Pet Scan Ouestion

I haven't posted in quite some time... I hope that you remember me. I have a PET scan scheduled for next Tuesday and it involves a dye that mixes sugar with radiation. Has anyone here had one since gastric bypass? I'm wondering if the sugar will make me sick. I'm a breast cancer patient and was sure that I was cured, but a back injury looks suspicious for metastasis. Any info would be so appreciated.
Julia

I am not sure about the sugar here. I would call and ask your doctor. I want to wish you the best of luck on the out come. I hope the cancer has not returned.

It is my understanding that the tracer, which is similar to glucose, is injected into your bloodstream, not swallowed. So hopefully it won't make you sick.
     Best of luck with the scan, and I hope they will find something other than cancer.

Larra

I think Larra is probably right.  If the glucose were oral you would worry about absorption issues but with it in your blood it will be metabolized at a cellular level.  This is how it is used for the PET scan...tumors are 'hungry' and pull in glucose along with the 'marker'.  It is the marker which can be turned into the image. 

For your own peace of mind you may want to confirm this with your doctor. 

Blessings,
Dana (newbie)...I work in medical imaging :)

I would check with the doctor - they should know.  Best luck and I will keep you in my prayers that it is nothing.  GOD bless.

 Hi Julia,

I had a pet scan a few months ago, and although I haven't had gastric bypass, it  was a combo of drinking and injection.  You could ask for different flavors of the drinking stuff and it was more like a thick shake (bariumish really).  It didn't really taste all that sweet.  The PET scan itself is really kind of a cool test.  After you drink the shake  they inject the radioactive dye in and you sit in the dark for about an hour to let everything move around your body.  The actual test is kind of like a CAT scan.  It takes about 1/2 hour and while laying down on a platform, you move through a giant ring about an inch at a time.  Not bad at all.  The only advice I would give is, if your test is like mine, I had to lay on my back with my arms crossed over my chest.  The technician uses some type of strap to help you keep your arms in place.  I didn't know that I was going to have to hold them like that for a half hour and my arms weren't really supported by the strap.  After a few minutes (and it could have been totally mental) my arms felt like they were going to start cramping up on me while I was trying to hold them still.  Just make sure you are comfortable and relaxed.  It really is a piece of cake.

I will keep my fingers and toes crossed that everything comes out great for you.  If you need any more info or support, please let me know.

Pam

Prayers that you get a clear scan!