PET scan was on Thursday. I thought I would have to drink a contrast fluid like for the CT scan but was pleasantly surprised when all they did was inject me with radioactive isotope F18.
Judging from where the bed started in the scanner they were looking at both femur bones and hips in addition to the abdomen and lungs.
I got a phone call from the oncologist's office Friday afternoon to schedule an appointment Monday to review results. This was followed shortly after by a phone call from the surgeon's office to schedule an appointment, also on Monday, to review the scan results. I'm not sure what to think at this point, I just want results.
I know people like to complain about Universal health care in Ontario, long wait times, shoddy treatment etc., but I have to say that my experiences in the past 10+ months, except for the very odd occasion, have been exceptional. I am so very grateful that I am only 15 minutes away from our Regional Cancer Centre, and so grateful to the local businesses and residents whose donations and support helped build it. It is 7 years old and every attempt was made to make it feel welcoming and not institutional. It is a pleasure to go to. I will try to get a picture of the main reception area and post it here. Other than Thursday's PET scan everything was scheduled within days. My oncologist or her assistant was available by phone every day, and I never felt that I was being rushed in my assessment appointments so that I could ask as many questions as I wanted.
In contrast my PET scan was done at a downtown Toronto cancer centre. Despite being a separate building from the hospital as soon as you walk in the door you know you are in a hospital. You walk directly into the waiting area from the front entrance, and everyone is assigned a number which is posted on TV monitors when your chemo chair is ready or your doctor. The imaging area had a poster stating that they treat 700 radiation patients per day. I have no idea how many chemo patients are treated each day. It was just mind boggling for me.
mob
CC Dx 102017 age 58
Lap. right hemi-colectomy Dec 2017
Adenocarcinoma ascending colon – 6cm x 6cm x 2cm, Low Grade, penetrates to peritoneum
T4a N2a M0, Stage IIIC
lymph nodes 6 positive out of 18
FOLFOX start Jan/18 end Aug/8 (felt like a year)
CEA - 01/15/18-2.8; 07/29/18-5.3; 09/19-2.4; 03/20-2.7; 09/20-2.9
CT scan 08/18 - Clear; 10/19 - Clear; * 10/20 - 8mm & 6mm nodules in liver
PET scan 09/18 (thought about bringing the cat
) - Clear
Colonoscopy Dec 7 2018 - Clear - Next in 3 years?