Not what I expected...
Yesterday was Rosh Hashana, and a school holiday. I was able to schedule my appointment on the day off so I wouldn't have to a) take time off from work, and 2) explain myself to everyone.
So I got up early, took a xanax and went for a ride in the big white claustrophobia machine. It wasn't too bad. Last time I had a Pet scan, a different machine was used and it was far more claustrophobic for a claustrophobe like me. This baby was state of the art. Pet/CT scanner - great diagnostics and pretty darn comfortable.
I just wanted the test to be clear. I'm almost 3 years out and it would be good to know that I really am so-far-so-good. Turns out, my scans were clear.
almost.
It seems they found something. Something in my chest. Something that doesn't belong there. A very thin, very well hidden, 10 cm long piece of metal. I was called this morning at work and told to leave right away to go back for a couple of chest x-rays. They would be waiting for me at the radiology center and then the radiologist would compare the x-rays to the pet scan and discuss his findings with my doctor. I waited all day for the phone to ring...........
It seems this thin wire is in my pulmonary artery.
(!)
The doctors are a little puzzled as to how it could be where it is. I had a port-a-cath put in and taken out during the year of my adventure ('05). Apparently something was left behind upon removal. I'll be having an angiogram this week to better determine its position and condition in my body.
It's pretty certain that I'll have to have it surgically removed. Apparently, it's a delicate surgery. It would take place at a huge hospital far from my familiar surroundings.
(Chrissakes...in my pulmonary artery??)
While I'm relieved that no cancer was found, this isn't small potatoes either. I'm just trying to breathe and wait to see what happens next.
Don's working late tonight and probably most of the weekend. Tonight I met up with a friend. We sat out on the patio and she had ice cream and I had a glass of wine. I'll keep myself busy this weekend, I suppose, because I don't want to think. I don't like worrying and that's what I do with too much free time. Luckily, I have laundry to do! And bathrooms to clean! And a book or two to read.
That's where I'm headed now. To bed with a book while I wait for my sweetie to come home.
goodnight.
~~~~~~
holy shit. don just called. he'd called a few minutes ago to tell me he was heading home. now, he's on the freeway and just witnessed a spectacular accident. the emergency vehicles aren't even there yet. we got cut off when he apparently started talking to one of the victims.
come to think of it, my day started by nearly getting hit on my way in to work this morning.
what a day!
i just want my hubby home safe now.
So I got up early, took a xanax and went for a ride in the big white claustrophobia machine. It wasn't too bad. Last time I had a Pet scan, a different machine was used and it was far more claustrophobic for a claustrophobe like me. This baby was state of the art. Pet/CT scanner - great diagnostics and pretty darn comfortable.
I just wanted the test to be clear. I'm almost 3 years out and it would be good to know that I really am so-far-so-good. Turns out, my scans were clear.
almost.
It seems they found something. Something in my chest. Something that doesn't belong there. A very thin, very well hidden, 10 cm long piece of metal. I was called this morning at work and told to leave right away to go back for a couple of chest x-rays. They would be waiting for me at the radiology center and then the radiologist would compare the x-rays to the pet scan and discuss his findings with my doctor. I waited all day for the phone to ring...........
It seems this thin wire is in my pulmonary artery.
(!)
The doctors are a little puzzled as to how it could be where it is. I had a port-a-cath put in and taken out during the year of my adventure ('05). Apparently something was left behind upon removal. I'll be having an angiogram this week to better determine its position and condition in my body.
It's pretty certain that I'll have to have it surgically removed. Apparently, it's a delicate surgery. It would take place at a huge hospital far from my familiar surroundings.
(Chrissakes...in my pulmonary artery??)
While I'm relieved that no cancer was found, this isn't small potatoes either. I'm just trying to breathe and wait to see what happens next.
