Echocardiogram Mania

My schedule is tight. I thought about rescheduling the echocardiogram, but decided that as long as everything cooperates, I should be able to have that done and still get to work in time to teach a class at 10am. Sigh. Best laid plans and all that.

Kiel's car wouldn't start, so I was delayed helping him get the thing to turn over. By the time I got on the expressway, traffic was backed up for miles due to a 20 car pile up caused by black ice. I am grateful for my delay. Maybe I would have been part of that mess. I see accident after accident as I crawl along with one eye on the clock.

Any thought of arriving early is down the drain. Now I am hoping for a 'not-too-late' arrival. They receptionist had told me Building G in Clinton Crossing. But the Cardiac Clinic there does not do echocardiograms. They direct me across the street to Building H. Still I am only a few minutes late.

I climb on the table obediently and watch my heart valves flutter and flop about on the screen. I listen when they turn on the sound - sometimes it sounds like somebody is waving a sheet of thin metal - sort of like skinny thunder. I have no idea whether what I am seeing is normal or problematic. We are checking because of all the muscle deterioration elsewhere in my body. Heart damage is one side effect that they have documented before.

I want to ask if everything is OK. The technician who did the echo before chemo and radiation had told me right away that everything was fine. I know the techs are not supposed to tell you anything and I do not wish to put her in a compromised situation, so I do not ask. The doctor will let me know I am sure.

Of all the procedures and tests I have had done, this one is the easiest and more pleasant. A warm dark room, no needles, quietness. Nice. As I head out the door, I glance at my cell phone. I still have time to get to work before the class session barring any more traffic slowdowns or long winded trains.

Now if I can just reschedule the other tests I will be good to go!