A Scan Of Mine.

Last weekend, I visualised that moment when the week ahead would be over.  Where I could actually start typing about that week.  Now has come that time.  Unlike earlier last week when I didn't do a posting, this one actually is here.  At least I think it's here...

I braced myself for what I knew would be a week where I challenged the fears that lurk within.  A week where I knew I would be going to the hospital on my own.  Yet, despite that, I clutched onto the vibes, the thoughts, the prayers of so many.  I went alone, yet I wasn't alone.

It all began on Tuesday, February 12 at 8:00 A.M.  I sat in the waiting area until I was summoned for my first test.  A very polite consultant explained the proceedings to me and what to expect during my experience within a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner or MRI.  He also double checked that I had no metallic objects on my body.  They can cause some problems with the scanner.  Unless I had some mystery piercings, I knew that there was nothing metallic on me.

Now then, just a few minutes past 8:00 A.M., I was strapped into the scanner by a friendly, informative lady who guided me through the process as it happened via the headphones provided.

Yes, headphones to also block out the noise of the machine.  So, in a machine sensitive to anything metallic, what  did I listen to on the headphones?  Glad you asked.  The music was by "Iron Butterfly", "Iron Maiden", "Steely Dan" and "Metallica".  Our blogging friend on 'Farcebook', Tammy, saw my profile update in regards to this and noted the "Iron'y" in the music selection.  So Tammy, I 'steel' your joke.

Seriously, the actual music selection was "Smoke on the Water" by "Deep Purple", something by "Tina Turner" and "Radar Love" by "Golden Earring".  The 'ride' in the machine took about 20 minutes. Staying as motionless as possible, I visualised the capsule transporting me to the 24th century and finding myself on the deck of the starship "Enterprise".  Near the end, the ride was kinda' bumpy and it felt kinda' good.  Ah yes....moving swiftly on.....

I asked if I could go for another 'ride'.  She laughed and then unstrapped me.

So day one of four in one of the most harrowing yet inspirationally defining weeks of my life was almost complete.  Remembering to get dressed, I thanked the kind, respectful, caring staff at the hospital and headed for my car.  Home to reflect and be proud I was challenging my fears.