I had a follow up appointment with one of the oncology registrars following last week’s hospital stay. At the time of the appointment, I was still struggling with my bowels somewhat, and still completing my course of oral antibiotics. It was decided I should have another week of recovery before trying Paclitaxel again. In the meantime a CT scan was requested, to try to understand what is going on with my intestines and bowels, specifically looking for diverticulitis or anything else that might have driven the acute pain and infection.
I was invited to have the scan this evening. The CT scanner is in a large mobile unit situated round the back of the hospital. As I parked, I realised I was just underneath the room I had occupied last week, with the scanner tucked round the side where I hadn’t been able to see it. First of all I went into a side cabin to be fitted with a cannula and wait my turn (there was no-one with the training to access my port). Then I went into the main unit where I had to remove my necklace and any clothing including metal but could otherwise remain dressed. You lie on a fairly comfortable bed and are taken feet first into something that looks like a giant white donut whilst you hold your hands up above your head. It’s not particularly claustrophobic as you are not entirely enclosed. The machine ran through one complete cycle asking me to hold my breath on a couple of occasions. Then they put contrast dye into the cannula. I had been warned this might make me feel momentarily warm and also have the sensation as if I had wet myself. The wetting myself sensation happened but not the warmth. Then the CT scanner repeated the same cycle as before. The whole process took less than 10 minutes. Then it was back to the other room to have the cannula removed.
I am hoping this will give some answers to help decide whether it’s safe to have more Paclitaxel. The oncologist wasn’t at all certain the results would be back before next Wednesday, so I will probably be leaping into the dark anyway. I wasn’t very encouraged to be told the only thing I could do differently was call up sooner if I get acute pain again. I have asked them to see if they can reduce the antisickness meds to try to reduce the constipation. I was also advised that if it happens again, we might have reached the risk exceeds rewards point with Paclitaxel.
I am actually feeling much better now so will try to enjoy my few days of respite from chemo.
