Follow-up CT scan

Today was my follow up CT scan from chest to pelvis. At 7am, an hour and a half prior, I had to drink less than a quart of an oral contrast agent that contains dilute barium. This helps the radiologist identify the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, small and large bowel), detect abnormalities of these organs, and to separate these structures from other structures within the abdomen. The taste wasn't nearly as bad as I expected, it was like a thick, weak vanilla milkshake with just a little chaulkiness to it. It went down pretty easily. I'm glad I thought to put it in the refrigerator the night before.

Off to the hospital by 8am, checked in at admitting, then back to Radiology Waiting. Pete, my technician, came for me before I was even done with the last bit of paperwork. Then back to put in an IV, and then back to the room with the CT scanner.

The CT scanner looks like a large donut with a narrow table in the middle. I didn't even have to change into a hospital gown, just took off my shoes and laid down on my back on the table. I moved through the scanner feet first with arms over my head 3 times, remaining motionless the whole time except for when it instructed me to hold my breath and then breathe again. Then Pete released the iodine into my IV and I instantly felt a warmth in my face and mouth, down my body and into my pelvis. It also gave a slight taste in my mouth, but nothing bad. Then through the machine two more times, holding and releasing my breath when it said so. And that was IT... the entire procedure, including set-up, the scan, and removing the IV, took less than 15 minutes.

Results take a few hours, and they'll be sent over to Dr. Basche. We could call tomorrow for them, but we meet with her in two days on Friday anyway, and she'll go over them with us. I expect nothing but good news. Right?!

P.S. The results of the ulcer biopsy came back, and there was "no evidence of cancer, or abnormalities." Whew!