Scan update

Pierre and I had a great trip to Winnipeg. I can't believe how easy it is to travel without kids! We left Monday at 2:00 p.m. and Pierre's mom came to watch the kids while we were gone. Poor Maman, we left her with sick kids.

I needed to stick to a low carb diet the day before the scan. I must say that it is extremely difficult to stick to this diet when travelling! I was so hungry by the time we got to Winnipeg. Salad can only take a person so far. That night we arrived in Winnipeg at about 8:30 our time and ate supper at about 9:30. About all I could have was a good steak so we headed out to the Keg (Pierre so kindly joined me for this!). After my omelette in the morning I started my fast at 9:45a.m. for the scan.

We were then able to go visit Pierre's two wonderful aunts. A nice treat to see them!

The PET scan went well. I just about didn't have it though. They usually don't do the scan until 30 days after the last chemo treatment. For some reason I was booked early (20 days. They like to have the full 30 days so that if there are any cancer cells left they have a chance to start growing again. The decision was left with Pierre and I if we would like to go ahead with the scan. We said yes since we were already there and we could request another scan down the road if we felt it was necessary.

I was given a radioactive sugar called FDG through an IV. I needed to lie still for an hour so that the sugar could run through my body. I was then taken in for the scan which took about 30 minutes. This is the test that will determine our next step - remission or more treatment. If the scan shows uptake of FDG then it would probably mean that the cancer is either not all gone, or is growing again. I think radiation is in the plans if it shows that the cancer is still there. I have prepared myself for both scenarios. It is not that I don't have faith or hope....I just need to prepare myself in case I need more treatment.

The test was done by about 5:30 and we went out for a burger and fries. Pierre had fasted with me during the day and so we both were very excited to eat! Our trip home went very well and we arrived in Regina at about 11:30 pm.

I have an appointment with the oncologist next Thursday and will find out the results of all my scans then (CT, Gallium, and PET). Will keep you posted once we know more.

Pierre is heading out to Charlottetown for a conference early tomorrow morning and so I will pick up the kids from school and head out to Pierre's parent's farm.
Have a great weekend!