Up until this point, I never really was able to empathize with Jaimie as she went through her treatments and checkups. Of course, I gave her my utmost sympathy and respect, but was never able to truly understand what she was going through... Until now.
Since Jaimie has to get a brain MRI every three months to check for the recurrence of her tumor, I figured it was routine; not a big deal.
I was wrong.
This past week I got my fifth concussion. Instead of it being from soccer like it normally is, my clumsy self slipped and fell on ice. Being overly cautious, I decided that since this is concussion #5, I should get my head checked out...
An MRI of the brain isn't easy. In fact, it's rather terrifying - and I'm 20 years old. I can't even imagine how Jaimie feels, being half my age, and having to do this four times a year rather than just once in her lifetime.
The process sounds simple, but it is far from it. My experience was truly eye opening, and allowed me to feel for Jaimie things I never thought I'd ever truly understand.
First, you have to dress for the occasion: All jewelry removed, no zippers, no metal bra underlining, and no buttons.Second, you receive ear-plugs, a neck brace, and head cushion. I wasn't scared until this moment. Ear-plugs? For what? That wouldn't help my concussion...
Third, you lay still, completely immobile, for twenty minutes - minimum. You move an inch just once, and you have to sit for 5 minutes until they redo that segment. For me, I sat for probably an extra fifteen minutes. Laying down may seem like nothing, but it's a near impossible feat. I can't even imagine Jaimie, the girl with the most energy in the world, being confined to a table for that amount of time.
Oh, did I mention you are trapped? Literally, inside a giant tube, also known as the MRI machine, that is definitely no more than one foot tall and two feet wide. Being claustrophobic is not an option. I opted to keep my eyes closed the whole time, because opening them would surely lead me to experience a panic attack. And yes, the ear plugs were necessary. It was the loudest half hour of my life.
I haven't gotten the results yet, but hopefully they come back the same as Jaimie's... ALL CLEAR.
I forgot to mention that? Sorry. YES JAIMIE IS STILL CANCER FREE! It's an amazing and relieving moment to hear the words, "The MRI came out clean" and the Ferretti family is surely celebrating this special occasion. So, if you can, give them a huge congratulations! And remember, each part of their journey is harder than you can ever imagine - even something so seemingly routine as an MRI. This all just reinforces how strong the family is.
Live in the moment, play in the moment.
