Traffic in Atlanta, yellows in Lilburn

Sitting on 285, just before Spaghetti junction, I realized today might not be the day. For non-Atlanta folks, this week was the worst traffic I've seen in a long time.  So, on Friday, we left home for our MRI with plenty of time to spare, and managed to arrive almost 30 min late.

Monday
I'll back up.  The PET scan went well, and Imogen was great. Normally, the IV "poke" is the worst part of the whole experience, but we were so blessed. When the nurses were about to get started, we decided to ask if there was another way. [Imm had gotten gas sedation for her tonsils, so we were crossing our fingers for something like that.] No, said the nurse, it's a different kind of sedation and that's not available.

Just then, the other nurse poked her head in the room. Actually... we can do nitrous oxide to calm her down, just for the IV. Not very many doctors do it, and there are only two at Egleston that are allowed to. Well, it just so happened that Dr. Dixon was at the hospital, and even in the hallway at that moment. So we got a couple i's dotted, and on the mask went, complete with strawberry-scented lip smackers. IMOGEN LOVED IT. Nitrous oxide is laughing gas, by the way.  She wasn't laughing, but didn't even notice–or remember afterward–the IV. Only a goofy smile greeted us as the blood draw started.

On Tuesday afternoon, we got some uncertain results from the PET/CT. The CT revealed three spots on Tiny's lungs, and her SUV count had gone up from 1.3 to 1.8 around her spine. Both were kind of terrifying, and it was hard to get a good handle on exactly what that meant.  The docs had to look at her scores and compare them from before, but we were able to come to a general conclusion on Wednesday: we're ok.  The score increase does indicate the possibility of more malignancy. The increase, however, is within the normal variation, particularly because the PET scans were done on two different machines. 

i.e. It's more like the difference between a 94 and a 95 on a test, not the difference between an A or B. At least that's what we think for now. It's considered a stable result, and there's no change in her treatment; still monitoring and testing only.

Obviously, the MRI can reveal a bit more, especially around the spine, but the lung spots, the pulmonary nodules, did not show abnormal SUV levels, and they were the same size as the last CT scan (which wasn't reported to us; kind of why it freaked us out in the first place.)

Friday
Now back to traffic: we were unable to get the MRI on Friday, and it's been rescheduled for next Thursday.  Like both grandmas were trusting it would, it has already proved to be a blessing. First, Imogen can now get the laughing gas with her IV! That alone is enough reason to do it. Second, we found out that she needs two MRI appointments. The order at first was for thoracic, lumbar, and pelvic slides. The problem is, somebody forgot to schedule the abdomen, too.  Remember all the urological stuff we were concerned with? The doc had said that an MRI of the kidney would be super helpful in finally ruling out urological issues or potential threats. Getting 4 slides is too long of an MRI for a Tiny, so we got another MRI scheduled for later in March, too. A bit annoying, but I'm glad it's at least all happening.

Thursday
I'm fully aware that Thursday is before Friday, but I'm taking license to go out with a bang. Chick-fil-a is hosting a benefit day for Imogen on March 17 at SIX different stores, and they wanted a picture for promotional materials. After scrolling through our phone camera rolls, we decided to make it special. Our lovely friend and photographer, Paige Knudsen, came with us to downtown Lilburn and photographed the kids on Main Street. It was gorgeous.  [Aside: If you're in the Gwinnett area, make a stop in Lilburn. There's a great restaurant, and the park is wonderful. We're so excited about the area being revitalized.]
So, I'll leave you with the gallery. I'll have more updates on the Chick-fil-a day, and thanks for your prayers on the upcoming weeks. We have a lot more tests and meetings, so keep praying for healing and peace!

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