MRI

It took more than a week for the engorgement to subside when I weaned my baby to prepare for the MRI and for surgery.  It was a painful week.  I am so glad my sister was able to come out and visit and help out.  She made things so fun for the kids, and took my mind off the pain.  I drank a lot of peppermint tea.  I was busy making sets for the Seussical play my kids were in.  For the sets, I went to the movie theater and asked if they had any movie displays they were getting rid of.  They gave me three big cardboard sets that were more than 8 feet tall and very sturdy.  They were perfect for painting over with Seuss like jungle and whoville scenes.  I was very satisfied with the result.

I was still rather engorged when I went to have my MRI.  I scheduled the MRI for 5 pm, which worked out really well.  It was nice to be there at the end of the day when the parking lot was almost empty and the place was quieter.  My husband came to meet me there after work.  I was already in the MRI when he got there.  When you are getting an MRI of your breast, they have you lay face down on a special table that has holes in it to let your breasts hang down through the holes.  The nurse told me how to arrange myself, then he left so I could have some privacy getting situated.  I think there was a one way window right in front of me, but at least I could feel like I had some privacy.  Sort of.  I think lying face down for an MRI is the way to go if you have the option.  I don't think it feels as claustrophobic that way. But they need better cushioning for the chest area.  It hurt a little after awhile and it was hard to stay still.  I didn't expect any noise - maybe a quiet humming or something, but goodness, that machine is loud!  The technician or nurse gave me the choice of earplugs or headphones with the radio station of my choice.  I usually listen to NPR when I am driving, so I chose that.  It ended up being a funny choice.  The combination of all the clanging and beeping of the machine, and the dire political news was hair raising.  I felt like a cat getting out of the drier when I was done.  It was so wonderful to have my husband there waiting for me when I was done.  I hadn't really expected him to come.  He took me out for a bowl of albondigas soup from Tio Leo's.  It was the perfect thing.