Yet another scan

I wasn't sure when I went to have my recent CT scan last Friday whether I would also need to have a PET scan (the second paragraph of this post explains what a PET scan is). I thought this would only be necessary if there was bad news, but having seen Professor Tattersal (my oncologist) on Tuesday, I found that he was planing a PET scan in any case. So I've just arranged to have it first thing Monday morning. I presume I will continue to have both scans every few months for the next couple of years.

Speaking of Professor Tattersal, I've really appreciated my times with him. He is always understated, has a sharp wit and a strong desire to make it into the Guiness Book of Records. He is also very geneous with his time and has made himself very easy to contact when needed.

At my Tuesday appointment, I asked how to minimise the chances of a relapse and he made three suggestions: (a) don't lose lots of weight, (b) exercise well (Jessica and I started a new exercise program a couple of weeks ago and are - amazingly - being quite consistent with it. We're starting slowly since I've lost a lot of stamina and strength) and (c) think positively.

As I was leaving, he also asked me to have a blood test "because you're here". It was disconcerting to go back into the chemo suite, even for a few minutes. There is so much pain and anxiety in that space. Even just sitting in a chair, I began to feel a little queasy in memory of past experiences. The nurses are very caring and competent, though the one taking my blood had trouble finding a vein (which didn't help my queasiness). Unfortunately, yesterday I received a call to ask me to come back in, since my blood had been misplaced. I'm just heading off there now. Another day, another needle.