What Do I Do Now? - 15

15
WHAT THE C?!? /// CHAPTER 10
» Bone Scans
Bone scans can show abnormalities long before they
show up in X-Rays, which is why the doctor may order
one. The radioactive fluid is given through an IV and is
absorbed by your bones as it travels through your body.
You have to drink a lot of water or juice right after the
fluid is injected to clear your body of radioactive material
not absorbed by your bones.
The bone scan may take about an hour and again, you
have to lie very still while the camera moves back and
forth. You might be asked to change positions several
times to get different images. Because no X-Rays are
emitted, you can have someone stay in the treatment
room with you.
The radioactive material or tracer concentrates in areas
where there is a lot of activity, like normal growing bone
or in bone tumors or bone infections. These areas will
show up as " hot spots " on the scan.
» X-Rays
X-Rays are a type of high-energy radiation used to take
photographs of the body and identify anything that is out
of place in relation to the bones and other structures.
» Echocardiogram or Echo
An echo can help your doctor diagnose heart conditions.
An echo uses sound waves to produce images of your
heart. This common test allows your doctor to see your
heart beating and pumping blood.
» Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Your heart generates electrical impulses causing it to
beat or contract. The electrocardiogram (ECG) records
these rhythms and electrical impulses through through
wires attached to stickers that are placed on your chest
and limbs. The test takes only 5-10 minutes and it's
completely painless (yay!). It is usually done right in your
hospital room or treatment room.
If you are taking certain chemotherapy drugs called
anthracyclines, you will probably have an ECG prior to
treatment and then again, periodically throughout your
treatment. Because anthracyclines can cause damage
to your heart muscle, your doctor will closely monitor
your heart's function and adjust your treatment plan if
necessary.
" Keep the people closest
to you in the loop.
Loved ones cannot help
you if they don't know
what's going on. "
» Audiogram
This test evaluates your hearing. Some chemo drugs,
such as cisplatin, can affect your hearing so you will
need to have your hearing monitored. A baseline test (to
see what your hearing is like normally) will be done prior
to starting the drug and then periodically throughout your
treatment. If you notice any change in your hearing, be
sure to tell your medical team.
» Pulmonary Function Test
A pulmonary function test measures how well your lungs
work - specifically how much air they can hold and how
effectively they function. It also looks at the forcefulness
of your breathing. You may have a pulmonary function
test because some chemotherapy drugs affect lung
functioning.
» Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
These measure your liver function, which needs to
be good to process medications. If too high, your
chemotherapy may need to be held or reduced.
» Chemistries or Electrolytes
These measure electrolytes like potassium, sodium,
calcium, etc. These are regulated by your kidney as well
as other processes. If they get too high or low it can
impact essential functions (including your heart). You
may be prescribed replacements if low.
» Tumor Markers
Some tumors are abnormal growths of cells that make
proteins, which can be measured in the blood. If these
are elevated, it is one way to measure the activity of the
cancer. Examples are bHcg, AFP and LDH in germ cell
tumors.
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What Do I Do Now?

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