mask at ct

[carter]

may i ask why the mask is used during the CT?

i know that it is a restraint during the CK .....  but for the CT?

it is not needed for the MRI

[MaryBKAriz]

I had the mask made for the CK, but they also used it pre CK during the CT. I think for accurate positioning during CK, if I remember correctly. I was on "happy pills" when I had it done.

Mary

[carter]

i was wondering why the mask is needed for the CT, but not the MRI?  just wondering ....

also ---- i was told today that for the ck planning, the only part used from this test is after the contrast is inserted. 

i have been asking as during the CT of last week, the mask was put in place after the iv port was put in.   the mask did not feel right and i told them so.  no one paid any attention.  when they put in the contrast agent, i told the tech again and she got the radiation person to adjust the head rest to keep my head in the right place.  then they left room again and i moved around in the machine.

i too was on valium and did not think to ask then - if this matters.


i did ask as i was in neuro surgeon's office and he asked the CK dr ...i was told taht this was ok.   hey - it is my brain and i was told that there is no margin.

so this am, i called to ask when the ck treatments would start ... any ideas?  said that i am still in planning so just be patient.  planning normally is about a week.  with holidays?

as this was a techie that answered the phone, i asked about the CT scan ---  he said that only what is taken after the contrast is given is used for the planning so i am good to go.


i di dgo on line and looked at the bills to the insurance company to date ----- jeeeze.  it is amazing how much the concerns bill the insurance as compared to what they are paid.  i saw one bill for 8367.54 and they paid 1515.70.  that is one huge gap.  i wonder how much argueing that i will have with the drs and hospitals later???


carter

[sgerrard]

The CT scan is used for locating the position of the tumor with respect to your skull bones. It is more precise for this, since it is a real x-ray image of your head, not reconstructed by a computer from magnetic resonance data. The MRI is used to obtain a better picture of the detailed shape of the tumor itself. The treatment planning software provides for merging the two, to give "the best of all possible images."

I would not trouble yourself over the arrangements made between the hospital and the insurance company regarding billing. If the insurance covers the service, it is no longer a concern for you.

I think the tech who answered the phone had it right - you are good to go. They will let you know when they have gotten the planning done and have an opening in the schedule, so just sit tight - it is almost over now.

Steve