Yesterday I had my 1 year PET/CT scan. I already know that the radiologist did not see any signs of lymphoma lurking in my guts and bones. I basically punched cancer right in the head really hard.
This test is the one that makes me a menace to pregnant women and children because I am radioactive after they inject the radioactive glucose in my veins. The funny part about that is that I had tryouts for my high school team immediately after and I had to define my nuclear fallout zone of 20 feet while I coached the whole morning session. They told me that the reason for this is that kids' cells are dividing quicker than adults and that they are more vulnerable to the effects of radiation. It made for some awkward group talks from a distance. It was ok, they kind of smelled anyway.
The technician had me put on one of those gowns with the full slit down the back. Previously they had me wear the one with three arm holes that, though it was complicated to figure out, covered my body way more effectively. This one gave me a breeze. I was holding it shut to spare the onlookers. One of the other technicians saw me come out of the bathroom after changing and said, "nice style." To which I responded, "thanks, you should see the backside." He said, "no thanks," and I went into the room with the big donut machines and they scanned me for like 45 minutes. I had an itch on my chin this time and I couldn't move and I wanted to poke my eyes out, but I couldn't do that either; you cannot move at all for the whole time. I have gotten better and better at it.
Next up is some more blood draws, a visit to a gastroenterologist, and potentially an endoscopy because I wake up every morning and feel like throwing up. An endoscopy is where they put a tube down your throat and look in your stomach. I think my stomach is a little messed up from the treatment. This morning I threw up for a little bit, but that was not entirely my stomach's fault; when I was brushing my teeth I went to scrub the tongue and I went a little deep.
My energy is way up though, and I feel the best I have in a long time - even with the slight constant nausea. I still can't run, but I coached 40 hours of private volleyball lessons last week, plus worked out 4 of the days, and I maintained energy throughout. The fatigue is fading fast and I feel great!
