Scans

I've been through 4 rounds of Enhertu, a new immunotherapy drug, targeted for my Her2+ cancer.  It's time for scans to check the progress.  

Got up and out and on the way on time today! (It's kind of a big deal.)

Stopped on the first floor to check in with imaging and sign the consents.....and always having to prove that I am not pregnant, even though an oophorectomy has been in my chart for years!  I mean, I know I'm pretty unique and miraculous, but REALLY?

No delicious vanilla shake today.  Just 2 big glasses of water.  

Went up to the Cancer Clinic to have my port accessed + lab work done.  Asked the nurse if these results would carry through to Tuesday, and I could skip that part of my chemo day.  YES!  That would give me some flex time for my, sure to be, lateness for an early appointment.  

Then, back to imaging and my second downed water.  

Soon, it was back to CT.  I was sad to learn that my pal, Lance, has transferred over to another department.

His old partner, Susie, was in charge now, with her new cohort, whose name I have forgotten.  (Not an uncommon thing for many years, but now I have chemo brain as an excuse!)

  

As I was moving through the machine, holding my head perfectly still, but so needing to sneeze, I tried to stay still and meditate on scans of the past.  I thought back on my middle son and concerns for his growth in utero.  Doctors discovered that I only had only a two-vessel umbilical cord.  This was concerning for possible growth and other defects.  

[Just what a mom of one child, who before that had experienced infertily concerns ranging from several miscarriages (so far along to need a D+C), genetic and fertility testing, and discussing options.  Then, miraculously after 7 long years, we got one to stick around!"]

The second pregnancy came along much easier, but was concerning for the baby's major organ growth and other developments, as usually the umbilical consists of a three-vessel cord.  I underwent many scans and met with prenatal cardiologists and other specialists, and other than being pretty small, we were blessed with a pretty great baby boy#2.  

I thought on that tech from 12 years ago, as well as scans I've had along my cancer journey to see that in just under another decade, the advancement is quite incredible. Better machines, better drugs, more education, and the speed in which all thing can be done is incredible.  Weird thoughts to think when you're under a huge, buzzing machine, I know, but I've been doing this a LONG time, and can see the improvements.  

Last, it was up to the clinic to have my port reaccessed, and on to lunch (introducing Lori to Lupe) and some fun furniture and design ideas with my new client!