The day began with me picking Megan up to drive her to the various appointments of the day. First stop, Human Resources. Two ladies awaited us and invited us into their offices. They had pulled Megan's file and were able to answer all of her questions. She can miss a total of 12 weeks throughout the school year under the FMLA Act. This means that while her supervisor may at times make her feel guilty for not working at her highest level, he cannot get rid of her. She also learned that she will be considered disabled and under ADA laws will be protected if needing a little assistance. They were kind, helpful and we recorded the conversation.
Then off we hurried to Staples to pick up a new fun binder and document protectors as well as a business card holder to get this cancer stuff organized. Looking at office supplies can be such a rush!
Finally, we headed to the cancer center to begin the CT scan. Megan had to drink about a half gallon of red blood looking stuff. She told the receptionist she would have to pretend she was carrying Edwards baby and guzzle away.
When the drink was finished, Megan had to follow a short stocky man to the changing area. He told her to change and meet him in the room. Once there, he had her lay down on the table, inserted an iv, asked a bunch of questions, had her sign a paper and began.
He warned that the she might experience a warming sensation, or the feeling of wetting herself and he flipped the switch and she could hear the swish of fluid as it streamed through her veins.. "Here we go," she thought.
Megan did indeed feel the heat but it stopped in her throat and she felt as if she was drowning. Trying to hold still, she opened her mouth ingesting large quantities of air. No, she wasn't drowning but the table began to move and she felt motion sickness. She knew she needed to start a visualizing session but thinking sun,sand,and waves wasn't doing the trick. As the table propelled itself forward again, Megan thought of a giant roller coaster. She was able to picture herself riding in the front car as the table jolted her to the top of the ride, her anticipation mounting the arrival of descent. It worked somehow and she endured the rest of the test without ever climaxing on the downhill fall.
As quickly as it began, it was over and she was free to dress and leave. Feeling inebriated and woozy, she found her way back to the lobby where I waited for her. I could sense she was different and not feeling well. We headed home with a quick stop at KFC for mashed potatoes and when Megan tumbled to bed, she slept hard and deep for hours. If contrast was that hard on her, what will it be like when she begins chemo?
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