The combination of endocrinology drugs that Iâm on - tamoxifen and Zoladex at the moment, swapping to exestemene (sp?) in 6-7 weeks, means that Iâm being pushed into an early menopause, with consequent risks of Osteoporosis. Today, therefore, I had a baseline scan on my bone strength. Iâve been told these are typically every 2 years now…
The first appointment was slap bang in the middle of a big meeting at work that I couldnât rearrange, so when I rang up Weds, was not expecting it this morning. I have counselling at 11am though, so letâs get this out the way! As soon as I was told it wasnât a cannula (twice theyâve failed to manage this!) I relaxed!
Made it in time, despite making sure that I was packed for Greenbelt later today - and did my ‘Selfie a dayâ
Itâs #waitingroomfeet again for bone scan @christiecharity - then counselling - then #GB18 #cancerlife #madeitoutofbed
Found department 63 (up a lift), and found reception. She asked if Iâd filled in the (long) questionnaire - I said I hadnât received it (realised after that it had come with the first appointment letter, but there was no reminder on the new time!) - so filled that in!
Shortly after, called in, weighed (donât know, donât want to know), height (163cm) - and how tall was I at age 25 - erm - same?! We then went to the DEXA scan room - more questions/checks - then realised that I usually wear leggings but trousers with a zip - so another lovely bum-exposing hospital gown! Was thinking bra not underwired so left that on - but of course it has clasps - but they seems to work around that.
I was in/on the machine for about 20 mins maximum - feet wedged around a block to scan the hips, then feet up on a (massive) soft block for spinal scan. Just pretended I was still snoozing whilst the machine moved around - sounding like a big photocopier. Then we were done, and I was able to come and get a bacon buttie from the Christie cafe whilst I wait for counselling (and the fire alarm testing was a joy).
DEXA scan done. Tip - donât wear trousers with a zip, and bras have metal in the clasps …otherwise feels bit like sitting in a big photocopier! #cancerlife
This was written on the phone, and edited to add images afterwards.
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