MRI ah no problem. I am not cloister phobic, anxious or bothered by loud noise. I've done this before for other issues. OK we're here my portion payment made all ready to go.
I have to lay on my stomach for approximately 1 hour and do not move at all if the machine is making noise. And if we have to stop this test at all we cannot repeat for 48 hours because of the IV contrast. OK got this.
All along trying to be the happy and cooperative patient I am thinking boy I hope I don't get any muscle cramps in my shoulders, back or legs that I often get. How will I lay still?
IV started, ear plugs in, lay down on my tummy, face down in the cradle (wait, this not a massage table) get everything all adjusted and in the best comfortable position possible. Rolling back into machine here we go.
As I lay there I began to pray: Jesus if you can carry your cross for the time you did with the open wounds on your body and sweat pouring into your wounds then I can lay here for just 1 hour and not move. Please lay your comforting hands on my body from my head to my toes. Take away any twinge of a muscle cramp that I may begin to feel. I can do all this through Christ who strengthens me. I continued to recite this prayer the entire time and my Lord carried me peacefully and comfortably (ok, still not a massage table!) and the hour had passed before I knew it.
All dressed and here we go back to Dr. Carter's office.
Good news! There is only one nodule. At this point he began to explain my options of lumpectomy or mastectomy along with the additional need treatment of radiation and chemo with lumpectomy and chemo with mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. Wow, really? I was actually facing this decision. I am just like everyone else who thinks you know what you would do if you were in another persons situation. We'll let me just tell you this is where easier said than done resonates and rings true. I am now in the decision chair. Of course nothing has to be decided immediately..... Really! We are talking cancer here!
At present I am a candidate for lumpectomy which I have scheduled for Wednesday, September 10, 2014. That will be followed by 5 days of radiation 2 times per day. Then chemo consult and therapy later. With lumpectomy there is a 30% lifetime reoccurrence rate along with mammograms every 6 months. All of this could change on Monday when final pathology is received to show staging and cell type. Depending on that result mastectomy may be the best option. So much to consider.......
My Lord will guide me through and provide the wisdom I need.
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