MRIs can be a relatively easy procedure--if it were on a knee, for instance. But for a breast MRI, the positioning needs to be precise and difficult, and the lying facedown is anything but easy. For me, now an expert at these things, I knew what to expect. After positioning and adjusting and readjusting a bit more, the technician hits a button and the table with me on top is inserted into the tube. I hear the technician's voice in between sessions, but the only view I have is a mirror reflecting a painting on the wall behind me. Add in the necessity of lying absolutely still to the uncertainty of what the test might uncover, it could be a difficult procedure. Some women require an anti-anxiety drug prior to the test, like Ativan, to make it through. My drug of choice is prayer. I pray and I ask for pray from my friends. There is something so sweet and encouraging to be waiting for my name to be called, and a text pops up from a friend, reminding me that they are praying. That happened several times, before going in for my blood draw, and then moving down the hall to diagnostic imaging... I knew God was with me, but the alerts from my friends helped me feel even more supported.
While undergoing the procedure, I also listen to Christian music to remind myself that God is with me and to help me relax. I was thankful that the technician knew exactly what I meant when I answered her inquiry about the type of music I wanted to listen to. It was as if God personally selected songs that would help get me through this time. Yes, of course, He did! We often overlook minor miracles in our midst because our eyes are closed. Yesterday, I noticed how God arranged the songs especially for me.
The first song on the set was Matt Redmond's 10,000 Reasons. In between the clanging, stutter sounds and whoop-whoops, I heard pieces of...
Bless the Lord, O my soul
Sing like never before, O my soul...
Whatever may pop, or lies before me,
Let me be singing when the evening comes...
...You are rich in love and slow to anger...
For all your goodness, I will keep on singing,
10,000 reasons for my heart to find....
More clanging, whooping, dit-dit-dit-dit staccato sounds, a pause and then through my headphones:
Who breaks the power
of sin and darkness?
Whose love is mighty
and so much stronger?
The King of Glory,
The King above all Kings...
This is amazing grace!
This is unfailing love!
That you would take my place,
That you would bear my cross...
"Okay, keep still. I'm ready to start your next session...." Bang, whoop whoop...
There was one more song, but for the life of me, I cannot remember it. Oh, wait, now I recall. It was so perfect. Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong United.
You call me out upon the waters,
The great unknown
where feet may fail.
And there I find You in the mystery,
in oceans deep,
my faith will stand.
And I will call upon your name,
and keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise, my soul will rest in your embrace...
The technician pulled me back to start a contrast liquid into my IV, and I felt cold seep into my arm. Seconds later I tasted chemicals, similar to chemo, but I told my mind to not go there. Six minutes or so later, she was pulling me from the machine and I carefully pushed myself up and off the table. A quick removal of the IV, and I was escorted back to the dressing room. I wore athletic pants to the appointments (my friends are not surprised to read this since I wear them most days), and because they had no metal, I was allowed to wear them for the procedure. So the redressing was quick, and I was on my way back down the long hallway and out to my car. Well, I did treat myself to a cappuccino at the hospital coffee shop. I told myself if all the tests are clear next week, I'll splurge for a pump of vanilla in a latte!
When I arrived at home, Ben popped out to the garage to ask if he could go over to a friend's house.
"All done with your grammar?" I asked. He had a couple pages left and we were determined to finish it before summer break.
"Yup!" he countered. Very deep conversation. I'm sure you are all intrigued. I was feeling a bit tired, however, having not slept well the night before and feeling the effects of the procedures. I was so thankful he had a fun place to go.
Dropping off the groceries I picked up from Trader Joe's, something inspired me to check the front porch. I spotted this beautiful display of flowers:
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| Another flower arrangement by Krista Thanks, sweet friend!! |
So my tests are finished. School is finished. Just like the older two are waiting for their final grades, I'm waiting for my test results. I haven't let it spoil my relaxing weekend. Nice, long walk with Walt and Sugar this morning. Time in God's word and prepping for my last bible study meeting tomorrow. Yard work in the afternoon. Of course, a bit of blogging now and maybe time for reading... My eyes are open, looking for glimpses of God as I wait. What about you? Where is God showing up in your day?
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