Allan took me in for my latest CT Scan at Moffitt Cancer Center yesterday. It was a completely different experience than the last time! Last time, I registered, sat down, waited, and was given 3 orange drinks that help radiate your organs so that things glow more brightly on the scan. I had an hour and a half to drink the "kool-aid" and then went in for the scan.
This time I went in, registered, was immediately called in for the IV shunt, and within 10 minutes the scan was done and the IV was out. Allan had gone down into the cafeteria expecting me to take some time, but it was really quick! Anyway, I go back next Wednesday at 8:30 am to Dr. Sondak for the results, to see what changes have occured in the tumor since my last scan 2 months ago. Tomorrow is my pain-management appointment with Dr. Cameron; we're going to try to figure out some way to help control the stabbing, shooting pains I'm getting in my chest from the tumor. I believe that appointment is at 10:00 am and it's in Dade City, which is about 20 - 25 minutes away. (It's taken me over 2 months to get the appointment, so you can bet that I'm keeping it!)
We had a really mellow day yesterday after my brief trip to Moffitt. Allan had a job about 10 minutes away from the Center, so I went along with him. It was a gorgeous, warm day with a nice breeze. The house he was working on had an old, crusty, wooden bench on the banks of a smooth lake in the backyard. I sat back there, under the shade of a huge tree, reading a book and munching on a Publix Grocery Store ham sub sandwich while Allan worked. It was a really pleasant day and I liked being able to watch him work; he works quickly and he's really good at what he does. It was also nice sitting and talking with Allan and his co-worker, Pete, on the bench watching the ducks play in the water while the guys ate their lunches. I had gotten the footlong sub at Publix in order for Allan to eat half. I couldn't wait until lunchtime to eat *my* half though, because you aren't allowed to eat prior to a CT scan. When we left Moffitt, my tummy was screaming FEED ME! Thus, off to Publix we went. (Publix beats Subway sandwiches, hands down, by the way. I'm not kidding! Better bread, more meat, multiple selections of cheese and it's LOADED with veggies - all made to order, of course.) After lunch we had another quick stop to make at a different jobsite down in Tampa proper and got home about an hour earlier than Allan would have normally come home.
All-in-all, I'd have to say that yesterday turned out rather well. From now until Wednesday, though, I'll be on pins and needles awaiting the results of the scan. As always, keep your fingers crossed!
Christy & Allan
