response 140 of 480:

Oct 21 02:12 UTC 2003

Today after Jim made the fifth trip to Murray's for a belt for the car, we
got me to the hospital as instructed an hour before the 5:30 CT scan
appointment.  They asked Jim if he was pregnant and I told them I was the
patient and I filled out a form assuring them I had no allergy to the iodine
contrast solution, and was not taking certain drugs, and had no heart or
kidney problems.  Some people have reactions to the contrast solution (barium
citrate smoothie - a very cold white liquid that comes in 16 oz bottles which
they tried to make me drink two of, and I managed 24 oz.  The second bottle
was at least not refrigerated.  I was shivering for an hour after the first.)
Or to the stuff they inject during the procedure through an IV.  The IV went
unusually badly but the technician asked if it was okay not to redo it (and
start all over, forget it) due to its hurting and blood all over the place
and I said yes, let's just get it over with.  I only needed it in for 20
minutes while they moved me in and out of a hole in the machine and had me
hold my breath.  They took photos (?) before and after the iodine solution,
which stings going in and makes you feel warmish.  All I had to do besides
ignore the pain was keep both arms lifted over my head.

Jim says he saw Scott while biking to Murray's.
The CT scan is based on a small dose of radiation so it is done through the
radiology department.  They will read it tonight and get results to my doctor
in 2 or 3 days.  

Afterwards we visited our doctor friend who brought me to the hospital in
August to share pawpaws and pickled peppers, and he also checked me out and
says I still have fluid on the lungs but he can't find any enlarged lymph
nodes or tumors.  I hope the CT scan agrees.  There are lymph nodes at all
four intersections of limbs and torso, and under the ears.  

We then took me to the public library while Jim picked up a few things from
my apartment, and celebrated at Dinersty.  My arm finally stopped hurting.
I make sure to wear old shirts when being jabbed.