Home, Sweet Home Wednesday evening

Back in my own cosy little place in the Gong. My brother, Scott, collected me from the hospital yesterday, we had a very smooth ride and were at home well before lunch time.

The wonderful Roslyn had been to the shops and the place is well stocked.

So yesterday afternoon and today have been quiet, with wonderful friends coming to help with meals etc.

I return to see the surgeon on 19 July - in the meantime - rest and recouperate.

Terrie 6.30pm

Monday evening - last entry from hospital bed

Confirmed today that I can go home tomorrow. Yippee! Clips from my surgical wound will be removed in the morning and then I can shower and be off. My little home beckons. Apparently it is extremely cold outside (nice here in the hospital). It will be nice to be out in the fresh air and I'll be rugged up to get to and from the car.

Today is my daughter's 40th birthday, so I've had a lovely chat with her on Skype - me in my hospital bed and she in her home in Durban, South Africa. She is off to one of the World Cup Soccer games later today. They are enjoying the festival atmosphere of the tournament and are tolerant of the vuvuzela trumpets that are an integral part of the African experience. The children love them, but are only allowed to play them outside the house.

So............ it's farewell and thanks to St George Private Hospital and its caring staff. It's my second time here and some of the staff remembered me from last time - I don't really want to become a regular.

Thanks to my friends who take the time to read my news and those who make a comment here or by email, sms, phone call or visit. Friends are the family you choose for yourself - I have a most wonderful extended family.

Next entry here will be made from the Gong

Terrie 7pm

Sunday evening

Well, today has been another good day. Feeling even better and more agile. The physiotherapist even took me up and down two flights of the fire stairs and gave me the tick of approval. So, Day 2 has been great.

Surgeon's visit resulted in another cryptic message about departure. It won't be tomorrow, as the clips holding the wound won't be removed until Tuesday morning, sooooo... maybe I can go after they've been taken out. Hoping to be home by Tuesday night.

Tomorrow night the surgeon is making a presentation to staff here about a peritonectomy (that's my op!). I wonder if he's ever had a patient sit in the back row :)

My stalwart friend, Roslyn, has returned to her own home today. She has been an absolute gem and made this experience as comfortable and hassle-free as it could have been. She has been staying in Sydney at a hostel adjacent to the hospital and has appeared with her cheery smile, offers and suggestions of help, stimulating company, quiet company and necessary errands - on a daily basis. It's hard to express the level of gratitude I feel. I can only say that I hope that each of you has at least one friend such as Roslyn.

Thanks, Ros XX

Terrie 7pm

Saturday evening

Wow! Today feels as though it could be Day 1 - where have I been for the past week? - under some kind of fog trying to find my way out.

Today the fog has lifted and I really am feeling human again - along with all the associated aches and pains.

The surgeon came in today and, in his inimitable style, hinted that I might go home on Monday. His parting words were "no promises". I guess I need to feel this good - and more - again tomorrow and the exit strategy and timetable will evolve :)

And now for the news, the rugby test and the partial eclipse of the moon

Terrie 7pm

Friday evening

Hi to you all
Terrie is dictating from the comfort of her hospital bed. She has been on a long excursion to the pantry this morning where she discovered the delights of the hospital fridge - she is feeling like food now, which is a wonderful step forward.

Now her words are:-

"What could beat the excitement of yesterday's events ?? - REAL FOOD - including almond coated, custard filled croissant for morning tea and a chocolate cup-cake with happy face on the icing for afternoon tea.

No longer have drips and drain. Independent showering and visits from lovely friends - that's the formula for a better day than yesterday".

Terrie 6.45pm - just in time for the News.

Thursday evening

Aussie politicians performing at home to elect our first female Prime Minister, Aussie sportsmen performing admirably on the world stage of soccer and tennis - all systems go! and the same goes here at St. George Private Hospital.

My system is now performing as it should and the threat of CT scan and more surgery has abated.

Been walking around the ward - gingerly - sitting up for extended time - and generally feeling better.

It's now time to settle down to the TV to watch the wash-up of the history-making, political activity in Canberra today.

Terrie 8.30pm

Wednesday afternoon

Hi all,
Here she is looking better this afternoon.
Roslyn

One step forward and two steps back - Wednesday 23 June

Hi! Terrie here now.

Have just read the chirpy messages that Roslyn posted below. And they were so accurate. Once I was out of ICU and back in the ward I think that the adrenalin outstripped all other drugs - natural or otherwise.

