I was radioactive for 24 hours

First what’s a PET scan - A procedure in which a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein, and a scanner is used to make detailed, computerized pictures of areas inside the body where the glucose is taken up. Because cancer cells often take up more glucose than normal cells, the pictures can be used to find cancer cells in the body. Also called positron emission tomography scan. (Thank you cancer.org)

Then on with the good news - my PETscan results only showed the cancer in my left boob and armpit. Yahoo!!!

Read on if you want to read about my experience.

To prep for the PET scan I had to fast which meant no food and water after midnight the day before. Also, I couldn’t do any exercise 2 days prior especially one that increases my heart rate. So no spin classes.

I changed into a hospital gown before it all got started. My clothes had metal like zippers and metal bra closures.

The procedure was painless and uneventful compared to my MRI experience. Although it was one of the most relaxing test I’ve had to take.

I get anxious around needles poking me, but I certainly don’t mind it for this kind of test. I had to first get poked on my finger to test my glucose level. So diabetics you’re for sure checked before you’re injected with sugar tracers. My level was normal. I think he said 8. Not sure what the number was compared to; was just happy to hear I had a normal level.

My second poke was for the IV to inject the nuclear sugar tracers.

Then the BEST part, I got to take a nap for 45-60 minutes to let the tracers flow in my body. I was situated in a reclining lounge chair with blankets. No phones or TV. Meditation came to good use and then I dozed off.

When I woke up I was escorted to the room where the machine that’s similar to what is posted Is in. I was positioned in the same manner as the other photo included. So I went in the scanner feet first. The tech, Stephen, got the tray started and off I went in and out of the machine. It was like a luge just without the speed and distance.

He scanned from my head down to my knee. The photo shoot lasted about 15-20 minutes and I was done.

The other AWESOME part about this experience is I had to carry a card around for the next 24 hours in case I go through or am near radiation detectors like the ones at border check points. I was safe around people and personally tried to stay away from anyone pregnant.

I didn’t glow in the dark. Although I did tell Mark I may be Spider-Man for a day. He did get bit by a radioactive spider.