MUGA #2

My last MUGA wasn't my favorite.  The health care pro (I'm not sure of his title) told me he couldn't use my port to draw blood because the markers that would go back in would block the images they needed of my heart if the blood was returned through my port.  He did a terrible job at my I.V.  I don't think he believed me when I told him I was a hard stick.  (You're not that good at IVs, dude.)  When a patient tells you their husband is a CRNA and doesn't understand why people can't get IVs in me because he thinks my veins look good, AND that every nurse that tries and fails mentions how my veins roll or blow, amazed because "your veins looked fine," maybe, just MAYBE you should listen.

I wasn't looking that forward to being a pincushion again.  My aunt was in town and prayed with me over my scan.  She mentioned that I would be calm and comforted and that those performing the scan would do a good job, among other reassuring things.

On the way to the hospital, the radio turned right on to "The Wind Beneath my Wings."  This song and the movie it's from have a special place in my heart for this same aunt who prayed with me, as well as dear friends.  I instantly felt love and support and a tender mercy that God was watching over and me KNOWS ME.  After that, "Fight Song" played on the same station = another sign of love, support, and strength, that I can DO THIS!  Finally, "Thunder" came on. This is my baby's (Evan's) favorite song right now.  I took it as a reminder of all those I love who are pulling and praying for me, and that nothing is impossible.

I first had to tackle the financial fight.  Every year I have to battle to pay the right people until I meet my deductible, often having to return for refunds from groups who wouldn't bill me, even when I insisted that I'd met my deductible, even if it wasn't all showing from the insurance company.  When the hospital first called to register me, they told me I would owe $1200 for the MUGA.  Nope.  I've had two doses of two cancer drugs, each one over my total out-of-pocket of $9,000.  I had a print-out from my beautiful friends in the financial department of the cancer clinic to prove it, with a statement that they could be called to verify.  Thankfully, that was accepted, and I didn't have to pay!

Next, was wait time.  The last time I was there in December, I ended up waiting for 2 1/2 hours!  I calmly mentioned that it would be nice not to have to do that again.   A call was made, and five minutes later, I was called back.

I started my explanation about IVs and how bad my veins are.  The tech (?) responded, "We can just access your port."  "WHHHHHAAAAT?!?"  I explained what happened last time.  She laughed.  "No.  We can use it here."  How's that for making my day????

Things were smooth sailing from there!  She removed some blood, took it to put the markers in, came back awhile later, put the blood back in, and took me to have the scan.  About 20 minutes after that, it was time to go.

Thank goodness for small miracles that become huge personal blessings!