For CLL patients, scans can be about every 6 months to watch for changes in lymph nodes as well as monitor the spleen. Preparing for a scan can be bothersome as well. CT scans require someone to fast from food for 4 hours before the scan and be well hydrated. PET scans require a food fast for 8 hours and limit of caffeine consumption for 2 days prior. These restrictions can be difficult for those who take medications requiring food alongside administration as well as if the scan is later in the day.
I am usually able to read the results on my patient portal even before hearing what my doctor has to say about it. This gives me a comfort by having an idea of what is going on privately before hearing it from someone else.
Because CLL is a blood disease, I get lab work every time I go to a doctor’s appointment or treatment. This can be a little nerving as many times, there is an unknown on what the results will be, especially if there is a certain lab value being watched. For me, it is usually White Blood Cell count and Lymphocytes. If those are out of order, my doctor likes to watch my Hemoglobin (iron levels) and Red Blood cell levels as CLL can cause different anemias.
As I am writing this, I am waiting to get a CT scan. I have fasted and hydrated correctly. Normally, I arrive at the testing center over an hour early to check-in, fill out electronic paperwork, and then drink a bottle of Barium sulfate. I try to drink the “shake” pretty quickly to avoid the metallic taste that I notice if I don’t drink it fast enough. I have posted some pictures of the drink and scanning machine. After drinking the concoction, I have to wait an hour before the procedure begins.
Once the staff is ready for me, I make sure to take off anything involving metal, including jewelry, undergarments that have metal pieces such as bras, and even have had to pull my pants down to knee level if there is any metal at all. One time, I wore scrub pants with a tiny piece of metal where the drawstring is located which counts as metal so has to be out of the way of the scan. Testing centers are good about providing pillows for comfort and blankets to cover-up. Most testing centers are pretty thorough with what is allowed/not allowed.
Once I am laying on the table, I am given an IV of iodine to see even better pictures of my abdominal area. This is relatively painless as needle sticks become normal for oncology patients. The procedure itself lasts about 10 minutes then I am out the door and back to my normal activities of the day.
I am personally thankful for advancements in modern medicine and machines to physically monitor parts of the human body from the inside. Many more advancements still need to be made to have even better imaging and cures for these diseases. Please join me in continuing to believe and pray for an end to all types of leukemia and lymphoma as well as the many other forms of cancer than plague so many people.
“Now to Him who is able to do superabundantly more than all we dare ask or think according to His power that is at work within us.” Ephesian 3:20
Thank you for sharing your difficult journey.