Being asked to get an abdominal CT and I'm terrified. :(

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  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited January 2021

    Glad your doctor is being proactive! Hoping you get answers soon and that it's all good news.

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  • 2019whatayear
    2019whatayear Member Posts: 767
    edited January 2021

    One plus is since you had bloodwork today and the scan is on the 26th you should be good to go and not need a blood test to make sure your kidney function is OK for the dye

    The BeriCat smoothie drink sucks!

    Plan to do something nice for yourself after the scan is done - that way you can reward yourself for showing up and you have something to look forward to afterward .

    Btw- I get sudden nausea when the dye hits it lasts for about 30 -45 seconds -super fun! I feel like I’m going to throw up and that I peed my pants!

    I wish we could get results right on the spot . Also don’t try to read anything into the techs behavior regarding result

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  • lexie2002
    lexie2002 Member Posts: 147
    edited January 2021

    2019whatayear

    What is the BeriCat smoothie you mentioned for?

    lexie

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  • lexie2002
    lexie2002 Member Posts: 147
    edited January 2021

    Thank you KBeee

    My nerves are shot. My mind keeps going places I don't want it to go

    I'm trying though........

    Hugs

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  • Sabbymama
    Sabbymama Member Posts: 103
    edited January 2021

    I had a head, chest, and abdomen CT scan before my mastectomy and it was a piece of cake. It literally only took about 10 minutes for the whole procedure. I will warn you though that the contrast feels warm and at one point it felt like I urinated on myself! Thank goodness the very kind technician warned me ahead of time that the sensation would happen LOL. It was a quick, painless procedure and it provided a wealth of information. I hope yours goes well and the results are good! You got this ;).

    Cheers!


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  • 2019whatayear
    2019whatayear Member Posts: 767
    edited January 2021

    Lexi 2002 - it's just some gross chalky liquid they may or may not have you drink. When I've had an abdomen CT in the past I had to drink that stuff -blech.

    The tests don't change the results. I hope you get fast results that show nothing remarkable and no areas of concern.

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  • lexie2002
    lexie2002 Member Posts: 147
    edited January 2021

    I posted this response once and it didn't go thru? I'm writing again....

    Shabbymama, I wonder why my doctor says it takes so long? Did your scans turn out ok? Send some prayers my way and I will do the same for you. Thank you so much for your input.

    Hugs

    2019whatayear I was told by my doctor that they send the results pretty quickly to me and her of course. In a way that's a bit scary. She told me it's the law now? Hmmmm I thought when my chest x ray results back in December were on my phone as soon as I got to the car was quick. I just thought my doctor released them to me because they were normal?? I saw a healed 7th rib fracture deformity noted but that's about it. This was my primary doc and she never emailed or called regarding the X-ray.

    Hugs

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  • lexie2002
    lexie2002 Member Posts: 147
    edited January 2021

    Hi everyone,

    I was sent instructions for my CT scans and just read them. I don't quite understand? I know I can call them on the 25th and ask but I was wondering..... It said arrive 30 minutes early which is no problem. They said drink 6 to 8 glasses of water 24 hours ahead. That would mean start drinking water at 4:10 pm the night before! Does that mean I'm not allowed to pee after that or at bedtime or in the morning??

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2021

    Hi Lexie

    They just want you to be well hydrated. Drink a glass of water whenever you go in the kitchen or keep your water bottle filled throughout the day.

    You can pee whenever you need to.

    The 30 mins may be for paperwork or to drink some stuff for abdo scan or just so they can put in your cannula for the iodine later.

    They will do a quick scan and then you might have a little break

    The scan itself is super quick as others have said. You can pee whenever you need, but just drink lots of water.

    Don't worry too much. It will be over before you know it.

    You can do this.

    Astrid

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  • lexie2002
    lexie2002 Member Posts: 147
    edited January 2021

    Oh thanks Astrid,

    There's no way I could hold my pee 24 hours. Whewwwwww! I get up 1 to 2 times a night to go.

    Can I ask if you ever had cause to have a CT? It seems you are doing good. 2002 is a long time. That is so encouraging.

