I got an unexpected call today from the BC Cancer Agency in Vancouver. Apparently my oncologist sent a requisition for a PET Scan, which they only do in Vancouver. He did not mention this to me during our consultation, so I was not aware I would need to go to Vancouver OR that there would be further scans prior to the surgery.
Unfortunately, the PET Scan appointment isn't until Friday, April 13th (Ugh...Friday the 13th??). That means the surgery won't happen for quite some time yet. I really wanted all of this to be over soon, but apparently our healthcare system is slow moving. I suppose I should take advantage of the trip to Vancouver and stay the weekend ... maybe visit a few friends. At least I have places to stay!
I should note that they asked me a list of questions on the phone, and one of them asked if I planned to go to the airport or across the border after the scan. I laughed. It's because you're a little radioactive after the PET scan, so can set the alarms off. In my head, I thought about how many times that must've happened for them to mention it on the phone. I can't imagine how traumatic that would be for the person who is accused of bringing radioactive material into an airport!
Anyway, there isn't much else to relate at this stage. I'm just waiting to get the call for the surgery date so I can start planning. On a positive note, maybe I'll have my bathroom renovation finished by the time I have the surgery and I'm at home recovering.
All in all I'm still in really good spirits and feeling pretty positive about what's to come. If all goes as I hope it will, this will all be over before summer. Maybe I should book a nice vacation somewhere!
I love where I live:
Unfortunately, the PET Scan appointment isn't until Friday, April 13th (Ugh...Friday the 13th??). That means the surgery won't happen for quite some time yet. I really wanted all of this to be over soon, but apparently our healthcare system is slow moving. I suppose I should take advantage of the trip to Vancouver and stay the weekend ... maybe visit a few friends. At least I have places to stay!
I should note that they asked me a list of questions on the phone, and one of them asked if I planned to go to the airport or across the border after the scan. I laughed. It's because you're a little radioactive after the PET scan, so can set the alarms off. In my head, I thought about how many times that must've happened for them to mention it on the phone. I can't imagine how traumatic that would be for the person who is accused of bringing radioactive material into an airport!
Anyway, there isn't much else to relate at this stage. I'm just waiting to get the call for the surgery date so I can start planning. On a positive note, maybe I'll have my bathroom renovation finished by the time I have the surgery and I'm at home recovering.
All in all I'm still in really good spirits and feeling pretty positive about what's to come. If all goes as I hope it will, this will all be over before summer. Maybe I should book a nice vacation somewhere!
I love where I live:
Good post! Maybe the PET scan is to help decide what they will take out, rather than waiting until they are in there.....lots of 'hurry up and wait'. There are people who get asked to share their patient experience in different training seminars, and I think yours would be a good one. I know you are documenting this so it gets to the right place. There is never enough visualization about what goes on 'inbetween'. I vote for a completed bathroom!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cynthia! I think that the 'in between' is where some of the focus on the patient experience needs to happen for sure. I will do my best to capture everything in a relatively condensed timeline of sorts so I can share it with the 'powers that be'. I already have a couple of potential avenues that could get some traction. As for the bathroom, I think the tile setter is coming this weekend, which will be a huge step towards completion! I can't wait.
DeleteWow! So much of this sounds so familiar. The last couple of years test after test and no results, and then re-tests. Finally after surgery they figured it out. Hang in there, Melissa. Nothing but positive thoughts and love sending your way.
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