Last Friday I went in for a bone scan and chest x-ray. Any time you tell your oncologist you have pain, she will send you for a test. Usually these tests produce no further need for treatment or other tests. For the past few months I’ve been having pain is in my right rib. When I turn a certain way or breathe too deeply it stabs me in the side. And my chest hurts – the skin is still very sensitive to touch. Radiation can affect your ribs, so my radiation oncologist sent me in to check it out.
The technician showed me some hot spots on the bone scan, and asked me if I knew what they could be. Really? I’m not a radiologist, so I haven’t a clue. But I thought it would be fun to play his game. “Hmmm,” I said as I tapped my lips and looked at the black and white picture, pretending to know what I saw. “I’m not sure. Maybe it’s an old injury. Or it could be arthritis. The pain is on the right side. Are you sure that’s the left side?”
You can learn a lot about yourself when you get a whole body bone scan. Probably more than you ever wanted to know. This is my second one. The first one was done almost two years ago when I was being staged for my breast cancer. They wanted to rule out metastasis to the bones at that point, and thankfully they did. I don’t remember much from that scan – I just wanted to hear the cancer had not gone to my bones.
Anyway, I digressed. Back to Friday. He showed me where my hips and other joints are showing possible signs of arthritis (no wonder I’m having trouble walking), and he explained why they do the pelvis first, because the dye filters into the bladder pretty quickly. He showed me where my bladder was filling up during the procedure. And he pointed out my kidneys. He noticed a spot on the left shoulder, curiously. We conjectured, but really would not know until the report came back.
Today I got a phone call from the nurse. I like Shelly. She is bubbly and very positive. Apparently there are some spots showing up on the bone scan in the T1 and T2 areas of the Thoracic spine. I really don’t know if this is what we saw or not. These were the only areas of potential concern. She said it looks like degenerative discs, but with a history of breast cancer they want to be sure there isn’t something else going on. They know something is there, now they need to know what is there. They had a cancellation at St. Luke’s so she took it, and it worked into my schedule as well. So, I am scheduled for an hour-long MRI on Thursday afternoon (Oct. 30). Looks like I’ll get an afternoon nap!
If that isn’t enough, today I am prepping for my very first colonoscopy which is happening tomorrow morning. That means I’m on a liquid diet, and a little bit cranky from lack of protein. Tim is teasing me with an invitation to go to Outback Steakhouse. I think he’s getting me back for a practical joke I played on him yesterday. Humor is good for the soul, and I love him for making me laugh. Steak sure does sound good right now!
I am not worried about what they will find in the MRI, although I will be glad to get through the test and move on. I am once again relying on Scriptures to provide peace and comfort in the midst of ambiguity. I have been reading small sections of the book of Mark for the past few weeks now, delving into the life of Christ. I’m up to chapter 7. The truth is, Jesus healed all the folks who touched Him (Mark 6:56). And He healed people from afar (Mark 7:30). He is a miracle worker, but sometimes we forget the loaves when we are in the midst of a storm (Mark 6:52).
Even if you feel the Lord is far away, He hears your prayers. If the person for whom you are praying is in another state or country, He hears and can heal their need. He is not hindered by distance.
Prayers for these upcoming procedures are appreciated.
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À la prochaine (Until next time) …