Don's working late tonight and probably most of the weekend. Tonight I met up with a friend. We sat out on the patio and she had ice cream and I had a glass of wine. I'll keep myself busy this weekend, I suppose, because I don't want to think. I don't like worrying and that's what I do with too much free time. Luckily, I have laundry to do! And bathrooms to clean! And a book or two to read.
That's where I'm headed now. To bed with a book while I wait for my sweetie to come home.
goodnight.
~~~~~~
holy shit. don just called. he'd called a few minutes ago to tell me he was heading home. now, he's on the freeway and just witnessed a spectacular accident. the emergency vehicles aren't even there yet. we got cut off when he apparently started talking to one of the victims.
come to think of it, my day started by nearly getting hit on my way in to work this morning.
what a day!
i just want my hubby home safe now.
posted by Anonymous G | 10:08 PM
8 Comments:
Oh my GAWD, girlfriend!
First, I'm glad they found that you're cancer free. ::dances around room::
I've heard that those machines do weird things to metal in your body. The whole idea of that freaks me out.
How the hell do they remove such a thing? And WHO is going to pay for cleaning up someone else's mistake?
Wow- in your pulmonary artery no less?
Good grief, will it EVER end?
(((((((((((((((((G))))))))))))))))
Holy freakin' cow!
I'm doing a happy dance about the actual scan being clear. Soooo good.
But shit! You're right. That ain't no small potatoes. Please keep us updated.
Lots of ((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))
xx
Oh good GRIEF......
I'm beyond glad for 'cancer free'.
But good grief....In the pulmonary artery?
*shaking head*
Sucks to get a clean report card on one and THIS as the 'but by the way......'.
(((((((((((((( G )))))))))))))))))
Hope the hubby arrived safe and sound. I've wandered into more than one accident before the emergency crews arrived-- Hug him real tight, eh?
RG -
The Pet/CT scan machine is safe for the metal in the body thing. MRI is what I need to avoid.
Thanks for the hugs. I always know I can count on your support.
love you, girlfriend.
E -
Holy Freakin' Cow is RIGHT! It's funny, I figured if the scans were clear, I'd be good to go. Instead, there was a catch.
shit.
I'll keep you posted. Thanks for checkin' in.
xo
Mel -
I know you understand the relief of a clean report.
But now my heart? I don't have a heart problem and now I may face heart surgery...
Hubby came home safe and sound. (and shaken and tired) Extra, plentiful hugs were shared.
His love is so good for me, Mel. I know you know....
Oh my great goodness... Lots of stressful stuff going on for you. I'm so glad you've got lovely hubby there to support you and give you hugs when hugs are needed most :) Yikes though about that bit of metal... my mom had one of those ports put in too, I wonder if I should mention this to her so they can be on the lookout during her next scan??
Lots of happy thoughts being sent your way--oh, and could you please send me your mailing address? I'd like to drop something in the mail for you this week, but I forgot to save your info! Thanks :)
Well, my darling, everyone has exclaimed the same things I would be exclaiming if I'd read this earlier! Yippee on cancer free and for FUCK's SAKE, on the little piece of metal. I am right there with RG on who pays for cleaning up someone else's mistake? I just don't understand and hope it is not you. It absolutely sucks that you will have to endure another surgery for this, something that was UNNECESSARY and stupid. Sigh. It's the pits!
((((((((((((((((((G)))))))))))))))))
(((G)))(((G)))(((G)))
And as for the accident, thank the lord that Don wasn't involved. I always think if you're that close to seeing it, you are blessed that you weren't IN it. Thank god he came home to you. I shiver to think of those families lives that are changing due to a bit of stupidity on the roads. I hope everyone survived.
((((((((((((G)))))))))) and ((((((((((((D)))))))))))! Hold on tighter to him from now on! :)
HOLY CRAP! I was just watching this tv show about how surgeons sometimes forget their tools inside of patient's bodies! One woman had a pair of scissors show up on an X-ray. I'm sending all of my internet love!! You're quite the trooper, though, I think you'll be strong as ever.
Soooooooooo......what are they saying?
*waiting patiently*
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