    Hugs, and thank you for responding to me so quickly.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited January 2021

    lexie - I'm pretty sure EVERYONE has had at least one CT. My surgeon insisted on one pre-surgery - both times to pin point where she was going. And the MO wanted them to make sure the cancer was gone.

    If you read closer, you'll see that Astrid had either a recurrence or a new cancer in 2003 and again in 2012. But that's NOT related to CT scans.

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  • lexie2002
    lexie2002 Member Posts: 147
    edited January 2021

    Minus Two

    I wasn't implying it was. I was just asking her a question and thanking her for responding to me.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited January 2021

    sorry lexie. I jumped in too soon.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2021

    Hi Lexie

    Minus 2 is right that it seems to be standard for a CT to be ordered after a cancer diagnosis. It helps your cancer team to map out how best to treat you.

    Yes, I have had quite a few CT scans over the years, and as you can see I am doing well. I had one very recently to check for hip pain and a few other things and so was given an abdo and chest scan. I had forgotten just how fast the actual scan is.

    Don't be frightened when they put a canula in your arm...if you haven't had one. The nurses are very experiened and it usually doesn't hurt. They will talk you through everything you need to do, so just try to relax and trust them to look after you.

    You have lots of support and knowledge here to lean on as well, so you are not alone.

    Do let us know how you go. Thinking of you and sending love

    Astrid.


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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited January 2021

    I am always the oddball! I have never had a CT for anything related to my breast cancer! My health provider does PET scans. Initially, I had scans every 3 months, then we moved to every 6 months and now I have only annual scans. Of course, if I am experiencing pain or symptoms they will order a PET and this has happened a few times. My mo was concerned about excess radiation exposure since I appear to be an outlier in terms of long term survival. Since I'm still doing well after almost 10 years, I have no trouble accepting the infrequency of my scans, though it did make me nervous at first.

    Lexie, unless having a full bladder is important for a test, feel free to pee away

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  • lexie2002
    lexie2002 Member Posts: 147
    edited January 2021

    Astrid,

    Thank You. It's funny but I haven't had any of these tests before so I wasn't AWARE they are common. I've had Mammos, chest X-rays, and bone density tests. So from 2013 until now this is new to me. Thank you so much for sharing your experience, it means a great deal and I am so happy to hear your doing so well. :) I will keep you in my prayers.

    This thing in my arm your talking about, a canula ? Is that an IV. I have Lymphedma in my right arm and I don't draw blood, do BP's or anything in that arm. I hope they can use my good arm.

    Hugs and Prayers

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited January 2021

    lexie,

    No problem on which arm to use. Just tell them that you cannot use your right arm due to lymphedema and they will use your left arm. I have had a few minor surgical procedures over the years and fearing that my “bad” arm might be used while I was under anesthesia, I took a black sharpie and wrote, “No needles or bp in this arm!”, in large letters on my forearm. It works quite well 😂

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2021

    exbrnxgrl,

    Way to go!!

    Many years ago I got a free fluoro pink bracelet that says not to use the arm. I have worn it during hospital stays.

    I am blown away with no progression for you afer the femur met?That is extraordinary! What does your cancer team make of it? Did they ever biopsy that met? Surely you are somewhat of a miracle case?

    PET scans eh? They are very generous, but as you are an unusual case amd stage4, I can see why they would do that.

    💖🙂

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2021

    Hi Lexie!

    As exbrnxgrl wrote, either arm is good. Yeah, like for an IV.

    How are you going with your stress management today? Thanks for your lovely good wishes and prayers. They are greatly appreciated!🙏🕊

    I'm holding you in mine too. And asking that you be covered with peace and calm for your tests.

    Astrid.

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  • lexie2002
    lexie2002 Member Posts: 147
    edited January 2021

    Astrid

    I'm being a bit sedentary today. I know I should keep off my butt but I just want to veg and watch a movie or something. I just keep hoping and praying things are normal. Nerves just won't settle down.

    I wish I could find the rubber bracelets I use to have. I guess writing on my arm will work too, Great Idea.

    Happy Sunday and Healing Hugs!

