THE DEMISE OF DOTTY ... AND THE WEEK SINCE

As if my 'vampire' experience of Tuesday morning wasn't enough, word filtered through that 44 Hospitals and Medical Centres in Victoria had had their IT hacked, yes Central Gippsland was one, yet the thought hadn't crossed my mind that my surgery could be delayed until Rob called after work to check and wish me well for Wednesday, as I hadn't had any message we assumed all was going to plan. Elaine arrived and we enjoyed Singapore Noodle takeaway washed down with a glass of red (just a small one for me). A cup of tea and a Tim Tam at 10.30 then off to bed. Wednesday dawned a beautiful sunny spring morning, Elaine & I met Heather at the hospital at 7.30 - first stop Admission, then round to Radiology & Nuclear Medicine where I was booked in for 8am for the first procedure - I'd been warned some women, in fact many women, found this to be the most painful and uncomfortable of the whole surgery as no local anaesthetic can be used. Out of my clothes and into the haute couture blue hospital gown with the help of my entourage! Heather sat beside me holding my hand and YES it was painful a thousand times more painful than childbirth but only for about 15 seconds twice - yet to my credit I only said SHIT and FAR OUT FRUITLOOPS - though I think Heather probably wanted to say more as I crushed her hand! Then the wait … you may feel a stinging sensation which some have likened to vinegar slowing going through your boob I'd been told and this process may take up to 90 mins and sometimes even longer …. Heather found some relaxation music for me to focus on, after about 10 minutes I felt a slightly warm sensation but nothing uncomfortable and voila after 30 minutes the radioactive material had located three sentinel nodes - a few 'photos' and a couple of trips in and out the tunnel and stage one was done and dusted EARLY … thanks to the lovely Leesha who helped make this experience as pleasant as possible. A short wait which included a visit from Marg Centra my McGrath breast cancer nurse and then on to Step 2 the insertion of a fine wire hook guided by ultra sound - this time local anaesthetic is used so there is no pain, I almost went to sleep lying there but for the comic repertoire between Dr, Nurses, Radiographer and my support crew. Step 3 a gentle mammogram to ensure the hook was in the correct position to guide Mr Strauss. Step 4 off to Day procedure, by now I was feeling hungry and thirsty and that couple of mouthfuls of water with my pre op meds was heaven - it was here I had a 'melt down' the nerves really hit and I couldn't say my name and date of birth even thought I'd parroted them off at least ten times during the day .. Sue the nurse assigned to me walked off giving me time to settle down and regain my composure once more, on with those sexy white stockings and at 11.11am I was wheeled off to theatre … I remember glimpses of sunlight streaming through the windows along the passage, I recall Mr Strauss inserting the canula into my hand, Nicky's calming voice as she sent me off to sleep … I've a vague recollection of waking in recovery, Heather was there holding my hand once more and apparently the nurse with me was also Heather - no recollection of the trip from recovery to ward though. Once in the ward it hit me - I'm still alive and Dotty is gone - onwards and upwards with recovery now. Time for a lovely warm sponge bath and discover why my legs were 'pumping' I was fortunate to have a DVT Prevention: Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Device on them. Elaine had gone home and brought Bill into the hospital so he was there when I reached the ward - it had been a long day for him waiting although Heather kept him informed as each step was completed. Dinner came - even though hungry I couldn't face the creamy chicken soup or sandwiches and the inner child came out in me as I devoured the jelly and ice-cream!!! The best ice-cream I've tasted for a long time and its gluten free. Rob, Shell & Lilly called in bringing me my favourite tea bags as I'd forgotten to pack them - yeah I know I'm fussy! Then it was walkies time - (only to the bathroom) - my two nurses Mary and Ash had obviously never drunk several blue cruisers or blue lagoons in one session as they were fascinated by my blue wee (product of the blue dye injected during surgery which highlights the sentinel nodes to be removed - my skin colour was also slightly grey blue). Cheese and crackers and a cup of tea for supper and I was ready to settle down for a sleep … woken at 11pm for observations .. woken again at 4.45 when a new patient was admitted to the ward Hannah the night nurse sat and chatted with me for a while - then next I knew it was breakfast time. The lovely Learne was back on duty and understood my whacky sense of humour when I asked to be released from my shackles to use the bathroom. Mr Strauss did his rounds shortly after 8am and was very pleased with my progress - only painkillers I'd needed had been Panadol and was happy for me to be discharged later in the morning once I'd been seen by a physio and given a set of exercises - which for the first week are some of what we do on Tuesdays hydro exercise class. Elaine went home just prior to lunch and the rest of the day is a bit of a blur - think I slept for a lot of the afternoon. Lindie called in with flowers and Heather called in after work. Friday - another year older! Kath called in for coffee and stayed for lunch as Lindie had brought hot chips, gravy and fresh bread rolls plus a white chocolate mud cake - best foster daughter ever! Relaxed afternoon catching up on some TV - I managed to have a shower in the morning and wash my hair left handed - sat on bed with head down to blow dry (no styling though) amazing how we women can improvise when necessity deems so! Family dinner of Thai take-away and chocolate birthday cake complete with candles was delicious and I received some lovely gifts and was spared the traditional 'lets hang shit on Grandma'. Lilly bought us some beautiful hand made placemats home from Vietnam - gorgeous bright colours. Today I managed to put on my bra which meant less pain. Sleeping partially propped up is most comfortable with the under arm cushion in place (thanks to the lovely volunteers who make and donate these cushions) Saturday saw a visit from Julie and Maddie with Mac and Mia - flowers, a beautiful T2 Teapot and one of Julies beautiful birthday cakes. Once Mia was asleep I was able to nurse her left handed. Heather and Chicken called in on their way to SFC presentation night, Heather looked stunning in the outfit we chose last weekend. Physically I had a really 'off day' I think it was a combination of the operation, Thai food and anti inflamatories which saw me spend quite a large portion of the day in the bathroom. Sunday I woke feeling a lot better - still a few rumbles from the tummy. We spent a lot of the day watching a Netflix series - all 8 episodes (not all at once though) Cold wind outdoors so decided not to go for a walk. Monday walked up to Fitzroy Street and back - just a very brief walk. Heather called in for cake - sent some home with her for Chicken and also her boss Aaron who has been so generous in allowing her time off to be with me - Shell also called round and I sent cake home with her for Rob and Lilly. Today Tuesday - still ten days to go before the sentinel node biopsy results and my dressings are removed. Keeping the positive vibes going - they result will be negative, Dotty has not sent her offspring to any other part of my body. Bill has been amazing - the cared for one is now caring for the carer! - a cup of tea in bed each morning, leg massages before I put the TEDS back on after a shower. I've needed no pain killers since Saturday lunchtime - sure there's some discomfort each morning when I get out of bed and gravity hits but not for long. Two parcels arrived today - new Doona cover from my Queensland family and book and card from Rachel and Kris (what Rach had written brought tears to my eyes). Throughout my journey thus far I've been blessed with so much support and love from my family and friends, I'm so proud of the strength Heather has shown especially when last Wednesday was not only a tough day for me but for both her and Elaine.