Do your boobs hang low?

(Sung to the tune 'Do your ears hang low?'😉)

When diagnosed with breast cancer you feel sucker punched. After the initial shock, a decision has to made: will I be a victim and give up or will I fight? I chose to fight.

I'm finding that each new step on this journey to healing comes with new fears or obstacles. The latest fear I had to overcome was the MRI tube. I am NOT a fan of closed spaces. Now before you say, "Lar, there are openings on both ends" let me respond by saying,"Don't care. I am in a tube!" The only thing meant for a tube is toothpaste, in my opinion.  The good news is there is this wonderful thing called valium.   The doctor prescribed me this magical pill to take 30 minutes before the procedure. Afterwards, I couldn't care less about being in the tube.

When I arrived at the hospital the day of the procedure, I was nervous but had my pill to help me. After filling out the paperwork I was taken back to get changed and an IV was put in for the contrast. By this time the pill was kicking in.  I was pretty much the most chill I had ever been in my life. After the IV was in it was time to start the MRI.

Now before I get into what actually happens let me take a moment to rant. Women have to get a mammogram. For those who haven't have it yet,  it will give you an aversion to pancakes. Why? Because they place your breast on a plate then lower another plate on top. Next, they tighten it down and ask you to breath in.  When it's really flat, they tighten it some more till your breast becomes a thin, pancake. This is why I believe no one craves IHop for a least a week after a mammogram.

But I digress back to the MRI.  Here, they take you into the room where the tube is and set you down giving instructions.  You lay flat on your stomach on the table. Your face has a hole for breathing, like a massage table without the massage, if you will.

Your  arms are up over your head. Your breasts fall through an opening where they will hang throughout the 40-60 minutes procedure. This breast placement, as well as the valium, gives a whole new meaning to the term "just going to hang out and chill".

Ear plugs are placed in the ears and earphones on top of that. The noise from the MRI machine is VERY loud. They talk to you as the procedure goes. They will even play music if you desire. You also receive a ball in your hand to squeeze if you need a break. Of course, if you use it you have to start over so it's a catch 22.

They put you in the MRI feet first.  I'm not sure how far in my head went because I refused to look up and see.  I felt for this situation, ignorance was bliss.

It really wasn't that bad. I counted, sang to myself (in my head), and figured out how I wanted to rearrange my closet. The procedure took about 40 minutes.

The anticipation leading up to the MRI was much scarier than it was in reality. I have heard from some recently diagnosed women they were dreading the MRI. I would definitely recommend the valium to take the edge off. During  the MRI, I recommend concentrating on your breathing and focusing on better things then where you are.

This journey I am on is only beginning.   Please let me encourage you where ever you are in your journey. You are a fighter. There is so much to fight for. Don't give in! Don't give up! Pray, and have faith.

Later this week, I will share the appointment I had with the breast surgeon. I learned some very interesting facts and information that I think most woman will find informative.

Until next time take care of yourself and live your life to the fullest. You will never regret it.

Lar