Wednesday, June 13, 2012

The Journey Continued with Good News!


Breaking News!
June 13th Wednesday....
The Surgeon gave me a clear bill of health after the surgery, now off to Oncology to set up Radiation treatments. All seems to be going well!


How we got here:

May 30th: The Pre-Op
Arrived  at the hospital around 8 30a.m. with my large white envelope and a form of Passport with details to help us go through step by step.
A nurse called within ten minutes for assessments which is basically going through the do's and don'ts after surgery and leaflets galore to read about exercise and rest clothes to wear that would be comfortable and a little pillow to go under my arm for comfort when riding in the car, I came out with my leaflets etc and was told to wait to be called for a blood test, out again called in to another nurse who sat both of us down to tell us about how the surgery would work out and how long while we asked a few questions that took a few minutes and details to be in the computer very quickly before the service went down! after that an ECG and a chat with the anaesthetist, he was very kind and went through that with me as it would be the first time I had to deal with an actual operation.
When all was done I had to fast from 12 midnight no drink or eating after that time.

May 31st: The Operation
As you might imagine we were up up by 4 30a.m. and on the road soon after to get to the hospital at 6 a.m. with a choice of parking ! wonderful.
We were amazed to see a tired looking receptionist was in the office having almost finished her shift she managed a smile and took details and putting on my identity bracelet .
We arrive on the second floor just before 6 a.m. already a few tired looking patients waiting to check in with the nurse at the station who had just arrived. My name was called and we were sent to the change room. I bundled my day clothes into a bag gave it to John, the nurse was right by our side with a wheelchair and I bundled up with nice warm blankets, some waiting time and finding a porter I was on a trip through the hospital the porter wheeling me and John trotting behind trying to keep up! We were at a good pace  through many corridors, up and down elevators over a bridge and into the area for prep a form of cream over the area where the lump was and two small injections then ultra sound and off to have a wire inserted to show the surgeon exactly the right spot a partial mammogram to make sure everything was in place. Before I knew it I was sitting back in the wheelchair and suggesting to John a rest at home would be a good idea as I would be getting on with business and not available till around 3 p.m.!

After waiting a little while a porter was found and this time it was almost a race to get back to the operating room, passing by Druxy's the aroma was incredible I could have eaten anything and certainly wanted to drink something I was so dry.
Destination and arrival we were 20 minutes late! The doors opened and before I had chance to say good morning I was on a movie set of ER huge lights above the table I was prepped one person on one side of my arm and another on the other side both very busy, before I realized it a mask came up to mouth "this was it" take two deep breathes Barbara was all I heard! Next thing I could hear someone calling my name and found I was in post op coming out of a dream with at least 6 or so other patients all in varying states of confusion! WOW it was over and within minutes I was being wheeled out to see two faces looking at me  relieved with a little smile to greet me it was John and Lisa!
In less than an hour I was feeling a bit wobbly but ready to go home lots of tissues in hand and dressed  wheeled out at a good speed while John was bringing around the car. Can't remember how I got in the car and home.
All I knew was feeling very Grateful that I was able to get on the couch and have a snooze to regain my senses.

That was all done by 31st May!  the Month my family dreaded,but, I think I have broken the ties to that one.
Hopefully this coming week the Doctor will give me a clean bill of health topping the whole process off with three weeks of radiation which should keep any problems cropping up in the near future.

The Book that inspired!
I feel genuinely blessed and happy having the opportunity to spend time realizing how lucky I am.  Knowing how much our blended families and  friends have helped us through the Month of May. and sending so many positive thoughts  our way.
It really works ! I believe that with all my heart.

To: South lake Hospital, Newmarket  Ont.

I feel very Grateful, the whole experience looking back has been a top team looking after many patients, doing an excellent job.
The staff from surgeons, nurses, porters and Volunteers  somehow have the ability to have time to reassure patients and make them comfortable as possible while working at top speed!

Amazing !!    Thank you, from   Barbara Bradbury and my team!

2 comments:

  1. So glad you are okay and it is all over. i just said to Mike this morning I must write to John and Barbara to see how it is going . Having you write this means I don't have to worry anymore.I'm ama zed you could remember it all in so much detail.
    keep those positive thoughts going. ou'll soon be painting again.

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