Health Update
A few weeks ago I had a CT scan.
“A CT scan shows detailed pictures of the organs and tissues inside your body.”
Last Friday I had a PET scan.
“A PET scan can find abnormal activity and it can be more sensitive than other imaging tests.”
The PET scan “is a functional imaging technique that uses radioactive substances known as radiotracers to visualize and measure changes in metabolic processes, and in other physiological activities including blood flow, regional chemical composition, and absorption.”
Radioactive? Yikes!
The CT scan revealed several worrisome issues:
- Blood clots to the lungs.
- A nodule in my lung. Could be cancer.
- Heart issues.
- Something off about my colon. Could be cancer.
Yikes!
Thus, the PET scan was scheduled to supply more information. Today, I was read the results.
- Yes, blood clots to the lungs. So, no new news.
- The nodule in my lung. NOT cancer. “Don’t worry about it.”
- The heart issues. “Don’t worry about it.”
- Yes, something off about my colon. NOT likely cancer though. And, if it is, it is VERY early. “You likely just have an inflammation. We will do another PET scan in a month. In the meantime, don’t worry about it.”
I asked the doctor: “So, in short, I can get in my car with a sense of calm rather than freaking out?”
He laughed. “Yes, I authorize your feeling calm. This is all good news, although you will likely be on blood thinner the rest of your life, which is no big deal.”
Later I relayed all this to a friend, Lesley. She said: “You really do seem hugely better than you did last month. Now, you have a twinkle back in your eyes.”
I replied: “That’s probably leftover radioactivity.”
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Laughter, friendship and a purpose in life are of the utmost importance for health of body, mind and soul. You have friends and a big place in their affections. You will certainly be in my prayers. If I could hug you, I would. Tightly. So, sending heartfelt hugs, prayers and affection your way. Auf Ihre Gesundheit!
This is a beautiful sentiment.
Thank you for sharing these wise words about laughter, friendship, and a purpose in life.
They will be helpful to many.
Ross has created a wonderful community.
Very glad to read these news Ross!! Radio active twinkle and all 🙂
Take care Ross! Get better soon! Sending hugs anda love
Yay! Such good news!
Stay well, calm and happy dearest Ross.
Big hug!
I’m glad you’re feeling better. Do you glow under ultraviolet light now?
I do! And so do my black light posters!
So glad to hear results are favorable. Enjoy your new found freedom.
So glad things are going well. You may want a colonoscopy.
Thanks for the update!
While I feel terrible that Ross is under the weather, I can’t help but giggle thinking about how he would describe a colonoscopy.
I can sympathize with the worries of testing. So glad of the results. We need you! The house needs you! Hugs
I love you and glad to hear nothing too serious!!!! We’re just getting old….keep on trucking.
Dear Ross. We are all so greatly relieved to hear this news and so grateful that we can continue to enjoy your Squeee moments.
Glad to hear you are OK.
I’m so happy for you Ross! That has to make you feel so much better. Not having as much stress will surely help your body to heal. On a completely different track, if you get a moment while you’re trying to take it a bit easier, check out the Victorian home in Anna, Illinois on Realtor.com. It has an under the stairs nook that is almost a twin to yours. With much affection, Marilyn.
So happy for you Ross, that all sounds like resoundingly good news. Please practice as much self-care as you need, and I’m hoping the best for you continuing forward.
W00t!! *\o/**\o/**\o/**\o/**\o/**\o/**\o/*
(cheerleader emoticans 😀 )
Hey there Ross! Months long follower, first time commenting – had to share this: I have really been enjoying watching the Cross House being brought back to life through your eyes, style, humor, hard work, and wonderful friends (Hi Kenny!) and while reading this post, your PET scan results specifically, I cheered…Yesss!! …. Yesss!! …. Yesss!!! to which my husband replied: what are you looking at? Showed him the site and gushed about the Cross House. Earlier today, I received a text from him about how much he enjoys this page too! We live in an area where way too many beautiful Victorians are turned to boxes, so it’s always refreshing and appreciated to see revival and restoration. Plus, we enjoy your humor and great stories! So glad to hear the good news! Take care, we’re rooting for you from California 🙂 🙂
So happy to hear good news. Love this.
Yes, you’re fine when you can crack jokes about it.
I’ve been on thyroid meds since college. Not as bad as blood thinners but it could always be worse.
I’m actually in quite serious condition due to the many blood clots. This is a potentially lethal situation, as the many doctors keep reminding me (I believe them).
A deep concern is that the cause of the clots has not yet been discovered. This has the doctors worried.
The good news this week is that…or so it appears so far…I don’t have any other serious issues. Whew!
I didn’t realize that the CT scan had revealed other worrisome possibilities. But it must be a huge relief to have the PET scan show that you can cross those off.
So, the theory is that the blood clots moved from your legs up to your lungs? I hope that the medication will shrink/dissolve those. It’s encouraging to hear that your friends can see an improvement – I guess there is some benefit to the “radioactive twinkle”! 🙂
Also, all I can think of is this – thank god you reached the age where you can get proper medical treatment.
Dear Ross; so glad for your
good news, conditional though it is. Your house will sustain you. Take good care. SusanM.
Ross, here’s a glass to you. SusanM.
Ross, so glad you can cross all of the mentioned maladies off your list, except for the blood clots in your lungs. You don’t need to worry about anymore issues. Hoping and praying things improve for you, and rest when you feel like you have to. Hugs