PET scan

Yesterday we went to Denver, for Doug's PET scan and a bone marrow biopsy. We had to wait several times on road construction, and Denver traffic was busy as usual. To get to PSL med center where the Colorado Blood Cancer Institute is, we have to drive into downtown Denver. Not fun for us small town people.

Doug had his PET scan - that takes over two hours. First they put in an IV line, inject the radio isotope, then a waiting period for it to travel around the body. Then they do a CT scan. Then on the same table they do a PET scan which takes at least 45 minutes in itself. Doug was having a whole body scan which takes longer; all his bones will be checked out to see if there are any new lesions.
We knew he would need the radio isotope, but no one said anything about drinking barium! He was supposed to have the bone marrow biopsy after the PET scan. Both exams called for him to be NPO. (Nothing by mouth; the Latin words are 'nil per os').

The coordinator was unaware the PET scan would require barium when she scheduled it. No one ever told us about the barium ahead of time. Drinking the barium (and washing it down with water) interfered with the six hour NPO period, so the bone marrow biopsy could not be done that day. They could have done it without sedation but Doug said "NO THANKS!" The first one he ever had was  done with  no sedation and it was very very painful. They usually have to do several bone punctures since his pelvic bones are mushy in places.

We got it rescheduled for the coming Monday, so at least they squeezed him in without a long delay. For that we are thankful. Unfortunately we have to drive into Denver again. Doug won't be allowed to drive home. God will send his angels to keep me awake and alert on the road home.