Trubrit
    Trubrit Member Posts: 5,796 Member
    …ok, so the scanning room is

    …ok, so the scanning room is really in the bowels of this place,

    Glad they took you through the bowels, I mean, very fitting considering your diagnosis. 

    So happy to hear you are still NED.  Keep it up!

  • maglets
    maglets Member Posts: 2,576 Member

    Great story Anna. BTW I think

    Great story Anna. BTW I think waiting for the results are worse. Especially after the nurse takes your vitals and then leaves you alone in th exam room waiting for the doctor to make his grand entrance. At least that is how it works for me lately.

    dearest AA

    oh AA that is such a great story! you had me smiling....but then when I came back and read the addenda.....oh joySmile I am so so very happy for you.  Is it not a miracle?? good for you......well done girl

    can you please hold my hand on Tuesday of next week?  scan for me and yes there is nothing I hate more!!!! As I look at my own behaviour over the last week I see creeping scanxiety....more and more grumpy irrational behaviour.  Everthing is a threat!!!! what do mean the washing machine is not working!!!1f@$# and on and on

    I digress....hold my hand .....dancing around with your family ....that's what you are doing....I hope...

    hug.......mags

  • janderson1964
    janderson1964 Member Posts: 2,215 Member
    That is sooooooooo AWESOME.

    That is sooooooooo AWESOME. You deserve it. Go celebrate with your family.

  • johnnybegood
    johnnybegood Member Posts: 1,117 Member

    That is sooooooooo AWESOME.

    That is sooooooooo AWESOME. You deserve it. Go celebrate with your family.

    woo hoo yee haw

    and great news.loved your story, now when i walk to the basement of the hospital where i get my scan i will think of the hallways as a big colon...Godbless...johnnybegood

  • Cathleen Mary
    Cathleen Mary Member Posts: 827 Member

    woo hoo yee haw

    and great news.loved your story, now when i walk to the basement of the hospital where i get my scan i will think of the hallways as a big colon...Godbless...johnnybegood

     
    I love good news!!!  So

     

    I love good news!!!  So happy for you and for your family. Great story!

    Cathleen Mary

  • Lovekitties
    Lovekitties Member Posts: 3,364 Member
    Outstanding news!

    Love it that you got such great results!

    May the good news contniue for decades to come.

    Hugs,

    Marie who loves kitties

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    Wonderful

    That is wonderful news.  You and your family should celebrate big time.  Congratulations.

    Kim

  • Chelsea71
    Chelsea71 Member Posts: 1,169 Member
    That's great, Ann.  Wonderful

    That's great, Ann.  Wonderful news.  You're family must be very relieved.  Happy for you guys.

     

    Congratulations

  • jen2012
    jen2012 Member Posts: 1,607 Member
    YAY!
    Great news AA! So very happy to log on and see your post!
  • Momof2plusteentwins
    Momof2plusteentwins Member Posts: 509 Member
    AA
    That is exactly where the PET scan is at my hospital (where I work) out the back door in the scanmobile. They come every Tuesday. I guess a lot cheaper to contract than have that big expensive machine.

    Congrats on the great results. May you always remain NED! Hope you and family are celebrating!

    Sandy:)
  • Happyhar
    Happyhar Member Posts: 49
    How Wonderful It Is

    Good Ole Ned. Praise the Lord. Loved the Taco truck. I had a similiar trip thru the bowels of the hospital, across a parking lot in a drizzle,up a metal ramp into an 18 wheeler for a PT scan. Ah! Modern medicine.

  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    Is A Picture Worth a 1,000 Words?

    See below...

     

    Smile

  • traci43
    traci43 Member Posts: 773 Member
    OMG - too funny

    My HMO does the same thing, only their trailer looks more like a semi container with 2 pushouts.  I guess you're so radioactive they don't even want you in the building! Wink  The part I don't like is it's really difficult to get a copy of your scan.  I just had my scan done on Tuesday and I won't hear the results until next Thursday.  I hate waiting too.

    Congrats on remaining NED!  Awesome news.

  • LindaK.
    LindaK. Member Posts: 506 Member
    Congratulations!

    Great news to share! 

     

    Linda

  • PatchAdams
    PatchAdams Member Posts: 271
    Semi trailer

    My PET is done in a parking lot, too.  They put me in a room with  a lot of storage items and tell me to relax for an hour.  Dang cold in that semi, too. 

    GREAT news, tho! Congrats!

    Mags, I'll hold your hand!  My PET is coming up in October, too.  This will be 18 months since my liver resection and 4 years 10 1/2 months since my Stage III dx.  Anxiety is trying to creep up on me, too. 

    I know several of our friends/ old friends are having PET or CT scans in October.  Many no longer post here or cannot post here. Wishing us all GREAT news! 

    Patch

  • ams5796
    ams5796 Member Posts: 6
    Wonderful news!

    Wonderful news! And, you write so well. I really enjoyed your story! But, now I want a taco!

  • hippiechicks
    hippiechicks Member Posts: 509 Member
    Very COOL!! Good news is

    Very COOL!! Good news is wonderful to hear .. thanks for sharing!!

    Congrats on your continued NED and hopes for many more years!!! WOW ... 22 months girlfriend!!! That is some kind of accomplishmet! Celebration in order for sure!Smile

     

    Keep strong!  (virtual high 5!)