Thomas' Story Is A Mother's PainImagine you are a seven year old boy with a brain tumor, locked in a tiny space, not knowing when you can come out. This is what the MRI was like for Thomas, when as 7-years-old boy he was being treated for brain cancer at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Thomas is strong. He completed chemotherapy, took his radiation treatments non-sedated and was getting MRIs since he was diagnosed with a tumor 6 days after his 6th birthday. On MRI days, we prepared for a difficult day with an anxious little boy. As parents, there is no greater pain than seeing your child suffer.
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Thomas needed to get an MRI every 3 months. The process lasted from 1 to 2 hours, depending on how well he lay still and whether the MRI is brain and spine or just the brain. As much as we tried to prepare him, too often the procedure had to be stopped and reschedule for another day. Complete sedation had risks and we continue to push him to get the MRIs non-sedated. We didn't want to add more risks or side effects of opiods to a brain cancer survivor’s long list of complications.
Each new MRI was a challenge. He knew it will be long, uncomfortable, boring and very scary. He knew he would want to get out! As parents, we had our own anxiety waiting for the results. The worst has already happened once, but can happen again, if the MRI brings with it a picture of more cancer.
Each new MRI was a challenge. He knew it will be long, uncomfortable, boring and very scary. He knew he would want to get out! As parents, we had our own anxiety waiting for the results. The worst has already happened once, but can happen again, if the MRI brings with it a picture of more cancer.