Yesterday afternoon I fell in a heap and have been 'disciplined' by having the clear fluid privileges taken away. So, it's back to sipping ice only and to a drip to deliver the goodies my system needs.

The Prof says that this will remain the case for the next 24 hours and if nothing changes, I will have to have a CT scan of my abdomen to see what's causing the bile to come up and the wind 'not to pass'.

Hmmm. Hoping to feel some positive changes during that time.

Terrie 8.27am Wednesday 23 June.

Sunday 20th June; 8.30pm

Terrie is looking great today.

Back in her ward bed, sitting up; her joyous smile showing her pleasure at the best outcome for this surgery.

Today she has been chatty, cheerful and handing out instructions - that's how well she is !!!!

Although I know she wants a good sleep and is waiting for the time when she can EAT.

Dont know how long she will be in hospital - visitors welcome.

Roslyn

Saturday 19 June 2010, 2.30pm

Terrie's surgery is over,
Tumour removed
No other cancers found
She will be a very happy woman

She is now resting very quietly in Intensive Care

Will let you know when she is back in the ward when visitors can come a'calling.

Update tomorrow.

And thanks to all for your heartfelt messages of love, concern and encouragement for Terrie.

Terrie, looks like you have done it again, you little trouper!

Roslyn

Friday 18th June - 6pm

Hi,. this is Roslyn and Tim and I have just booked into St George Private Hospital - with Terrie decked out in glorious nighty and the famous TB knitted socks.

She is on 'light fluids' and loving it.

Operation wont be till about noon tomorrow (Saturday)

Yay! Here they are. Zeke and Willow - vuvuzela players extraordinaire :)

Weddings and funerals are on hold from today for..................... not sure how long. Hopefully not for too long. I'm about to close up my little place and set off for the hospital. My son, Tim, is arriving from the Gold Coast to be with his mother over the weekend. He will take me to check in to the hospital and stay with me while surgeon and anaesthetist visit and give me the low down on the procedures. Then he will be around tomorrow to talk to the surgeon after the op. As will my friend, Ros, who will then post an entry to this blog so that family and friends who are spread far and wide around the world can be informed.

The hospital called to let me know that wireless internet is available and to tell me to bring my laptop with me. How did they know I'd feel bereft without it? :) So there will probably be another entry tonight after those visits - with the VERY latest detail - if you're interested.

For a bit of colour I have included a photo of my two South African-resident grandchildren, blowing their vuvuzelas - only allowed outside the house! Well.... I couldn't make it work - so no pic. But I'll keep trying.

It's Friday June 11th - one week before I report to St. George Private Hospital in preparation for surgery the following morning. This week has been spent getting lots of things done that need to be out of the way so I don't have to worry about them while I'm out of action. A broken tooth had to be repaired and an inflamed thumb had to be splinted - things that always pop up at the most inconvenient time.

I've spent the last two days cooking! Now you mustn't laugh :). I have a reputation for not liking to cook and avoiding it at all costs. Well....... there are some times when it just must be done. And I actually CAN do it, I just choose not to. I've been making soups and casseroles that can be frozen to be consumed when I return from the hospital - and that's when I REALLY won't want to be cooking. I really have enjoyed the process - the recipes and the shopping, the measuring, slicing and chopping, the delicious aromas in my kitchen, the tasting process and the satisfaction of labelling the plastic containers with the name of the dish and the date it was prepared. Even the pile of washing up afterwards gave me a sense of satisfaction. I'm easily pleased these days!

And the full freezer :)

Next week will include a visit to Dr Chen to have acupuncture which will help my body deal with the surgical assault.

Thank you to those of you who have been reading my messages here and commenting through the blog or sending me email and telephone messages of support. It's so great to hear from you and to feel your love and frienship.

While I'm in hospital my friend, Roslyn, has offered to post entries onto the blog to keep readers updated on my status. Her entries will look as though I've made them, but she'll sign off as Roslyn - to make things clear.

Once I'm up to it I'll take over entering the posts. Keep watching..............

Surgery date

Well, it's not Wednesday yet, but I already know the next step.

The surgeon phoned me this morning to say that he had spoken to the 'needle biopsy doctor' and there was nothing to worry about in my chest. So, he said, we should just get on and do the surgery to remove the abdominal tumour.

I check into St. George Private Hospital on the afternoon of 18 June and will have the surgery first thing on Saturday 19 June.

Two weeks to psych myself up.