20th MRI

Travis' MRI on Monday, February 2nd marked several milestones...1) T's 20th MRI, 2) the MRI for the end of the Peg-Interferon clinical trial, and 3) T's first non-sedated MRI!!! The nurse that would stay with T during the scan asked T's age and she suggested T could try the MRI without sedation. This would eliminate the irritation on T's skin due to the stickiness on the heart monitor. A bonus of being a frequent flyer at MRI is getting to know the medical staff. She talked with T and felt that he could hold still throughout the MRI while watching a movie. Travis typically moves with his movies, we mentioned that concern to the nurse and she felt that they could proceed with the MRI. We knew he wouldn't be scared of going in the MRI machine.

Not the "Cars" room

They placed the IV in T's hand in case they needed to give him sedation. After 2 unsuccessful attempts, the IV team came in and got it right away. The Child Life Specialist with the IV team commented that he wasn't needed since T does so great with IVs. The time arrived for T to pick his movie from their selection (we'll bring our own next time) and he chose "Planes". The staff placed earphones on his ears for the movie and to talk with T, the MRI movie goggles, strapped him in, and it was go time. I don't have a picture since the magnet and cell phones don't get along.

T did pretty great through the process, they needed to re-scan one area twice with the tech holding his legs to finish up the final scan due to movement. We later figured out that T was most likely "dancing" during the part of "Planes" where El Chupacabra was serenading Rochelle. ;) They brought Travis into recovery and he had some Oreos since he was fasting since we were thinking he would be sedated.

Off we went for the donut for the IV poke. When we stopped at the desk to request a copy of his MRI on a disc we noticed "Dolphin Tale 2" was playing on Primary's movie channel. The tears started flowing since we were there exactly a week before. T quickly ate his donut and watched the remainder of the movie while the disc was finishing. The receptionist at check-in brought me a tissue and then she started crying.

T with the sedation nurse

T and his donut

We find out the volumetric numbers at T's appointment at the NIH on the 19th. Even before the MRI we knew there wouldn't be 20% shrinkage, so T will finish the clinical trial with his last injection on Thursday, February 12th. Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers for our family.

Truly a proud and monumental day at MRI for T and our family.