Yesterday I had a PET body scan (Positron  emission tomography) . The scan searched for metastasis of my melanoma. I was brought to a small room. Told to sit. The technician started an IV. She  left it untethered. Told me not to move. And left the room. She returned with a metal syringe that contained a radioactive substance called a tracer. The tracer collects in areas of the body that have higher levels of metabolic  or biochemical activity as do cancer cells. She injected the substance, withdrew the IV needle and gathered up the contaminated equipment. Another technician came in the room to take it away.

I was told I would stay on the reclining chair for an hour while the radiated tracer is absorbed by my body. She brought me a warm blanket to keep me  comfortable. When the time was up, I was told to empty my bladder, take off my glasses, bra  and shoes.

When you are being treated for cancer, being a plodder is helpful. Suspend the analytical mind. Just do as you are told. Keep going.

The machine looks like a big donut where a narrow bed slides in and out of the donut hole. This machine was not loud and was open so wasn’t scary. With a pillow under my knees, a warm blanket and a wrap to hold my arms in, the process took about fifteen minutes.

Now is time to wait and wonder what will be next. Will Dr. French call and say, “Good news!” or will he call and discuss the need to do another biopsy? I’ve been through this before.

It is not easy. If it is more cancer, I will do what has to be done. But I will be scared. Metastatic melanoma is not a good thing to have.

I am expecting the good news scenario. There is nothing unusual going on in my body. I will maintain my optimistic attitude.