After receiving the initial news I had a mass in my anal canal , the waiting for a more in depth diagnosis seemed to take forever. In reality, it was only a week and a half before the plethora of appointments started. I needed to have an MRI, CT scan, and last but certainly not least, a PET scan. All of these different types of imaging, help determine the final diagnosis and staging of the tumor.
The MRI was first, then the next day, the CT scan and PET scan. Both of these scans require contrast. After I changed into my hospital gown , I waited in our little room, with my husband Nick. The nurse came in and explained what was going to happen and then put in my IV. The CT scan was first.
Tech- “Hello Jennifer! How are you today? My name is Michelle and I am going to be giving you your contrast in your IV today. Have you had a CT scan before?”
Me- ” No, I haven’t “
Tech- “Ok, well, I need to let you know that shortly after the injection, you will experience a sensation of urinating yourself. You will not actually be going, it will just feel that way.”
Me- ” Oh, ok.”
Tech- ” Also, did they explain I was going to have to inject some gel like contrast into the area that we are going to image today?”
Me- ” Uhhh…. NO!!!! They did not !!!! I’m sorry, you have to put what where?! And WHAT WAS YOUR NAME AGAIN?!?!
Now , mind you , I have literally been in the room with this young lady for no more than 5 minutes!!! Can you imagine?! Not only my discomfort, but hers? This situation could have gone one of two ways. In that brief moment of total uneasiness I chose to embrace the humor and just get er’ done!!!!! The experience took all of 3 minutes and the scan was started. As I was in the scanner I couldn’t help think about what had just happened. How many other professions in the world does one meet a person , and then 3 minutes later are up close and personal with one of the most intimate and private areas on the human body?!?!
The PET scan was next and required radioactive sugar contrast. The reasoning behind this is because cancer cells love sugar. Once the contrast is injected, it runs through the body and the PET scan can see anywhere in the body that has cancer. The technician said the cancer cells “light up the screen and dance.” After a long and taxing day, the scans were done and we went home. The waiting was in play again , it would take 2-3 days for the imaging to be read by the Radiologist…..