MRI

As I write this post I am sitting in the chemo area in a recliner, my Herceptin has gone in and I am waiting for the normal saline flush to go through so I can be disconnected and go home. I am tired and looking forward to an at home day tomorrow followed by an evening wedding rehearsal and dinner.
Yesterday's MRI experience was a pretty good one, I think. I found the signage around the new hospital was very good and I had no trouble finding where to park and, once parked, finding my way to the Diagnostic Imaging area. As I checked in I was once again very impressed with the verify/validate process - not only was I asked to provide my health care card, I was also asked for my driver's license. Once checked in, I had a questionnaire to fill out, mostly looking for hidden sources of metal in my body. I completed it and then was escorted back to the MRI area. Here they had a set of lockers with keys and a change area. I was given gown, pj bottoms and a housecoat and a bag for the clothes I was wearing and instructed to place them in a locker and take the key once changed. I was allowed to keep my iPad and glasses with me while waiting.
There was one other lady also waiting, she had her husband with her. After a bit a man came out of the MRI suite and proceeded to his locker and the change area. A woman came out shortly after and changed also.
The other lady waiting and myself were called in, there were two rooms and a 'control' area. I was taken to one of them and asked to place my glasses and the locker key on a shelf out of the MRI field. I was placed on the table which had a pillow and neck rest and a pillow was placed under my legs. A set of headphones were placed over my ears, I was given a panic button to push if I needed it and then a  white cage-like device was placed over my head and attached to the table. Lastly,  cushiony pads were placed on either side of my neck to ensure I did not move my head.
The machine started moving me back into the tube and that's when I decided that closing my eyes was the best way to get through this procedure. There was a bright light inside the tube and there was a light fan that gently blew cool air on my face which was nice. I was moved further back into the machine twice more and there was some beeping then I was moved to the more central position and the MRI started. Lots of jackhammer like noises and then steady humming, then silence. This happened several times and I kind of gave up trying to anticipate when the MRI would be finished. It took 45 - 60 minutes and then came the challenging part - walking after lying on that hard table in one position for that long!
I made it to the change area and managed to take a different way out of the diagnostic imaging area which turned me around a little and took me further away from where I was wanting to go to get to parking, my back was complaining with every step as I made my way to my car.
Once home I had a call from my good friend that we visited back in the fall in Victoria. Lots of changes in her life and lots to catch up on, an hour and a bit later I started getting ready for Caleb's birthday party.
My sister in law Carol popped in for a few minutes on her way out to see my mother in law. They are embarking on a trip together to Vancouver and back with lots of stops along the way. Should be a wonderful trip for them.
The birthday party was very laid back, the weather was perfect and I managed to get lots of cuddle time in with Paisley :).
This morning was my second day back at work, not too taxing and it included the bonus of a stampede barbecue (I know the days to pick to work ;))
Now my 'rinse cycle' is complete post Herceptin and I am disconnected so I am off for home and a quiet evening.

Take care everyone.