PEM scan

because of various ongoing breast health issues, I had a PEM (positronic electro magnetic) scan today- why ? because it is more sensitive than a mammogram for catching breast cancer and since my partial masectomy, the doctor has decided to scan me twice a year. Once a year with a traditional mammogram and once a year with the PEM.

probably the easiest part of the whole thing was the going without food and water for 12 hours and a fasting blood sugar finger prick.

The scan procedure consisted of them injecting radioactive sugar, throwing a blanket over me, turning off the light, telling me" not to move, rest, try to sleep and we'll be back in an hour.We can't stay in the room because you're radioactive."

An hour spent twiddling my thumbs, doing math in my head, designing a couple of band effects for a weaving, counting the seconds and minutes and dozing, later, they came back and took me into the next room for the scan- Thank goodness for padded chairs because I spent the next hour sitting with one side or the other in a mammogram squeeze only not quite so tight after being told "don't move, we'll be back in ten minutes.

They took two views of each side, and one of the injection site (I have no idea why) each view took 10 minutes of sitting immobile with my breast in a mammogram staring at a blank wall.

This is the first PEM scan I have had, and now that I know what is involved I have the following thoughts:
1) bring an ipod for the hour of darkeness- if I listen to a book on tape I won't be tempted to move by tapping my feet.

2)on a score of discomfort, it's slightly less painful than a regular mammogram but about as agravatng in terms of stiff muscles and pain as the immobilization that you go through when they do a needle biopsy ,or place those little metal clips in your breast, but instead of one 15-20 minute immobilization you get 4 or 5 10 minutes of immobilization.

3. Since all of my previous mammograms and medical records are on line in the hospital systems centralized computer, why did I have to drive 40 miles to pick up physical copies of same and hand deliver them this morning when I showed up for the appointment.

4. Was anyone beside me confused because they kept declaring I was on chemotherapy because I take tamoxifen. Who knew? One of them cunningly quoted the old Monsanto Chemicals motto " better living through chemical" and everyone but me laughed?

ah well... its over, I get the fret for two weeks until I get results and then we will move on one way or another from there. At least when I go back in a year, I will know what to expect and will have a nice long book on tape on tap. But if anyone else has one coming up, remember to take an ipod.

Ugh. That sounds like all sorts of fun. (NOT)

I didn't know such things existed. Here's hoping my doc doesn't decide that I need a PEM scan.

Good thinking on taking an audible book. I'll remember that if it ever happens to me. Just be sure it's something you actually want to listen to. Imagine spending all that time with a book you hate. :eek:

Keeping you in my thoughts - hope the results come back quickly and favorably.

(... you're lucky your biopsy only took 15-20 minutes! Who knew everyone didn't have to be contorted for two hours.)

thanks for telling us your story. I cannot imagine what the purpose is of having you sit in the dark after they inject you with the radioactive sugar!!
Some of the best medical schools put their students in the patient's beds to teach them what it's like sounds like this could be useful where you are too.

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Originally Posted by Biciclista

I cannot imagine what the purpose is of having you sit in the dark after they inject you with the radioactive sugar!!

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I've only heard of that when they are imaging the brain, since the sugar's role is to highlight very active areas and the brain is very active to begin with and would be more so with 'stimulation' such as being able to read and look around and such. I don't think they do this with my sister when she gets her PET scans (to monitor her lung cancer). I'm wondering if this staff just does that procedure for anyone getting 18-FDG rather than just the brain imaging patients? That's all I can think of. Would be curious to hear what the reason is if not that.

Either way - Glad you are doing well marni and sorry for all the surveillance you have to go through. My sister has become such a champ at lying there having scans. I can only imagine how frustrating it must be though.

[QUOTE=Possegal;558922]I've only heard of that when they are imaging the brain, since the sugar's role is to highlight very active areas and the brain is very active to begin with and would be more so with 'stimulation' such as being able to read and look around and such.

since the cancer cells absorb the sugar and are highlighted, I would bet the reasoning is the same- they don't want the little suckers moving around too fast. As far as I know, all they do is the breast scans but your theory about them not being able to change the routine according the the scan is probably accurate. As for taking a book I hate- I can zone out on any spoken material even if I love the book.

Thanks for your good wishes.

