The lung doctor has my CT scan results on the screen. He points out how the solid mass fills the entire cavity of the mediastinal area. He also thinks now that the mass is not growing out of the lung, but out of the lymph node. "Maybe Hodgkin's" he mumbles. He points out the part that is pushing out from my chest, which is barely visible on the CT Scan. All I can think of is, "that's just the tip of the iceberg". A very big iceberg.
For the first time, I am realizing the gravity of the situation. It could be cancer, and the tumor will have to be shrunk via chemo. But even if it's not cancer -- even if it's a cyst or a benign tumor, I'd have to have major surgery to get rid of it.
The doctor wants me to get a biopsy. If I can't come back today, then he can schedule one for Monday. I decide that it's best to get the biopsy done as soon as possible and arrange to come back at noon.
Showing posts with label CT scan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CT scan. Show all posts
Friday, March 20, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
CT Scan
I wasn't allowed to eat the morning of the CT scan, though I could have a cup of coffee. In the waiting room, I ran into another expat friend (not the same one I met at my doctor's) and we chatted for a bit. She had an ankle problem not too long ago, so I figured she was there to get that checked. Again I didn't explain why I was there.
I always thought that the CT Scan involved lying on a bed and being rolled into a chamber that completely enclosed your entire body. Maybe I was confusing CT scan with MRI. Anyway, instead, when I lay down, they injected me with something (in my right arm, since I already used my left arm for blood tests the previous day) and told me that I might feel a warming sensation soon around my head and chest area. Then they made me put my arms above my head and told me not to move a muscle. I was not rolled into a chamber. Instead, a narrow plastic-looking apparatus was rolled over me. It seemed that the scan would only be of my chest area, above the swelling.
It was more uncomfortable than I expected. I almost thought about crying out, because it felt like all of my blood from my head down to my toes was replaced with very warm water. Was that normal? But before I could say anything, the radiologist was back with a cheery "Finished!".
I put my warm clothes back on and went to the office.
I always thought that the CT Scan involved lying on a bed and being rolled into a chamber that completely enclosed your entire body. Maybe I was confusing CT scan with MRI. Anyway, instead, when I lay down, they injected me with something (in my right arm, since I already used my left arm for blood tests the previous day) and told me that I might feel a warming sensation soon around my head and chest area. Then they made me put my arms above my head and told me not to move a muscle. I was not rolled into a chamber. Instead, a narrow plastic-looking apparatus was rolled over me. It seemed that the scan would only be of my chest area, above the swelling.
It was more uncomfortable than I expected. I almost thought about crying out, because it felt like all of my blood from my head down to my toes was replaced with very warm water. Was that normal? But before I could say anything, the radiologist was back with a cheery "Finished!".
I put my warm clothes back on and went to the office.
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