"More Tests"

Short note: Test results to be reported to me on Wednesday.

Longer note:
I will not necessarily write everyday. We'll see.
But last night was a major event so far: "more tests".
Each one seems to have its own lesson and point to the next step.
November's ultrasound. January's biopsy. Last night's chest x-ray and abdominal/pelvis CT scan (Results to be revealed at Wednesday's appointment with Dr. Malviya.)

Coming: more bloodwork and then February's surgery with real-time biopsies and over-time biopsies.

That's all I "know" so far. So there is no one answer for "How it went". It is a process.

But I will tell you about the tests last night, if you are interested in such things.
I drove to Providence Park for my 7:00 p.m. appointment. Parking was not a problem. I was served three large cups of something that looked and tasted like water, but was a "contrast", the better to see my digestive system. In the meantime, I was taken to the locker room to change, then to the chest x-ray room. One pose facing a metal plate. One facing the side wall. Back to the waiting area to finish my drinks and read my (commercial)Disciple homework(commercial).

After the "contrast" had a chance to find its way through me, I was called to the CT room. I have never had one of these before. The machine looked like a large doughnut-shape, with a moving table on one end of the "hole". I laid down with my feet toward the doughnut hole. I had an IV for more "contrast" that would help them see other organs by the circulatory system. Also, there are special orders for Dr. Malviya's patients: a rectal "contrast". I had to ask her to repeat that. But it makes sense to be able to see as much as possible. So, lying on the table, looking up at her, I said I would do whatever he wanted. Apparently some people argue about that. But I thought, who am I to question the wisdom of this doctor? I am putting my life in his hands. And I thought... of course... Who am I to question God? And my everyday response should be that I will do whatever he wants. I am putting my life in his hands.

More about this machine. There are two Pac-man-type pictures in a light on the doughnut above my head. One has its mouth open. when it is lit up, I breathe. Then a voice says to breathe in. Then it says to hold my breath as the light switches to the other face, the one with its cheeks puffed out that looks like it is holding its breath. There are also countdown numbers that show how long the breath-holding is expected to last. Then the voice says to breathe again. The automated voice and the faces kept me company while the nurse?/tech? person was busy taking the pictures (I think from another room. I could not see.). She kept checking back on me, but it was hard to hear unless she was right next to me (because of the machine noise).

When the "contrast" was shot into my IV, I felt a warm sensation, as she said I would. I specifically remember the palms of my hands feeling warm. This all went away in a few minutes, after the machine whirled away as I moved through the doughnut hole. That warmth was appreciated though, as I could not seem to get warm otherwise. There were signs on the wall, offering warm blankets. Next time I would take them up on it.

I feel a little like I am in a foreign country. Thankfully, I am finding helpful hosts.