CT Scan, PET scan echo cardiogram

These are just some of the words you will learn if you follow along with this blog. None of these words mattered much to me BC (before cancer). Now I want to know the difference between a CT Scan and a PET scan. The same machine was used for both scans. The CT scan had me going into the machine feet first: 

 The PET scan had me going in head first: Note that my arms are strapped to my sides. My job is simple: DONT MOVE. For 20 minutes each scan. 

Time to Google:
PET and CT scans both involve the use of high-tech imaging equipment to examine the body's internal structures. However, a PET scan can reveal changes on a cellular level, while the CT scan reveals changes in the overall structure of organs or tissue. A PET scan can detect diseases at an earlier stage than a regular CT scan.

PET Scans

• PET stands for "positron emission tomography." This scan uses a small amount of radioactive material that is injected into a vein, inhaled or swallowed. The PET scan reveals where the radioactive material accumulates and can detect problems with blood flow, oxygen use and metabolism. In my case they are looking for more active cells that would indicate cancer cells.

CT Scans

• CT, short for "computerized tomography" (sometimes called a CAT scan), combines a series of X-ray views and provides cross-sectional images. These images can be viewed individually, likes slices of bread, or combined to produce a three-dimensional view.

Being a cancer patient takes a lot of patience. There is a lot of waiting involved. When I went in for the PT/CT scan (both were done) I was taken to a room with a reclining chair. An IV was started and I was injected with radioactive glucose. The technician brought it in in a thick metal container. The syringe was incased in another thick metal case about 2 inches in diameter. The actual injection was an anticlimax. I didn't feel a thing. For someone with cancer I sure am being injected with a lot of toxic stuff. Then I was told to drink a pitcher of water with contrast dye in it. It tasted like water. Then came the hard part. I had to sit in the chair quietly for 45 minutes. I wasn't allowed to do anything, including iPhone iPad etc. It isn't very often that one is completely unplugged from civilization. I decided to use the time to meditate. Im really not very good at meditating. I looked at my watch every 5 minutes. I was also COLD. The room was just cold. They gave me warm blankets. But I was still cold. It seems the machines like cold. sheeesh
I was also hungry. I had to fast for 6 hours prior to the procedure.
Finally the tech came to get me and we did the two scans. I asked him to take pictures of me for the blog. So, yes, that's me.

As for the new family up north, not a word from them. They must be in full baby mode.
Chemo tomorrow.. one thing at a time....Hopefully we will get some results from my tests today. I see the doc before the chemo.