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 …