Wed. 23rd Dec. 2009 'Snow, Stress & Surgery'

Somehow things seem to have got very complicated this week. I booked my 'Christmas' surgery for today not realising Graham would be out working (singing) and unable to pick me up. Thankfully Pat & Michael stepped in and kindly offered to come for me. The weather hasn't helped, it's been extremely cold and snowy with the possibility of more to come and so I'm stressing about the operation, the Christmas arrangements and getting to Ruth and Gordon's in Ilkley tomorrow!

Arrived at the hospital around 12 noon and after the usual checks & info, walked down to theatre about 2p.m. I agreed nervously to have a general anaesthetic as Mr MJ says there's a little too much to do just under a local.

I did try to warn the anaesthetist (a pretty very young Asian lady) that she may have difficulty finding a decent vein in my hand, but I don't think she was really listening, so I had to endure a couple of failed attempts before commenting that chemotherapy had left m veins a bit like 'old knicker elastic'. Now, the rather burly tattooed assistant who was applying pressure to my lower arm, laughed out loud, but it was obvious that my joke had been lost on her. Fortunately, and to avoid having to scrape me off the ceiling, it was then decided to put a small cannula in for the purposes of getting me off to sleep and then add another one in theatre.

The next thing I remember (which only ever feels like seconds) is waking up, well, trying to. I was really sleepy this time and I kept hearing the nurse say my name, but couldn't be bothered to come round. At 6p.m. I was wheeled back to the ward in a morphine induced dream state, where only the mention of 'staying overnight' really woke me up. The nurse said it could be 9p.m. before I was fit enough to be discharged and I would need to be able to drink and eat something without 'chucking up' . I was beginning to panic, when Pat & Michael appeared at the door and I planned my escape. Two rounds of toast later (only one of which I actually ate) it was decided that I would be able to go home with them - hurrah!

I'd like to say we made a hasty exit, but the truth is I was having to really concentrate on walking in a straight line, like some kind of drunk person. Judging by the looks I got from people as we made our way out, I'm guessing I didn't look too good either!

We made it safely home (in a blizzard) and I am eternally grateful to Sissy Pat & Michael for their love and help. I was making my way back from a toilet visit when Graham came upstairs, he looked at me and said 'oh shit', which I think was a comment on my very white face, so I just curled up in bed and went to sleep - tomorrow's another day, in fact, it's Christmas Eve!