Waiting

Rhesa took this picture without me knowing!

Today was the day we had been waiting for in my journey.  Today was the day that I finally was to get a P.E.T. Scan of my body to try and find this tumor that is producing the higher levels of dopamine.  I had done my research in trying to see what exactly a P.E.T. scan involved and thought I would be ok.  Rhesa and I show up to the imaging place where I was to have the scan and as we walked in to the door I was instructed to go in, only days earlier, no one was there.  The part of the building I was in was completely empty.  We come to find out that the imaging place was taking some COVID-19 precautions and I was supposed to actually come in through the main entrance, but no one called and there were no signs telling us.  We finally get someone to come and check me in and then very shortly I was taken back to get the nuclear isotope injected into me.  I mean, I know we are supposed to shine like stars in the universe, but glow???  HAHA!  I was informed that I would in fact set off radiation detectors if I was planning to fly or go through any border patrol checkpoints.  They were prepared to give me documentation if necessary.  I thought this was very interesting.  One cool thing was that in order for the technician to be safe, the isotope was in a syringe that was encased in metal made of tungsten.  The tiny room I was in, that really only fit my reclining chair and the tech, was lined with lead!  This was some serious business.  Well, I had not eaten or taken my new meds, as I was to be fasting, and soon after the isotope was injected, I began to notice that I went cold, then really hot, my heart rate increased, I became flushed, and I was having some difficulty breathing.  It felt like the time I had to go to the ER, the night before my brother’s funeral.  My body started releasing extra adrenaline as if I needed more!  I tried to calmly let the tech know that I was not feeling well, and what was going on.  He quickly went and got Rhesa from the waiting area.  Rhesa was able to sit in the hallway outside the tiny room, and talked to be for about an hour, the time that was necessary to allow the isotope to go through my body.  Now those of you who know us, know that I am the talker, but today, Rhesa spoke my love language and talked me through.  I was trying to remain calm and be okay with this necessary scan and I was able to go in the first time for about three minutes, then it happened again.  I could feel the adrenaline being released and surging through my body.  Not a good thing.  Remember, the adrenaline amplifies my claustrophobia.  I began to spiral into an episode of which I am not able to control.  The tech offered quickly, to get Benadryl to maybe help relieve some of the stress.  We agreed that that was probably the best idea.  They got me 50mg of Benadryl, which was supposed to do the trick, and NOTHING!  Oh, and I forgot to mention that by this time we had had several attempts at starting the scan, and had to ask to be pulled out of the tube.  Now granted, it is not like the MRI tube, but for someone who is hyped up on adrenaline, it might as well have been.  So after the dose of 50mg, and nothing is happening, the decision was made to give me more.  Now, I was under the understanding that 50mg was what they had ordered in total and that they had only given me 25mg and were now going to give me the second half, but I was wrong.  They did have to order a second 50mg dose, which would bring the total now to 100mg in my system.  It took a little bit for the second dose to kick in, but it did, and  I was able to relax enough to get the scan done.  It was difficult.  I never fell asleep, and I think the techs were strangely confused as to why I wasn’t completely knocked out and snoring with that much Benadryl in my system.  After the scan was done, the tech told me I had had enough Benadryl to put down a horse.  My reply was " I guess that's the problem as I'm more like an elephant"! HAHAHA! The other great thing was that Rhesa came and talked to me the whole time.  She was standing by my head talking about things, mostly just to keep my attention and keep me calm.  That girl loves me, I know.  She used up all her words for the day she said, but I know she did it out of love and I love and appreciate her for it.  In the end, it was DONE!!!  I did come home and slept for about an hour.  

Now,  I need your prayers.  Pray for the DR. that will read these scans.  Pray that the Lord give them eyes to see and find the tumor, its exact location.  Pray for me as I wait.  Waiting is the worst part.  I have an appointment on Friday with my endocrinologist, and should hopefully have results then.  If and when they locate it, then I will need you to help us pray for the next step, removing the tumor.  Right now, with all that is going on, I’m sure it will most likely not be any time soon.  We have already been told that most likely we will have to travel to Houston and have it removed at M.D. Anderson.  So pray with us, pray for us.  

I was able to get home and take my meds, and I am now feeling so much better.  Such a roller coaster ride, and honestly, I HATE roller coasters!  HAHAH!  Thanks for reading, but more than that, thanks for lifting my family and I .