Bone Scans and Dreadlocks

To an outsider, 7 a.m. on Tuesday at Sheila’s house resembled a typical morning in countless homes all across America. Darling child with bedhead (still sporting his pjs) begging mama to stay home and play for the day. The “man of the house” reassuring the boy mom would return soon and bidding her farewell with a kiss and a snug.

She was off to her bone scan appointment. The day before was the MRI appointment. The following day will be the genetic testing appointment. The day after that is the PET scan appointment. Clearly, nothing here is typical.

Armed with a binder filled with far more medical information than anyone should ever have to digest, our always organized intrepid reporter walked into the dark, foggy morning and once again stepped into the unknown. She was sporting her skinny jeans and looked fab, I might add. Most of all she carried herself with poise and composure like no other.

We arrived at the bone scan appointment and she was ushered in to have the dye injected prior to the scan. We had a 45 minute window as we waited for the dye to “do its thing” (I know, I know—what does “do its thing mean?”) No clue. I will have to ask more questions if I am supposed to be the one to update you. Bear with me for now as I am still learning but I will get better, promise. For now--back to waiting for the dye to work—we decided to wait it out at Starbucks. We watched the inauguration and chatted some mostly about reality shows, Saturday Night Live, and what she should wear on her head if the time comes (bleached blond wig with blue highlights? A doo-rag? We did determine the hat Aretha Franklin wore at the inauguration was one we should avoid). I assured her I’d gather some ideas we can present to her if needed.

Minutes later she was having the bone scan done. We talked a bit more as she lay on the table and the machine scanned her beautiful body. She was so brave. Nearly 45 minutes later as the procedure was nearing and I thought she might be sleeping dear Sheila simply said, “dreadlocks.” I am not sure if I ever was more inspired by another.