Blogger Tia Walker's Journal
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Blogger Tia Walker
Keep the faith...
Full Name: Tia Walker
I Am A: Patient
Location: New York, New York
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Hey There!
A little delayed in posting, as this test was administered Friday April 4th at 9:30 am, so forgive me for being slow in my report. Normally, a patient with breast cancer will have already had their Pet CT scans, which are actually (2) tests that to a layperson seem similar to an MRI or Catscan, but in my case I have had a bit of red tape,*** so I had my Pet CT just this morning.
So after the initial paperwork at the radiology center, I began the process leading to the PET CT scans. I was initially injected intravenously with a radio isotope called an FDG, once that was done I was then given a glucose drink (similar to a smoothie) called a Readi-Cat Sulfate Suspension Drink. By drinking the Readi-Cat, the PET CT scan will pick up what parts of my insides that have been infected by the cancer, or show where the cancer has spread to. This was explained to me by a radiographer (not radiologist) named Jim, who was very kind in prepping me, before sticking a needle into my arm.
After taking me to a relaxation room where I waited for 1 hour, for the glucose to properly travel through my body, I was ready for my test! After being hoisted up on the scan table, I was told by a second radiogapher (forgot his name) that once a second IV solution was injected I would feel warm all over, even in the groin, and that I may feel like I had to urinate. Well, long story short, I did feel warm but I did not have the urination feeling, thank God! Surprisingly the 20 minute scan was not too bad. I was able to stay fully dressed minus a bra as the scan table moved me back and forth slowly through the machine taking pics of my insides.
The results are not viewed by radiographers as they are tech guys not radiologists-- who are the actual doctors. So in a few days I will know the results which will assist my doctor in modifying or increasing my current treatments.
Will keep everyone posted on this front.
***red tape in, at the beginning of this process I was un-insured (I'm a blogger/freelance writer). Therefore, scheduling tests were not possible as payment has to be made upfront. My original mammogram, sonogram and core biopsy were paid out of pocket. Not being a wealthy woman I had to go apply for insurance...more on that one ANOTHER TIME.
A little delayed in posting, as this test was administered Friday April 4th at 9:30 am, so forgive me for being slow in my report. Normally, a patient with breast cancer will have already had their Pet CT scans, which are actually (2) tests that to a layperson seem similar to an MRI or Catscan, but in my case I have had a bit of red tape,*** so I had my Pet CT just this morning.
So after the initial paperwork at the radiology center, I began the process leading to the PET CT scans. I was initially injected intravenously with a radio isotope called an FDG, once that was done I was then given a glucose drink (similar to a smoothie) called a Readi-Cat Sulfate Suspension Drink. By drinking the Readi-Cat, the PET CT scan will pick up what parts of my insides that have been infected by the cancer, or show where the cancer has spread to. This was explained to me by a radiographer (not radiologist) named Jim, who was very kind in prepping me, before sticking a needle into my arm.
After taking me to a relaxation room where I waited for 1 hour, for the glucose to properly travel through my body, I was ready for my test! After being hoisted up on the scan table, I was told by a second radiogapher (forgot his name) that once a second IV solution was injected I would feel warm all over, even in the groin, and that I may feel like I had to urinate. Well, long story short, I did feel warm but I did not have the urination feeling, thank God! Surprisingly the 20 minute scan was not too bad. I was able to stay fully dressed minus a bra as the scan table moved me back and forth slowly through the machine taking pics of my insides.
The results are not viewed by radiographers as they are tech guys not radiologists-- who are the actual doctors. So in a few days I will know the results which will assist my doctor in modifying or increasing my current treatments.
Will keep everyone posted on this front.
***red tape in, at the beginning of this process I was un-insured (I'm a blogger/freelance writer). Therefore, scheduling tests were not possible as payment has to be made upfront. My original mammogram, sonogram and core biopsy were paid out of pocket. Not being a wealthy woman I had to go apply for insurance...more on that one ANOTHER TIME.
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