It’s crazy to think that it’s been a year since my last liver MRI. It seems like it wasn’t that long ago, but that might be because I do think about my liver tumors from time to time. I don’t dwell on them, but they are in my mind and I try to make choices that are good for my liver. I know that drinking and eating certain foods can’t hurt or help my tumors, but I have no idea why my liver is able to shrink these tumors on its own. So I try not to do anything that will stress my liver out so it can work the best it can.
At the same time, tomorrow marks 2 years since I learned there was something potentially wrong with my liver. It feels like I’ve been dealing with my liver story for much longer than 2 years! But I guess it’s just because it was such a huge focus of my life for 6 months before my miracle. And for my 2 year anniversary of discovering the tumors, I had another MRI to check in on them.
While I’ve had issues before with needles, things went better than expected when I had my blood drawn to check my kidneys before the MRI. But I was still nervous about the needle for the IV as well as how I would feel being in the MRI machine if I wasn’t feeling my best. The morning of the MRI I was having lower nausea than the days before, but I still took some medication to make sure I wouldn’t get nauseous or have too painful of cramps when the tests were being done. I know that staying still is so important in an MRI and for most of the images I need to hold my breath. So I wanted to be in the least about of pain and nausea possible.
The MRI was running behind (which I expected so I had my book with me), so while I was waiting I tried to stay hydrated so the IV would be easier to get in and just relax. I wasn’t focusing on what was coming up, just on what was happening in that moment so that I could stay calm. They ended up not running as behind as they thought so before I knew it I was in my hospital gown and ready to go.
They did the IV in my arm after I was already settled on the bed of the MRI machine. That was fine with me since I would already be laying down in case I passed out. I had a feeling I wouldn’t faint because it’s been so long since I actually fainted (versus blacking out where I can still hear things around me), but I like to be prepared.
Even with all the issues I’ve had with needles, it’s usually a quick process. I can’t remember the last time I needed multiple attempts at an IV or blood draw. I know that several years ago it too multiple shots to numb me before dental work, but that’s different. And for some reason, it took 3 tries to get my IV in. I tried not to be annoyed by it, but it was painful and by the third try I was feeling a bit off. But it finally worked and they were ready to get me into the machine for the MRI.
I’ve had enough MRIs over the past few years to know what to expect. It’s not the most fun thing to do, but it’s not bad. I know things could be much worse so I feel lucky that my MRIs are usually a quick process. Since we are only doing a check to see the size of the tumor (when I had my first ones it was to diagnose what it was), it’s usually only about 30 minutes inside the machine. I’ve got random things I think about to pass the time and I usually count the weird noises when I have to hold my breath. Some of the scans seem to take forever and I can’t hold my breath that long, but I really try my best to wait until I am instructed to relax.
A majority of my MRI is done with no contrast in my body. The last 2 or 3 scans are done after the contrast is put into my IV. In the past, the technicians have warned me when they were going to start the contrast. It’s not painful, but it’s cold and a very weird feeling. I can feel it in my toes even though it starts in my arm. And you do feel it moving in your body. It’s just an uncomfortable feeling for a few seconds, but nothing I can’t tolerate. I don’t know why they didn’t warn me this time, but they didn’t. So I was a bit surprised when the contrast started but I also was grateful that meant that the MRI was almost done.
When they got me out of the machine, they got my IV out which was again painful. I don’t know why my skin was so sensitive, but it was. I ended up having a bruise in my arm where the IV was, but it faded after a few days and it wasn’t as sore as a normal bruise. I guess it’s just my battle scar from the MRI. I think I was trying so hard to not feel nauseous in the machine that it did come at me when I was getting dressed and ready to leave, but I knew I’d be home soon enough and could do more things to feel better.
I see my liver surgeon next week, but I’m not expecting it to be that exciting of an appointment. As long as my tumors aren’t growing, we aren’t going to do anything. I still may get them out one day even if they don’t grow, but that would be in combination with me getting my gallbladder out in the future. But since I haven’t had a gallbladder attack in a few years, I have no idea if I even need to do that anymore!
Even though last year I got great news and was told I didn’t need to worry about anything for a year, it still felt so connected to the stress of learning about the tumors and planning for surgery. Now that I’ve had another year removed from it, I finally feel like I might be back to normal again. I know that I will likely need to be checked from time to time, but it now feels like a check and not preparation for something big.