Really interesting. Sure doesn't sound like fun. I'm glad you reported on what it was like. Thanks!

results of PEM scan came back inconclusive so I still have to have another mammogram a week from Wednesday. Ironic sice the PEM was designed to show up things the mammo doesn't so since stuff showed up I still have to have a mammo. The breast doctor seems to be pretty convinced that the irregularities are due to scar tissue from the previous partial masectomy, but they have to be sure so I will have the mammo, consult with the radiologist, and see the surgeon/oncologist all on the same day. Fortunately the other breast is still pristine so if I have to have another surgery, this time the whole thing will go. In the meantime I continue to enjoy the mood swings, hot flashes, depression and weepiness that chemically induced estrogen withdrawal (another name for menopause) thanks to tamoxifen.

If I do get rid of the whole shebang, I might be able to get off the tamoxifen, which might be a good thing.

anyway, please do what ever good ju ju bikers do for the upcoming mammo on the 23 of march.

Marni. Sending big hugs,good thoughts and lots of good juju your way

(((marni)))) ugh. That really sucks. I hope it's just scar tissue, and the mammo goes by fast and painlessly.

Sending good vibes your way!

((((marni)))))

That really sucks:( Sending positive vibes your way.

(((((marni))))) Keeping you in my thoughts.

I was thinking about you today, marni. How did it go?

redrhodie thank you for thinking about me and asking. The mammogram turned into an aggravating four hour ordeal because there was a big traffic blockage and they were running way behind. In other words, a waste of a beautiful riding day, which was particularly aggravating.

The first mammogram was unclear so I had to have a second mammogram. When that came back equally unclear they decided to do an ultrasound. Which turned into two ultrasounds since the radiologist was not happy or satisfied with the first one done by her assistant. and did a second one herself. All results are inconclusive and they can't tell if it is new calcifications or scar tissue.

The end result is that I am scheduled for a stereotactic needle biopsy next Wednesday. I have had one of these before- it is a pain in the neck literally since you spend a long time lying on your stomach with your breast dangling down through a hole and your head turned to the other side, while they numb you all over with novocaine while tugging and pulling and then squeezing you in between two plates while they insert a needle and suck out a sample. It is not a pleasant sensation, especially the sucking part but the worst part is the three days of stiff shoulder and neck which follows.

Then they send you home with an ice pack in your bra and tell you not to exercise or lift anything for 72 hours.

Every one of these procedures seems to be taking a three to five day whack out of my training which makes it really hard to stay focused and motivated.

I have reached the conclusion that if the cancer is back I will have a masectomy and content myself with going through life half masted rather than continue to live with the uncertainty and let them keep on hacking hunks out of me. At least the other breast is totally clear, so far and hopefully will continue to be.

On another list I belong to for weavers, handspinners and weavers, we often request that knitting needles be waved and wheels spun for good luck, strength and fortitude. I guess what I am asking here is that people do whatever they feel like doing for good luck and mental calmness and strength for me next week.

thank you

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Originally Posted by marni

On another list I belong to for weavers, handspinners and weavers, we often request that knitting needles be waved and wheels spun for good luck, strength and fortitude. I guess what I am asking here is that people do whatever they feel like doing for good luck and mental calmness and strength for me next week.

thank you

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I do believe there can be some wheel spinning of a different sort from this group. :) Best of luck to you marni, we will be thinking of you.

(((((((marni)))))))

Spinning my wheels for you.

I wish you had gotten clear result. This must really suck. I think your plan sounds brave and smart.

I'll spin my wheels, too.

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Originally Posted by marni

redrhodie thank you for thinking about me and asking.

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Redrhodie is good like that.

Marni, I will spin and wave anything I can get my hands on for you. Continue to stay strong and undiscouraged.

Marni, I'm sorry about your breast cancer and that your tests are painful, inconvenient, and mentally taxing. :( :( I will keep you close in thought and prayer in the coming days.

Marni,

My thoughts are with you too. I have had that needle biopsy and it is uncomfortable. From my experience, the uncertainty and waiting for results is the most difficult part of all this.

Spinning my wheels,

Andie

I'll be spinning for you tomorrow...

Spinning away here too as one who has also had to wait for the results of a needle biopsy.

You're probably a pro at this by now, but I'll just throw this out there, that when I had mine, it was a huge help that I'd loaded a playlist of meditation music onto my iPod, which they let me bring in. Drowning out the voices talking about the piece of meat (me) lying on their butcher's table made it much better for me.

oakleaf, Actually I have an i pod full of books on tape and music which is pretty much my constant companion in medical offices and you are absolutely right, it does drown out the voices talking about the piece of meat.

Thank you one and all for your kind comments and wheel spinning- having some longdistance friends and support alway helps and yes it is waiting passively and worrying that make it the worst. I am much more of a deal with it and move on sort of person.

It helps tremendously that you let me blather on. thanks again.