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Posted 6/25/2007 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
I am having a CAT scan to be sure that prostate cancer is localized and not spread.

I have to have two Barium cocktail drinks (no olives or tiny umbrella included) prior to the test.

My question: I have a 7 hour road trip after the test. How quick does this Barium drink exit the body? wondering how stops I should be prepared for.

Thanks

Posted 6/26/2007 4:22 PM (GMT 0)
New Journey,

Barium is a kink of dye that allows the CAT to
"highlight" area being scanned. You don't have to schedule any return stops. It quickly
comes out in the urine. You may be peeing red or blue for a few times...no big deal.

Do you mean Bone Scan? I was wondering,because of low PSA and moderate
Gleason score. Probably your doctors are extra cautious which is good.

Keep your sense of humor always. I liked the
"umbrella" remark.


All Good Thoughts,
Vet
Posted 6/28/2007 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
Day after CT scan...

Results came back as "normal", which I take to mean as cancer is localized and not spread. Follow up discussion with doctor in future.

Prior to test, as mentioned, two 450ml barium drinks. First drink not all that bad. The second a little slower. Leaves an odd taste in mouth. But certainly nothing one will be gagging on. Or if from youth, in my case, that one night drinking kool-aid mixed with Barcadi's 151, these barium drinks are just fine.

The test. I was surprised when an IV had to be inserted. Iodine IV. Tech said I may get a very warm feeling. This never happened. Test took about 10 mins. During each scan you hold your breath for about 10 seconds.

The barium drinks to seem to cause some constipation. Laxative to address. The tech mentioned, with more elderly, the opposite may be true if the person is not all that hydrated.
Posted 6/28/2007 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
You were very fortunate with the Iv dye.... they gave it to me a few years ago for a test.... asked me if I was allergic to seafood of any kind.... I said no. I enjoy seafood and shellfish..... this was 10 a.m. in the morning. I got that warm feeling also.... had no trouble with the test until 12 o'clock midnight.... started to break out in gigantic hives covering my body could not get my breath had to be rushed to the emergency... in the hospital for two days.... almost died... suffered two more months at home taking all kinds of steroids..... I warn all the doctors now, if you ever inject me with this iv dye I will sue you for sure.
However happy to hear you had some good news

Richard
Posted 6/28/2007 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
By the way -- -- tiny umbrella ?.... this went over my head...lol
Posted 6/30/2007 11:13 PM (GMT 0)
     Hi ~ New Journey Three stepping-stones are now behind you…. Biopsy, Diagnosis, & CAT scan… and now to move on to the next one.    Good News with the CAT results……   I’ve just pieced together your travels for the past 3 ½ weeks reading over your reply postings… on other threads….   Isn’t it amazing how the history of prostate cancer was in your family and now at 52 without even knowing the history was there ~ you are here with us.   We are so thankful you’ve joined us.   How was the 7 hour road trip after the test?     Your answer to this question will help others down the road when they read this thread titled CAT Scan     Keeping you close as you continue to move forward on this path.   Thanks for letting us walk with you.    In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy            I’ve been waiting for you to start a thread!!!!! I will delete the following at a later date since it does not pertain to CAT Scan ~ topic   Dear New Journey,   This is the perfect time ~ Please consider starting a Personal Thread sharing “Your Journey” with all of us and newbies to come.   Your name jumped out at me on several reply postings to other members.   I’ve been waiting for you to start a new thread…I’ve just picked up on your CAT thread and the information is very valuable.     After doing a little research you don’t have a personal journey page ~ YET     and with you just starting out on this path the information you have provided (in reply postings)…is very valuable and should also be shared in “1” location because it is one of many stepping-stones that create this path….   Your detailed travels will be a gift to others and in return… our gift to you is being here for you!!!   Thank you for reaching out to all of us!!!    All threads are important when you have specific questions  ~ but having a journal showing which stepping-stone you are on at the present moment ~   helps you and us… to travel together….   I hope you will consider this!!!     Plus ~ we've never had a chance to do a formal "Welcome to You"!!!!!  I sure hope this doesn't change your mind  chirp~chirp~chirping     In Friendship ~ Lee & Buddy
Posted 7/3/2007 7:45 PM (GMT 0)
The road trip after the CAT scan was no problem. Veteran1 made this comment, "You may be peeing red or blue for a few times...no big deal.", which I experienced also. Thanks for the heads-up on that detail.

Now to decide between Proton Therapy and robotic surgery. Still reading pro's and con's of the two. Still leaning towards Proton Therapy. Jacksonville, FL. would be the more convenient site. Anyone here have experiences there?

In the mean time I am back in the gym, changing diet a bit, and upping food supplements (vitamins). I have worked off about 12lbs in the last two months. Not that my diet has never really been bad, just need to be more disciplined. More salad (spinach leaves), less/no dairy products), and watch sugar intake. Increased food supplements to include vitamins D and E.
Posted 7/3/2007 8:16 PM (GMT 0)

NewJourney:

My experience with proton was at Loma Linda, but the gentleman who was in charge of support there is now at Jacksonville.

His name is Gerry Troy, Admin. of Patient Services - can get all the phone #s at www.floridaproton.org.  I think he might be able to link you with some men who have undergone treatment at Jacksonville.

Hope this helps and good luck on your search for the treatment right for YOU!

Dutch 

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