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited January 2021

    Astrid,

    Yes my single bone met was biopsied and was identical to my breast tumor. The bone met, like my breast tumor, was grade 1 so not aggressive but that in itself is not really an explanation as to why I’ve done so well. None of my doctors, including my mo, have any real explanation as they freely admit that they see cases like mine occasionally but point to any reason why people like me happen. Of course, now that more mo’s are acknowledging that some of us are oligometastatic, perhaps they will explore this sub-group more. I don’t know if I am a miracle as I am acutely aware that my status can change at any time so for now I just say I am an outlier. All the best to you.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2021

    thanks for that exbrnxgrl

    Oligometastatic! What a word eh?

    Oh yes, Understandably the weight of 'any day' things might change is with you. Of course it is! Perhaps using 'miraculous' could be seen as flippant, but for me it is really something special. I feel I am smewhat of a walking miracle having had BC come back a few times, change form and still nothing beyond local. I just appreciate the extra time so much. In framing it that way, it helps me with gratitude I guess and we never know why. For me, living with that unknown and facing my fears around death has also been a gift. I feel like I have moved a long way towards acceptance of whatever may come...and that has been hard won. I wish for you many many years ahead with no further spread.

    Astrid.🙏🌺

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  • annadou
    annadou Member Posts: 221
    edited January 2021

    Lexie

    My sister is called Lexie so you just jumped off the page

    Don’t worry about the CT scan. It’s one of the easiest parts of BC I too have lymphedema and no problem about using the other arm even though my veins are awful. You get the iv line in and drink the liquid stuff and lie down and relax whilst it’s done. You do however have to have your arms above your head so I hope you have a good range of movement in your lymphedema arm

    Easy peasy lemon squeezy as my grandson says

    You can do it!

    Hugs from Greece

    Ann

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  • lexie2002
    lexie2002 Member Posts: 147
    edited January 2021

    Thanks annadou

    I'm pretty sure I can put my arms up but not for long. :( The Ct scans (abdomen, chest and head) are happening tomorrow. Thank you for reaching out. It's funny, the one I'm now most worried about is the head ct. I've mentioned this before. I am trying not to dwell on it but my head and temples are killing me today. I am thankful for women like you reaching out. Hugs and God Bless....

    Lexie

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2021

    sorry your head is hurting so bad Lexie.

    Your arms will be up for only a few minutes.

    Not long to go now.


    🙂🌺



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  • lexie2002
    lexie2002 Member Posts: 147
    edited January 2021

    UPDATE: Well I had my CT's on the 26th. When they took me in the back the girl verified that they would be doing head first and to remove my hair clips. Then she said they would be doing abdomen, chest, and Pelvis? No one mentioned pelvis but I just followed her. They were running late but when I was finally taken into one of the CT scan rooms the tech proceeded to tell me they wouldn't be doing the head. He said a CT scan of the head with contrast was rare? He said he would be sending message to my doctor regarding this and suggested they might be doing an MRI instead.

    I'm sorry it has taken so long to write this as I kept putting off reading all of the report. My husband looked it over. NO CANCER seen. :)

    I have issues with L4 and L5 and also some sort of spine problem. I'm now wondering if the Arimidex caused this or is it just aging etc.

    She noted diverticulosis too. In my last two colonoscopies I had back in 2017 and I think 2012 they noted diverticulitis. I have them 5 years apart because of polyps being found. Diverticulosis and diverticulitis I guess are different. I will look it up.

    I just now emailed my doctor a few questions so I will see what she says. One specific thing I asked her in my email is if the right waist level ache/mild pain could be having to do with my colon?

    You all have been so wonderful helping me realize I had to do this. I know I would have done it eventually but sooner is better then later.

    Love, Hugs, and Huge Thanks,

    Stay safe

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  • annadou
    annadou Member Posts: 221
    edited January 2021

    Well done Lexie!

    Keep well!

    Hugs Anna

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  • 2019whatayear
    2019whatayear Member Posts: 767
    edited January 2021

    Yippeee! Wonderful news Lexie!!! What a relief for you! I think they usually throw the pelvis in there since they are doing the abdomen anyway so you get your moneys worth so to speak.

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  • KMom57
    KMom57 Member Posts: 252
    edited January 2021

    Great news! Happy for you!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2021

    wonserful news Lexie.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Astrid.


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