Scans and Fans

Getting Closer

There’s something called “Scanxiety,” and it exists mostly among cancer patients. Every time they look at what is in your body, whether it’s a C/T, CAT, PET, ultrasound, with contrast, without contrast, fasting/no-fasting…it brings on a bit of uncertainty and anxiety. One thing I’ve learned about this disease is that it is rarely a straight line. Cancer zigs when you think it will zag. So, when you go get scanned for something…until the results come back, you’re a bit on edge.

I can remember quite a few scans that came back SO much better than I thought or hoped. Dr. Nishihori in the Bone Marrow Transplant department at Moffitt had the pleasure of sharing great news with me several times. Tumor and lymph node shrinkage are just about the best things one can see in a scan. Obviously, enlargement or spreading is the worst. I’ve been fortunate enough to have decent scans through the years, with the only exception being the unexpected tumor in my abdomen quite a few years ago.

I didn’t have to take off work for my CAT scan on Friday. I didn’t need to fast. I merely had to drink enough water to fill my bladder. I’ll say adios to you free subscribers here, as the intimate medical details are reserved for Those Who Pay For My Words.