Last Gamma Scan

Even though I am such a morning person, the last few weeks find me not being willing to get up early. Today, though, I had an 8 am appointment for the final gamma scan. The test is easy enough, but getting there proved to be a real challenge.

I don't know if the tiredness and aching comes from the treatment, from the cancer (better not be - its supposed to be gone!), from the weakness of the immune system, or general overall fatigue. Any way you attribute it, getting out of bed takes gargantuan effort.

It feels like I have weights tied all over my body. I move s-l-o-w-l-y and with great effort. Going up stairs requires multiple stopping to catch my breath. I woke this morning just before Drew's radio alarm went off at 5:45, but I lay still. I listened to make sure Drew was up and out the door on time, then I rolled over on my back, gently lay my arms by my side, and stayed very still waiting for some strength, waiting for the muscle aches to go away.

I watched my digital clock flip away the time. I calculated that I could follow the boys example this morning and roll out of bed into my clothes and out the door if I started at 7:15 and was in the car by 7:30. Sounded like a good plan, but I still ended up being 5 minutes late for my appointment.

I can't even use the parking garage as an excuse because I actually got a spot on the first floor! Imagine that! But no one seemed flustered by my lateness. A sweet lady named Mary came in a few minutes to escort me to the scanning room and tuck me in the machine. One of the other techies came in a pointed a radiation detection gun at me and took several readings.

After some muffled conversation, they asked me if I were still taking my SSKl potassium iodide medicine. I am. I worry that my thyroid is being damaged and ask if everything is OK. Mary says my thyroid does show up on the scan, but that is not necessarily abnormal. The hope is that the medicine prevents the radiation from damaging the thyroid, and best case scenario, you see a dark bolus where the thyroid is. She does not seem worried. She said they ask everyone that question just to make sure they continue their meds.

She helps me off the table and I saunter back to the parking garage. I know I will go directly home and take a nap. At least I racked up 2,000 steps for the pedometer!