The second part of my cancer-diary.
https://njbrannigan-zvxuy.wordpress.com/2026/01/22/diary-of-a-lump-2/
Diary of a Lump Pt. 2
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Musings on the byways of popular culture
Thanks once again for sharing your story and I’m sure it will help others who are going through the same experience.
@Bejesus That’s the intention, as well as the therapy of writing it all down.
I had a CT scan last year, and was injected with “contrast”, in the hunt for kidney stones.
You did well to last an hour wait and a twenty minute scan. I was only in for about half an hour but my kidneys were frantically trying to remove the contrast from my bloodstream (I swear my kidneys were getting hot). I was busting for a pee by the end of the scan and went sprinting down the corridor, in my flapping hospital gown, to the Gents. My goodness, that piss was good. Those in the waiting area may have had a glimpse of my undercrackers as I ran past them.
@fentonsteve There’s an image I won’t forget 😂
Unsee! Unsee!
Looking forward to the book – especially the happy ending!
@Lodestone-of-Wrongness Thanks 🙏
The first time I had an MRI was in 2024, and the experience made me giggle hysterically. The noises coming from the machine a bit into the procedure sounded like what communication with aliens through technology usually sounds like on film, so once I heard that I thought “Uh-oh, I’m being probed…” and there I was, trying to stifle my laughter and lay still, though my effort it made my belly tremble and the muscles ache.
The second time (in 2025) I didn’t hear any alien noises, but they had given me a pair of headphones tuned to a radio station that was playing all of my least favourite songs…torture!
I’m looking forward to the next installment of this – which sounds weird to say, as I’m certain that you don’t look forward to any of the upcoming chapters, as it’s your life and health getting probed and prodded and cut into.
But you write so well and it’s very interesting to learn how these things are dealt with. As a child I used to read and re-read a big medical lexicon that my parents owned and study the photos and charts – my sister thought I’d grow up to become a doctor…I wasn’t that interested, but I did find it fascinating. On the other hand I find very little to be fascinated by when it comes to my own medical issues!
Keep up the good work!
My first time: the radio was tuned to a local pop station – not good.
My second time: I asked them to pipe through Radio 3 – failed experiment, as I couldn’t hear the music over the banging noises from the machine. However, I found out that they could play a CD if I brought one in…
My third time: I had burned a playlist of “Noisy Rock for the Car” – that did the trick!
But my fourth time: I brought in Minimum-Maximum – perfect synergy!
I’m a regular at the MRI… I just pretend I’m listening to an instrumental album by Scott Walker.
Arf!
I didn’t ‘get’ Aphex Twin until my first MRI. I think Richard James must have had an MRI as a teenager.
Consumed by Plastikman gives me that same vibe. Richie Hawtin must have had all the types of scan. It’s a great album, if you’re in the mood…
The Fuck Buttons were prime providers of peak MRI!
I advise people to take Black Sabbath. Works for all ages up to late eighties!
I’d rather be stuck fast with no hope of escape in the tiniest tunnel three miles underground than listen to Black Sabbath. Have mercy, dear lord.
@Locust Thanks 🙏
I had an MRI scan a couple of years ago – it sounded like a Faust Lp.
Fantastic writing Niall, as always.
All the very best.
@Hot-Cider Thank you 🙏
This is a must read. Really good.
@Vincent Thank you 🙏
Vivid, personal, humane, profoundly well observed. Outstanding work.
@Vulpes-Vulpes Thank you, my friend. Your support is always so lovely.
Niall you gave written some very good stuff on this site for years. I don’t think anything has beaten this – absolutely superb.
I agree. The most engaging writing I’ve read here.
Excellent stuff Niall. Every extremity crossed for you.
@Twang, thank you, my friend.