DAY 1 OF "THE PROCESS"

Well, day one was a long one (and it's only the beginning!) Her MUGA test took longer than expected, although it was quite interesting. They take out some blood, put some radioactive tracers/tags in it, and put it back in. They then put you in this MRI looking machine and check to see how your arteries are working. This test usually takes about 20 minutes. HOWEVER, Mom's heart rate was all over the place (78, 95, 120, 67, 83, 60, well, you get the picture). Because it was not stable, it took a while for the tech to get a good read. So, all in all, the 20 minute test took almost an hour. Needless to say, Mom started getting VERY uncomfortable because she was flat on her back (luckily I talked her into putting the triangle shaped pillow under her knees at the beginning of the test). I started counting her down (she kept asking "how much longer?") at about the 3 minute mark. She was hooked up to EKG type leads, and it was noted she had an arhythmia of her heart - that's a fancy word for "your heart isn't beating right". NEXT came the MRI. They told her it was an open MRI. But, the machine covered her face - big no no if you are claustrophobic. They were kind enough to give her the Doctor's orders, and I drove to the Imaging center that did my MRI. You sit down, they lean you back, pull you into the machine and you lie there and watch TV - although you can't hear the TV because the machine makes so much noise (I felt like I was on a ride at Disney. I even asked the tech if I should raise my arms and yell "WooooHooo!" but she didn't get it. She said I had to stay very still). I was lucky enough to get her scheduled for Thursday morning at 9:30. I filled out the paper work for Mom, so all she has to do is go to the place, sign in and wait. NEXT was her appt with Dr. Olinde - the vascular surgeon who did the abdominal by pass surgery on her about 3 years ago. Because he is going out of town Wednesday through Monday or Tuesday, he scheduled her for this morning. He explained where he'd put the medi-port, and stated that a patient CAN go straight from there to chemo (although I don't see how - it takes 8 hours!) but he would rather the patient wait a day or 2 - give the area a little time to heal. So this works out perfect. Kathy is going to try to take off Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; although I think Friday is the only day. Of course, Mom is scheduled for CHEMO TEACHING, and I would really like for someone to be there with her - this stuff is confusing to her. I asked Dr. Olinde if he knew what WBBS stood for. Uh, negatory on that. So I called the place where the appt is scheduled - nope, they had no idea too. ? So, I will continue my quest for medical terminology and acronyms. Wish me luck! I will post more today (or maybe tomorrow) on how the medi-port insertion went. Keep praying, people!!! Love to All! Jeaux :-)