FB post 28 Sept

On Wednesday I drove to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for my second( and successful) attempt at having PET scan. This is quite a big deal as it takes me about 5 hrs each way and therefore involves overnight stay. I went last week but unfortunately one of the bits of high tech machinery was broken. I stopped at Findhorn beach on both trips for a walk and to do my daily practice. It is beautifully expansive and a great place to breathe a while.The ARI is a huge city hospital , its obviously grown and changed over many years and outwardly looks tired and pretty ugly. I stayed in the patient hotel , which is a corridoor of basic private rooms within the hospital , bit like a hostel but free. I was grateful after the drive.The scan itself was an odd experience....nothing hurt or was unpleasant but it took me into a world I never usually engage with , namely hi tech science. Im such a hippie Mum - I usually ignore anything that aint earthy , arty or close to nature.But I have decided to embrace every step on this journey with an open heart. Going through the door marked 'nuclear medicine' took some courage. I was guided by the most amazing women through the whole process. After all my basic obs were done I wss made to drink a can of well known diet cola. The scan needs my blood sugar low but caffiene levels high. YUK - why does anyone ever drink that stuff ! Then a canula was put in my hand ready for an injection of radioactive glucose. The woman guiding me through this was amazing. She referred to herself as a technician but blended an obvious knowledge of a very specialized branch of science with very human and caring approach. I was blown away by her sharp intelligence for the science and technology balanced with her skill in explaining it to me in lay terms.Anyway , she explained that I was about to meet Bertha , the high tech machine that pumps out the doses of radioactive material so that the staff dont have to handle it.When Bertha was trundled in , I was connected up and felt absolutely nothing as she did her work. Then I had to lie absolutely still for 40 mins whilst the radioactive tracers went to the right places inside me. No book, no screen , absolutely still....time for a snooze. Then it was off to the scanner. Again I lay still on the bed whilst it moved me bit by bit through the machine. It was quiet and boring. I shut my eyes and reflected on how it felt like going into a cave , and Grandmother Bear was taking a good look inside to see what old stuff needed transforming. Then it was all done and I was free to go. I dont know what the results will show or when I get them but I see my consultant on Monday , so I should find out what the next step is then. It will eithet be straight onto chemo or 2 weeks of steroids....watch this space !