I was administered my first dose of Pluvicto on August 30. On September 15, I drove back from a trip to Thunder Bay, ON, Canada into Minnesota. At the Pigeon River border crossing, I was flagged due to tripping the radiation detector while I was in the car!
After being asked what I did and bought in Canada, the customs officer asked me if I've had recent medical treatment. When I said yes, she told me that I tripped the radiation detector, and asked for documentation.
Thankfully, I had my card from the U of MN radiation therapy office, documenting what I had, when, and whom to call if there was a question.
I was instructed to drive to the impound lot and wait for further instructions. After a few minutes another customs officer came out with a scintillator. He didn't approach the car, but asked me to step out and move away from the car. After wanding the car, he then walked towards me stopping about 10' away while reading his meter.
He then told me to return to the car and wait. After about 40 minutes he returned with my passport and treatment card and told me that I was free to go.
Pigeon River is a remote border crossing, so after about an hour, when I got cell service, I called the radiation therapy office. The radiation protection officer at the U of MN told me that he hadn't received a call from customs. So what they did for 40 minutes was a mystery.
The important lesson for Pluvicto users is that you will trip radiation detectors! My card says that may occur up to 42 days after treatment! Therefore, ensure you have some sort of documentation as well as an information phone number if there are questions.
