PET update

Hi, quick update tonight about Kimberly’s PET/CT scan:

We want to celebrate as many mini (and major) victories as possible during this whole journey. I chalk today up as a victory.

There are two imaging facilities that Kimberly’s oncologist likes to use for PET/CT scans… One in Newport Beach, and the other in Irvine.  Traditionally, I’d guess that the Newport Beach one would have better equipment with more modern technology, but we were pleasantly surprised otherwise today.

The technician at the Irvine location today where we went told us that they have brand new scanning equipment which is way better than what they have in Newport Beach.  The tube was much smaller (in a good way), quieter, and faster than the alternative.  It turns out that this quick camera could do the entire body scan in 15 minutes (as opposed to the 1 hour+ that we had heard prior).  I was also able to be in the imaging room with her which was an added bonus.

The appointment got off to a rocky start when they gave Kim the IV before the scan to pump her full of the radioactive stuff that sticks to the cancer cells they can see with the camera.  Usually she does fine with IVs, but I don’t know if it was the lack of food, or whatever, but she temporarily lost sight and hearing, and got real dizzy.  Turns out it was a vasovagal response and she was good several minutes later.  After that, she had to sit in a quiet dark room for an hour to let the radioactive stuff flow through her body before doing the scan. 

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and I consider today a victory!  Now, we wait for the results which we will get at the oncology appointment on Tuesday.

Thanks,

Kenny