April 25

Today was a sort of stupid day.

I went to the hospital for more tests today - a bone scan and a CT scan. I went in and they gave me the contrast dye for the bone scan - which you have to wait three hours after they give it to you before they do the scan - then I was supposed to have the CT scan. I have told the entire medical world that I had a horrible allergic reaction to Iodine contrast dye during a CT scan many years ago. The tech at the time told me the reaction was bad enough that I should wear an emergency medical bracelet - which I don't - shame on me. I am yet to have an appointment with anyone that doesn't ask me what I"m allergic to and I always mention this.

So, I got to the CT scan desk and they handed me a bottle of Gatorade looking stuff to drink. I had - with me - papers that mention the allergic reaction thing. Just to be sure, I told the tech that I was allergic to Iodine contrast dye and wanted to make sure the stuff they were giving me was okay for me to take. She made a phone call to someone who told her that I had to drink a different kind of stuff - more like yogurt smoothie-type-stuff that was just gross. I drank all of it - 2 big bottles in 1.5 hours - after which someone comes and tells me that they are sorry, but they can't do the test on me because of my previous allergic reaction and that the newer dyes they use still contain Iodine and they usually pre-treat cases like mine with a steroid to avoid any problems and they are REALLY sorry and I will have to make other plans next week for the test once they can get in contact with my doctor.

This was something I could have been told 1.5 hours earlier - thank you! If I don't have cancer all over my body - I will shortly. I have been loaded with all kinds of chemicals and radioactive material this week.

So, I only had the bone scan - and some additional x-rays they ordered after the bone scan - which is not fun when they make you get more tests based on the test they just did. That has not worked out for me well so far.

Oh well, I guess I will find out next week what the next steps are on the CT scan. My doctor is out of the office today and they won't be able to get a new order from him until early next week. I'm still planning on my first chemo treatment a week from today - but we'll see if that changes based on not being able to have this test today.

I know this is not the biggest deal. It's just a little frustrating when you have so much going on and you're missing so much work already to waste time and energy like I did today. I never in a million years thought I would say this - but I am actually looking forward to starting the chemo part of this and kicking my cancers butt. I want the tests part to be over - at least for now. Remind me that I actually said this in a few weeks. I'm sure I will deny it.

Aside from today's snafu, I am still doing very well. I am healing from the surgery very well. I had a lovely experience with a Patron at the Salt Lake Temple last night doing Initiatory. I am amazed at how many choice moments I keep having since beginning this trial. I have received so many emails, calls, notes, everything. It's still so overwhelming. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.

Thanks again to all of you. I won't quit saying that. All of your prayers and love are keeping me sane - at least my version of sane - hopeful and positive.

Cyn