10: Christmas tree?

August 24, 2015/Monday

As soon as I walked into the Cancer Center they ushered into the Breast Center. My MRI that was done on Friday showed a new finding besides the area biopsied and the lymph node. The new finding was directly behind the nipple about 11 cm back, just in front of the chest wall, but not attached to the chest wall. Additional Mammo imaging was done with second look ultrasound. When I asked if I would be having another biopsy the answer was no. It was too far back near the chest wall.

Cynthia the PET/CT Technologist started my I.V. Again I saw some familiar faces, it was nice to see people I worked with. Because of the privacy laws a lot of people had no idea why I was there having these test done. I did not hesitate to share with my CCC family, as I needed all the good vibes and support possible. I got lots of HUGS.

The radiopharmaceutical was injected, I then go lay down on this comfortable recliner chair in a small private room with spa music playing. I cannot use the bathroom, I have to hold still and not move around. I also had to drink to cups of water given to me…..which was challenging. The music was nice until the cd finished, which reminds me I forgot to tell them the music is definitely helpful. After the music stopped all I could think about is that I really needed to use the bathroom! I couldn’t hold off anymore, I called for Cynthia, she was so understanding. I only had a little more time to go, she let me go to the bathroom.

For the scan I was supine (face up), I did not know what to expect. The scan started, all I could think was please don’t let it light up! Being face up it was hard to focus on something. I would close my eyes and try to think of other things other than why I was having this test done. At one point I remember closing my eyes, I remember when I opened my eyes I saw a dream catcher! It made me smile. They had taped a dream catcher on the other side of the tube, so when I came out a little bit I saw it. The little things that make a difference. When the contrast was pushed thru the I.V., I had this warm sensation through out my body. I am so glad that my friend Catherina (tech extraordinaire) told me about this feeling. You feel like you are pissing your pants!!!!………..#igotthis

I was told that we could go to lunch then return for the results, also to get results from the Breast MRI, CD’s and reports for me to take back to Maui. The radiologist, Dr. Pearce took the time to explain the new MRI findings to me, my husband and one of my daughters. Dr. Pearce was very open when discussing my MRI, he printed some key images for me, gave me his opinion (which I truly appreciated). Dr. Pearce used to live on Oahu, he talked to me about doctors on the island. I left the Cancer Center armed with copies of all my scans and the reports. I am so grateful my CCC family!!!