Page 136 - She's One Crazy Lady!

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It felt so go“
Dad, for Dad thought he was in hospital and, several times, we had to stop him climbing into my bed. Mum, who’s eyesight was sadly deteriorating, then pulled out my drain when her walking stick became entangled with the tubes, hugging me as she stood to leave. She was mortified! Margaret Paragreen also came to see me and presented me with my ‘softie’ – which I never wore. I remembered my Bosom Pal, now affectionately dubbed: ‘Margaret 86’, as I knew a lot of Margarets.
od to get dressed and be out in the fresh air, even if I had to carry my drain bag with e.
On the Sunday, prior to leaving on the Monday I was allowed ‘out’. My relatives were still here, and a family lunch had been organised at my eldest sister’s house. Could I go? Yes, as long as I was ‘home’ by mid-afternoon and didn’t come back tipsy! I left a note on my pillow: “Out for lunch – back soon – sober!” It felt so good to get dressed and be out in the fresh air, even if I had to carry my drain bag with me. It was also a treat to enjoy a home-cooked meal which, sadly, I regretted later, as all the excitement had raised my temperature so going home may have had to wait. Thankfully, I was deemed fit to go and could have hugged Mr Stewart when he said as much. I could not have asked for better care and I had got to know the nurses very well. There were many hugs when I finally left, with Marilyn showing me an even bigger pile of car parking tickets!!
Little did I know how the staff who cared for me would all play such a big part in my next life.
m”
One example:
In May 2006, I received a letter:
“Dear Glennis
I just wanted to write and thank you and all your team for all that you are doing for breast cancer in this area, especially at Kettering General Hospital.
I don’t suppose that you will remember me, but we met a few years ago when you were first diagnosed with breast cancer. I work in the reception area of the theatres in KGH and ‘checked’ you in when you came for your operations. I remember you telling me about your new job as a headteacher that you were looking forward to and commiserating with you about the delay your operation would cause. And then you had to come back to theatre and cope with all that meant.
I remember you launching the