"Not Bright-Eyed and Bushy-tailed"

I got up early this morning but not bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

I arrived at American Radiology in Timonium about 7:20 a.m. and they promptly began at 7:30. The technician took me back into my own tiny, private getaway, a room equipped with a comfortable recliner, and a little table and lamp and another chair for a guest. There was a television in the corner and remote control close at hand as well as a heater beside me that was set to go off at regular intervals to keep me warm. Of course there was the standard colorful, doctor's office print on the wall to finish off the lovely decor. Really though, it was quite comfy.

The technician handed me my Berry, Berry smoothie (believe me it's not a smoothie - can't fool me), contrasting drink so I could get started sucking that down while she inserted an I.V. in my arm to inject the goobly gop (I think this is the medical term but I'm not sure I spelled it correctly - ha, ha!) into my vein to prepare me for the PET Scan later. As she began to step out, she dimmed the lights and said she'd return in about an hour.

For that hour as the radioactive material is traveling throughout your body, you can't get up and need to be relatively still. So, I propped my feet up, turned on my new iPod, generously donated by my brother and pal, Steve. Thanks Steve, it's great and what a lifesaver! I found myself going away in the spirit as I listened to some of my favorite worship music. That part was actually a very relaxing and peaceful time. I was almost sorry when the technician came back in disturbing my quiet time.

Then they had me get up, drink some more of the smoothie concoction and set me up on the ole scanning machine. They really make you pretty comfortable, with a nice foam wedge under your knees and cover you up warmly with a blanket and you're off for the 21 minute ride as they slowly snap shots head to calf. The worst part of it was having my hands way over my head which only got a bit uncomfortable the last 10 minutes.

Once that was complete they ushered me into the CT scanning room and shot me up with some more radioactive material. This I could feel. It wasn't bad though. It just gives you a very warm feeling throughout your body and it sort of makes you feel like, as they put it, "You're peeing your pants", but you're not, thankfully. The CT was only about five minutes and then I was on my way.

My breast surgeon should have these test results as well as tomorrow's MRI in hand by Friday afternoon. So, lift your glasses of Berry, Berry and have a toast with me and (seriously), pray to our heavenly Father above that this cancer has no traveling feet...now or ever!

I have to say, I've now been to three different American Radilogy locations around town in the past couple of weeks and have found everyone to be wonderful. They've always been kind, attentive and efficient. This has meant a lot to me for, "I've always depended upon the kindness of strangers." 

First one who can tell me what movie that line comes from wins a prize. Not really, but guess anyway. Don't forget to put the southern twang to it when you say the line...very important!