Scanxiety

Kevin has a PET/CT scan scheduled for this morning. Another part of the gathering of information as it is now so we can better track changes later.

Normally his oncologist here in Ohio would have ordered a PET/CT upon his initial diagnosis. It would have indicated if there were cancer cells anywhere else in his body. PET/CT wasn't being done in Lafayette at the time (maybe not even now) so we had to rely on CT scanning, blood work and pathology (no found lymph node involvement) to tell us there was no additional cancer.

PET/CT is a combination of imaging which shows a very complete inner view of the body. CT shows size, shape and location of body anatomy. PET shows metabolic/biological function. When combined there is a complete image showing the location of organs and body structures as well as how the cells are functioning. PET works by using an injected substance which shows the cell reaction to glucose. Cancer cells collect glucose quicker and stronger than other cells so will show up as bright spots through PET imaging.

The picture on the right is an example of PET imaging.

As the list of Kevin's tests and procedures goes, this one isn't bad. No nasty invasive stuff; no unpleasant after effects to wait out.

Nonetheless I am awake early and my sleep was filled with vivid dreams.

If there is more cancer--anywhere--this will be the most likely test to find it. And I dread that possibility.

I've replayed blood counts, chemistry and tumor marker numbers in my mind a dozen times overnight; recalled CT results from the past 6 months which showed no sign of cancer; gone through everything which tells us he is cancer free.

Yet here I am, bombarded with the negative thoughts of what might be lurking.

Scanxiety.