Advancements in PET/CT technology: Read Henry's story

In 2016, Henry Bittmann found a bump on his right leg that he thought was a pimple. 

“And then I got out of the shower one day, and it was bleeding,” says Bittmann, now 74. “That’s when all this started.”

He’s talking about his decade-long journey with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare and aggressive skin cancer. Following surgery and radiation, the retired facilities engineer began an immunotherapy regimen that’s helped to control his cancer. He has regular PET/CT scans to monitor his disease and how well his treatments are working. The experience of getting those scans has improved for Bittmann and other people with cancer—thanks to new imaging technology. 

Permanent PET/CT unit is a first 

Riverside Healthcare has expanded imaging technology at the Bourbonnais Campus by installing three brand-new medical imaging units within a newly constructed 5,000-square-foot imaging suite: a new CT scanner, a new MRI unit and a new PET/CT scanner, all of which offer patients quicker results with shorter wait times. 

The new PET/CT is the region’s first and only permanent unit. Prior to that, patients had their scans in a mobile unit that visited the area weekly or monthly. Having an in house PET/CT unit offers easier and more timely scheduling options when patients need a scan right away—for example, when doctors need to know whether a cancer has spread so they can determine the most effective treatments. 

“It was time to optimize our patient experience and deliver in-house PET/CT services,” says Garrard Hendrix, Riverside Medical Center’s Nuclear Medicine Supervisor. “Now, we’ve always provided fixed MRI and CT solutions at our Bourbonnais clinic. However, it’s Riverside’s principal intent to provide our patients with the most cutting-edge technology as the premier healthcare provider in this county, as well as in surrounding communities.” 

A better experience 

Last April, Bittmann had his first scan on the new PET/CT unit. 

“This time, it seemed like it was very fast,” he says. “There’s less time that you’re lying in the machine. It’s a lot more efficient.” 

A quicker scan helped make the experience more comfortable for Bittmann, who also has a bad back that makes it hard for him to lie still for long periods. He also praised the high-quality images his doctors were able to obtain. 

“I think it was a good investment for Riverside, because it’s close to home,” Bittmann says. “I only need to go a couple of miles from my house, instead of having to go all the way up to Chicago and deal with all that traffic up there.” 

The addition of permanent PET/CT technology at Bourbonnais means that patients who need a scan, including those newly diagnosed with cancer, won’t have to wait for a mobile unit to arrive. 

“It’s good for the community to have that piece of equipment here locally,” Bittmann says.

How PET/CT works 

A PET/CT scan is a nuclear imaging technique that combines a PET (positron emission tomography) scan with a CT (computed tomography) scan. Patients receive a small amount of an injected radioactive substance. The substance can be similar to glucose (sugar), which tumors absorb at a high rate. Because of the way cancer cells use glucose, they “light up” on a PET scan. 

PET/CT scans have a variety of uses. They can help doctors find cancer, determine if cancer has spread and monitor the effectiveness of treatments, for instance. Scans can also be used to help manage other conditions, like heart and brain disorders.

Need an appointment?

Imaging services are available with a doctor’s order. New patients can call Radiology Services at (815) 935-7525. Existing Riverside patients can either call us or schedule a future or same-day appointment online through myRiverside MyChart.