Forget it! I'm not sugar coating it!Yes, the procedure went OK this morning, I'm still here. (0.0005% of people who take the imaging enhancing dye can experience stroke or death)
But the day was not really all that wonderful. I got lost and confused finding C1 at the Civic Hospital (never been there before)... silly me knew I had to go to the first floor... my way of thinking, first floor is the ground floor. After wandering around trying to find my way for too long I ask for directions. "Oh", the lady says, "you need to take the elevator to the 1st floor this is main" Duhhhhhhh
The oral dye came in two large glasses 32oz and tasted yucky.
Then I had an IV put in for the injected dye. I have never had a CT scan before and I was nervous. I had a little anxiety moment when the dye was infused... it is a super hot flash and feels like you are peeing your pants. Nice eh?
Then when I finally had the IV removed and was heading out... I noticed my sleeve was really wet. I pulled up the sleeve to see that the site of the IV was bleeding like crazy. (my blood count bottoms out about now post-chemo, poor clotting) I returned to the department with my arm out stretched dripping blood along the hallway. I must have looked like something from the movie "The Zombies".
I now have a headache. Apparently 8% of patients report some symptoms for a couple days. Headache and rash are the most common. I am also very fatigued.
So there you have it, no sugar coating.
I am tired of procedures, tired of being poked, tired of not looking like I feel good, tired of not keeping the house as clean as I want it, tired of cancer.
Wish I could have taken you this morning Dodi as we are very familiar with the Civic! Poor dear, what a horrible experience. Hope you recover quickly from this and regain your positive attitude. Remember we are here for you when Norm will not be and anything you need any time of day or night, we're just a call away - except on the weekend, when I hope Jenny can look after things!
ReplyDeleteChin up, and remember we all love you!
I love you mom.
ReplyDeleteDodi-
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear what happened. Due to chemo-brain of myself, I forgot to mention the part about the contrast dye. For me, they only had me drink 8oz. as they said the larger amounts were for diagnostics, not set-up (for CTs to diagnose problems, not for SIM set-ups). And, I had previously had a problem with the IV dye, so they skipped it on me.
For me, I am just hoping that they will get a good enough of a CT image so they can avoid my intestines and bladder when they zap my pelvis.
For you, with all the dye, you should have a great image and a great result during radiation.
Again, sorry that I made it seem easy. My imaging center and radiation doctor are in a small suburban town, and both are an easy in and out.
Hope tomorrow with the doctor goes much better.
Jane
Hugs, to the most amazing woman and mother I know.
ReplyDeleteHi Dodi,
ReplyDeleteI had a CT scan before starting my radiotherapy and I also had a similar reaction to you...a little scary when they first inject the dye and then like a super hot flash!! Another step in the journey my friend.....
Jackie