On to Richmond...

Steph and family arrived Monday night, 11/21 for love, support and to celebrate Thanksgiving together.  My biopsy was scheduled for Tuesday in Richmond and Steph was driving me up.  Just as the GPS had us turn into St. Mary's Hospital and my pain pill was wearing off, Steph suddenly said after miles of putting up with cramps, "I'm going to pass out."  In my panic I called Chuck to apprise him of our situation which only served to make him more nervous since he remembered my state when last seen.   I took over driving us across the street to the valet parking and we both tumbled out failing to leave the valet fellow the keys!  We knew it was the beginning of "a day" (not good or bad , just a day...).  We staggered into the main hospital entrance, Steph wandered off to locate her own pain meds and I searched for a chair since the 6 in the lobby were already occupied.  I ended up in Admitting, gave them my name and next thing I knew, was being admitted to the hospital.

 A review of my doctor's letter indicated I was supposed to go to his office first and was not really ready to be admitted to the hospital.  So, our next adventure became trying to find the doctor's office which was supposedly on the 7th floor, but a trip there ended at Ambulatory Care--a beautiful, quiet, peaceful location--a far cry from our true destination at Suite 706 in the North Building adjacent to the hospital.  When I realized we had to go to a completely different building (the letter's instructions made absolutely no sense as far as I was concerned), I threw up my hands and refused to walk any further! The Ambulatory Care floor had a wonderful volunteer service so a wheelchair was ordered and away we went on a lovely tour past the coffee bar and gift shop all decorated for the holidays.  Our volunteer driver was quite gracious and fortunately knew exactly where she was going.

But, oh horror, upon opening the door to Suite 706 and Dr. Monroe's office, we wanted to be transported back to the oasis that was Ambulatory Care since all we saw was standing room only.  So many people in one small spot--unbelieveable! We were advised they did not have the referral from Anthem (which I had confirmed the day before) so I ordered Steph to move a chair outside the waiting room, and set up my command post.  Armed with my trusty cell phone, which fortunatately had all needed numbers, we soon had a faxed copy to the doctor. After an hour wait, we finally saw the doctor.  The doctor's exam revealed several things including a "biohazard sticker" on the outside of my shirt--where did that come from?!

Meeting with Dr. Monroe gave me more confidence that the proper stint could be implanted and that he could also do the biopsy at the same time.  I still have the sense of being wheeled into a supply closet to have both of these very important procedures performed! I was next taken into a recovery "closet" or so it seemed the room was so small and had great after care that night and next day.  Steph was there, but fortuntately, Shannon was too since Steph could not stay in the small space and Shannon just lives across the street from the hospital.  Kathy came over with a lovely cardinal robe which I remember through a haze; but even through a haze cardinals bring peace and love.  I felt wrapped in both that night.

Woke up Wednesday morning to the nurse saying, "Oh, no, not a fire drill!" which was a little nerve wracking but not serious.  My nurse had a great sense of humor and apologized for not having her magic wand.  I was additionally blessed with nurse Jewell whose voice was so comforting and calm.  She went with me to have a follow-up procedure to make sure all systems were working; she made me feel so relaxed and again, at peace. The care at St. Mary's was first rate.

Discharged early that evening and home we came.  Feeling groggy, a little crabby, but mostly thankful to be going home for Thanksgiving, we drove home having survived our "day" in Richmond.

Zombie Day

I went to school on Thursday, 11/10 thinking I looked pretty spiffy with my aqua jacket, necklace and earrings, all ready to video my English class lesson of Desiree's Baby for my W&M Clinical Faculty observation lesson.  One of my student's took one look at me and said, "You look like a zombie."  The day went downhill from there!  The video went fine, but when I strolled into government class, three other students confirmed, "You look yellow, Ms. Z, are you ok?"  Friday 11/11 more people, including a teacher friend, said I looked yellow and when I saw the school nurse, she said, "Go right to your doctor!" So, I did.  That's how, at 4 pm on a Friday night I was at Riverside Hospital getting a cat scan and blood tests--all nearly impinging on my arrival at my good friend's 7 pm birthday party! Looking back on it, the whole afternoon became a running joke about me getting to the party on time.  Little did I know what was coming on Monday.

Getting started with the blog!

I have always admired the blog my sister Etta set up years ago to share her life and travels with her family and friends.  Recently as I sat in my primary care doctor's office grappling with a cat scan diagnosis of a "mass on your pancreas," it suddenly occurred to me that the time to start one was now.  I could either curl up in the corner of the doctor's office, wish it would just go away and give in to my fear and anger at what life was dealing me or get up, push on, laugh out loud and livestrong! 

So, Etta set things up and Steph is by my side with "notes" we made as we ventured up to Richmond for my biopsy and treatment. Here we go.  We did laugh a lot, amazingly!