Friday 27th January 2012 PET Scan

The plan for today was a visit to the Guildford Diagnostic Centre for a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan and preparation for a trip to the US for a combination of business and holiday. The objective of the PET scan was to get an accurate picture of any residual lymphoma after the completion of the programme of chemotherapy. PET scans involve use of radioactive solution, which in turn requires access to a local cyclotron because of the short half-life of the radioactive isotopes involved. There is no such facility close enough to Basingstoke, which is why I had to to Guildford. The PET scan was probably the most unpleasant procedure I had through the treatment of my lymphoma. I started hungry, because I couldn't eat for at least 6 hours and had to make sure that my blood sugar was at an acceptable level without the use of insulin. Before the scan, I had to lie as still as possible in the dark for an hour. So, I got a hint of sensory deprivation. The scan itself involved lying on my back with hands above my head for about 40 minutes. That was very uncomfortable and for the last 15 minutes, I was suffering from intermittent cramp in my shoulders and when the scan was finished I was very stiff. After the scan, I was mildly radioactive, so had to keep out of the public toilets at the hospital and I was not allowed to sit down in the waiting room. For the rest of the day, both Sue and I spent a lot of time tidying up loose ends and preparing to travel long haul for the first time in 6 months. I used to be good at this, but it took me quite a long time to find things that I needed and which I had stored in "safe places". (e.g. Passport, electrical adaptors).