Definition

An X-ray is a quick, painless test that produces images of the structures inside your body — particularly your bones.

X-ray beams can pass through your body, but they are absorbed in different amounts depending on the density of the material they pass through. Dense materials, such as bone and metal, show up as white on X-rays. The air in your lungs shows up as black. Fat and muscle appear as varying shades of gray.

For some types of X-ray tests, a contrast medium — such as iodine or barium — is introduced into your body to provide greater detail on the X-ray images.

I have had the priveledge to witness some of the amazing marvels of man throughout my years. I have always been captivated and fascinated by it although I admit I do not at all understand it. It blows my mind to think that someone, somewhere came up with the idea that gave us the ability to see I side the human body. What a wonder! These X-rays have helped the doctors so much in taking care of Raegan and helping her body through this difficult sickness. The nurses and doctors have shared their knowledge with me about what they see on the X-rays so I am able to understand and feel more comfortable about what is going on with my daughter. The black in her lungs is good, the white is not. Simple enough. Through X-rays we have been able to catch things early and treat them quick. Raegan is back on the road to recovery. But I can't just stop at the X-rays. What about those trained to take them and read them. The people who invented the film, and the computer at which I'm able to view images of my daughter thought impossible just decades ago. As all the hustle and bustle is going on around me, I think of all the accumulated knowledge being used for the benefit of my family and I am deeply humbled. There is not one thing in Raegan's hospital room that I came up with. Not one single thing. And yet, we enjoy the benefit of the ideas and hard work of many. My daughter is alive because of community. As I look back over this experience through the years I will undoubtedly learn other things. The process of the journey. There are times, in the high alert setting of the PICU that I have learned to live literally moment by moment. I have learned to surrender. I have taken baby steps of my own in healing and growing. To be grateful for the machines that my daughter is on and yet have to see her in them is a dance with the bitter sweet. It is hard. There's were times when I felt utterly overcome with grief at the sight of my sweet baby struggling for her life. There were moments when I wondered if she would live or die. Horrible, heart wrenching moments of pure agony when all I could do was surrender. Surrender or fall apart. It is a choice. It is always a choice. And it is mine to make. I know the harsh reality of RCDP. I am in no denial that my little munchkins will more than likely die in a scenario much like this one. I pray and hope that ths isn't the time of course. But I know I'm not the one in charge. Not at all. So I pray, literally beg at times for Raegan to be allowed to return home with me for just a little while longer. We are not out of the woods yet but I'm pretty sure for this time anyway God said yes. I literally breath a sigh of thankful relief as I appreciate my children on a deeper and more understanding level. I have had many loving and supportive friends that have made all the difference in the world to me. The support and love were tangible and sustained me through very difficult times. I thank you all for your support and prayers. Raegan will be going home soon, maybe within the next week and that is good. Yes, that is very, very good. God bless.