Tag Archives: breastcancer

6: Breast MRI

Walking into the Cancer Center for my appointment, they did not waste anytime. I was immediately taken to one of the patient rooms were nurse Debbie placed the IV needle in my arm for the contrast access. Dr. Lee spoke to me, she managed to get the authorization needed for the PET/CT. My PET/CT was scheduled for Monday. My daughter Monique said that everything was happening #kardashstyle ! She was impressed how efficient this Cancer Center worked. It pays to have an amazing team on your side.

I’m glad I reached out to my supervisor at MDI on Maui. Without hesitation she was okay with me extending my stay on the mainland for the PET/CT.

The Breast MRI was intense. You are laying face down with both breast thru this opening. Your face is on one of those face things like when you get a massage. But this was far from a massage! Your arms are up above your head, kind of like in a flying superman position. Patricia, the MRI technologist was super helpful in getting in the right position, making sure I was comfortable. The exam started, the noise sequences were loud. I had earplugs in my ears but it was still loud. There was different variations of scans, it’s dark, loud, I kept telling myself “I can do this”! The noises went on forever, and I thought this isn’t so bad it should be almost over! And the contrast wasn’t so bad either! Then, Patricia’s voice came on over the speaker, she said she was done with the first half, next half would be with the contrast! Oh my, I was only half way done! I got thru it, the MRI was done!

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5: Telling family

On our way to Perris I received a phone call from Dr. Lee, they got the authorization for the Breast MRI, I will have that done tomorrow. She told me, due to the contrast used for the exams that the Breast MRI and PET/CT could not be done on the same day. Asked if I would extend my stay allowing for that exam to be done on Monday pending authorization.

Driving to the city of Perris where my mother and family lives was nauseating. I was by mere coincidence that my eldest brother had flown in on this day to visit our sister. My other sister lives behind my mother, my brother Oscar waiting in her patio, I believe he thought our mom was napping. He knew of my positive results…..we hugged.

While all of this was going on with me, my sister had made the decision not to have treatment. Again, I had not been involved as I was dealing with my own issues.

I believe my mother was wondering why we were all there. To this day my mom did not know that I was in California. She was shocked to see us all walk in,  my mother and sister were sitting at the table. I did not waste time, my mom was a little upset that I had been in Cali, and that I have not been calling her on a regularly. I explained why I came to Cali, I told them I had been diagnosed with  Stage III Breast Cancer. My sister with Stage IV, cried…….I did not cry. I asked my sister to fight this with me, I brought her one of the brochures that was given to me……she said no.

My kids came prepared with food to BBQ. My other sister came home from work, before I know it other nieces and nephews are showing up. I was an unplanned little family gathering.

My sister who also has BRCA has had chronic pain all her life, she is tired of living in pain. She told me that she just wants to fall asleep and not wake up. I have to respect her wishes but deep down I wish she would fight this with me!

I am choosing to fight this full force! Cancer messed with the wrong person!!!!

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