Between Knowing And Not Knowing

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

On Saturday John had bone scan at Florida Hospital Altamonte Springs. He left at a quarter to nine but came back soon while I was doing laundry. They gave him the shot and told him he could go home and come back at 12:15. We went back together this time.
        I love the new lobby of this hospital. It is not exactly new, about four years now? The new building was not even under construction when I stayed at the hospital in 2005 for my pneumonia. At that time, I could look out from my window only to the barren and barbajuric parking lot and traffic on 436. The new lobby looks like a fancy hotel, with 2-story windows all around, comfortable chairs, and a automatic piano playing soft music. I sat by the window facing the lovely inner courtyard with trees, flower beds, fountain and a reflective pool.
        But it is not a hotel. No cocktails served by the piano. People walked about in a big hush, their faces frozen- except the workers of the hospital. People in blue and green scrubs, pushing patients in wheelchairs or carts with whatever equipments. They were young and healthy and lively and ready to show it.
       John came out in about 30 minutes. From his descriptions, this scan seemed to be the same as the PET done in May.
        We received the report on Monday:  increased activity in the bone; it could be a deep-rooted dental issue or severe damage from previous radiation to cancer. 
        We got the X-ray and report from Dr. M (dentist) from May 18 of last year. Will they offer any help in "reading" the scan results? I sure don't know. 
        We will meet with Dr. R (nephrologist) tomorrow, and Dr. M (surgical oncologist at MD Anderson) on Friday. Will they know? Will any of us ever know?