Well as you know I had a pet scan this past week and it was a very interesting test. A PET scan shows doctors how the tissues in your body work on a cellular level. As I had never had one, I paid close attention to every step of the process. I had to fast for a bit before so I just wanted to get it done. After the technician injected me with the radiation substance, I sat comfortably in a recliner type chair. I was told not to bring a book as I needed to relax in a darkened room for about an hour. I did what I do best and took a nap - this way I was not anxious. I had the nicest technician and it turns out she would have been the person to help me during my canceled surgery (small world). When I moved to the table for the test, I look at the tube/machine and thought this looks a bit tight. The technician explained every step and asked if I was claustrophobic - I replied I don't think so, but we'll find out. I was able to keep my clothes and shoes on as none contained metal. She strapped my legs together and then my arms, she also covered me with a blanket. She ensured the lasers were in the right place and then the machine took over. It was the quietest/longest test I have ever had. I was sent through the machine quickly and then every so slowly drawn back through. I honestly did not even feel any movement. I kept my eyes mostly closed as I did not want to see if there was any whirring around me like an MRI. The process took about 30 minutes because I had the entire body scan. Then another tech said I was done and could leave - the rest results would be sent to the doctor the next day.
To be honest, the hardest part of the day was the traffic to and from. As I had to go to a facility I had not been to before (only two months old) in an area I had not been to in many years.
I checked the patient portal off/on Thursday to see if the test results would be posted and they were. I read them, but some of it was too technical for me. I sent it to my sister and was fairly optimistic by her review. I was looking up each term and word and I waited for my doctor to let me know. Sure enough when I got the email of good news, I have never felt such a sense of relief. I had anticipated and semi-planned for the worst - just in case. I slept so peacefully Thursday night and woke up very refreshed on Friday morning. I honestly do not think I realized how much tension I have been holding internally.
I had a wonderful friend come by Thursday with a fabulous spinach quiche and we chatted for a bit. I had some of the quiche for dinner and then for breakfast on Friday. I was so refreshed and filled with pep and strength (from the spinach), my BFF and I worked for about three hours in the garage. Such a sense of accomplishment as I broke apart old shelving units and seeing empty spaces along the wall. We are cleaning it out wall to wall in anticipation of having some work done. We are not in a rush and with Christmas coming half of the items will be brought in and sorted. We only got it partially done, but have filled the trash cans and the back of my van is getting filled with donations. After I get the ribs in the oven today, we'll tackle some more.
The upside (if there is one) of going through the cancer journey, is all of those that have reached out. Some people I have not spoken to in several years as we all know most stay in touch via FB as life moves on around us. One such person I completely forget is a cancer coach. She and I were colleagues and also had attended many coaching activities together. She reached out with some helpful information and also let me know she is there. She recommended a website and I have been looking through it: www.thecancerjourney.com/
This past week I finished reading: "CLOSE TO HOME" and "A STEEP PRICE" by Robert Dugoni - both part of the Tracy Crosswhite series. "THE CALL OF CANCER" by Shariann Tom and Keri Lehmann - healing and transformation.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
November 13
Caregiver Appreciation Day
National Indian Pudding Day
Sadie Hawkins Day
World Kindness Day
November 14
Loosen Up Day (LULU)
National Pickle Day
Operating Room Nurse Day
World Diabetes Day
November 15
America Recycles Day
Clean Your Refrigerator Day
National Philanthropy Day
November 16
Button Day
Have a Party With Your Bear Day
International Tolerance Day
National Fast Food Day
November 17
Electronic Greeting Card Day – now who do you think created this day!?
Great American Smokeout – third Thursday in November
Homemade Bread Day
Take A Hike Day
World Peace Day
November 18
Apple Cider Day
Occult Day
November 19
Have a Bad Day Day
National Adoption Day – Saturday before Thanksgiving
Play Monopoly Day
Pet Peeve for today: For the last few weeks I have received at least 10 scam calls a day. It started with information about Medicare and who knows what else. I thought OMG I know I'm almost qualified for Medicare, but don't need reminders all day long (and of course a few choice words and thoughts also came up). Luckily, my phone is set up to signal possible scam. Because of all that was happening with my health, I was getting calls from doctors and such with numbers I did not recognize so I was answering more calls than normal. When I realized that most calls were coming from the same area code I answered: "If this is about Medicare hang up now" (in my not so pleasant voice...LOL). Sure enough in a few seconds the call would disconnect and then I would block the number. I have blocked at least ten numbers a day for almost three weeks. It dawned on me Friday that I'm not sure my cell phone was ever put on the DO NOT CALL list so I added it right away. Let's hope that does the trick of at least slowing them down.
I am leaving it here for today. I have surgery later in the week so I'll post something when home. I've been a fashionista as I try new hats...LOL! I hope you have a great week. Chat soon. Take care. Marie
"Transformation is a process, and as life happens there are tons of ups and downs. It's a journey of discovery." Rick Warren