OK All,
A quick update, pre-assessment and MRI over.
Pre-assessment was standing on a set up scales, a bit lighter than expected but worry does have that impact. Swab up my nose and either side of a sensitive area in my pants for MRSA, height check (so they can calculate the amount of wood....joking), I had actually got shorter, not sure that is normal at 54.
Blood pressure and heart rate, all went went, so got a tick in the box, left the hospital feeling like I just passed a 'O' level with an A, I think it was relief that something had gone right for once in the last few weeks.
16/10 - MRI, now I had personally been dreading this one, mainly as part of the CT scan I had some stuff injected into me to make me light up, and had a upset stomach for two days, and I hate needles, a fear I am going to have to overcome, so it them three times to find a vein that worked, my hand.
Anyway, rocked up to the hospital, face mask on, remembered my pants this time so felt prepared and re-checked I had no metal present, watch already removed. I could put stuff, like phone and belt in a locker once i was there.
I was taken into the MRI room, and asked to lay down on a thin bed and was told to lay still, the man explained the process (first 15-20 mins no injection needed, last 5-10 mins injection needed), and said not move my mouth or swallow if I could help it. they placed a pad over my chest and a face mask onto me, but I could see out so not claustrophobic at all.
Music went on, a bit of whirring noise and some clanking various different alarms throughout, but with the music totally bearable. Laying still is more tricky think you think, especially if you like the song on the music they play into your ears. I swear I could feel my fillings moving but that could have been as I saw it on a film once. I tried imagining I was on a beach but you cant get away from thinking this magnetic picture is going to determine you next 3-6 month of life at best.
The man tried to put the needle in my hand, failed so got my arm instead. there was no thinking I was going to wee myself this time (CT scan did), it was painless.
Once it was over he said to drink lots of water to flush out my system. I have no idea why I didn't think of that after the CT scan
Overall it took about 1 hour 15 mins from entry of hospital to exit,.
Went home, drank 4 pints of water, and went to the loo every three hours during the night and topped myself up afterwards and today no tummy issues, major result.
Now I sit here typing and waiting for my Biopsy next week, got my CV19 drive through on Wednesday as well as the dentist as my tooth hurts as a temporary filling fell out, and then on the 23/10, its biopsy day.
I must say, I am no longer dreading it, I've not looked on line for anything to do with biopsy as just want it to be surprise. For me it is the start of the journey to getting rid of the bloody thing, I am being super good and isolating myself from the world as I want nothing to get between me and my treatments, whatever they are or might be (certainly not Haiti, that's for sure)
So for all those ahead of me and have been through this, I envy you and seek to emulate your success, for all those that are following me, watch this space.
I will write soon after the biopsy,
M
