Page 212 - She's One Crazy Lady!

212
the wor“
Moving on ...
With a date set for February 2003 I decided to have a ‘Pre-Recon- struction Party’ at my house, just three days before going in – my sister calling it a ‘Resurrection Party’. With close friends and family together, it was a really good, upbeat evening, with several men making cheeky comments, joking about how I would become a ‘new woman’ etc. Some wished I didn’t have to go to Leicester because of their work commitments; Dave and Dusty reminding me that just twelve months ago, I was rushed into Northampton hospital with life-threatening neutropenia. I remembered it well, but still wasn’t deterred. There were lots of hugs, kisses and good wishes that night.
ds “High Dependency Unit” above the door. I shall always remember the look on Liz’s
“Well, Glennis. This is what you’ve been waiting for, there’s no turning back now. Go for it girl! I’m with you all the way!” (Julie)
Diary Extract: February 2nd 2003
...decided to ring Denise, a little knot having formed in my stomach. I had a few more niggling questions to ask her. I wanted to know what to expect immediately after the operation. She said I would be in a room on my own, unable to move for a day or two; there would be a lot of tubes coming out of me as well as drains. Once these had been removed I would gradually be allowed to get up, probably 2-3 days after the op. I asked about bed pans and commodes! Yes, I would be using those. (Memories!!!) Again, she reiterated how wonderful all the staff were in the Unit and spoke about how they would be keeping constant checks on me from the minute I finished in theatre to see if the new boob was functioning as it should be. I needed to know these things – they were important to me. Denise asked me a question:
“Are you OK?” I knew what she meant and yes, I was OK.”
The night before my admission was manic. I’d left too much to the last minute, my concentration powers were all over the place and the phone never stopped with everyone wishing me well and asking the same question as Denise. I was cursing the dozens of pairs of pyjamas I had bought, that I had washed and that now needed ironing! My car had been securely locked away in Mum’s garage and my car keys hidden! Liz (tennis friend) had very kindly offered to drive me the following morning.
With my large suitcase packed to the rim with everything I could think of, we walked through the hospital and found the Kinmonth Unit that would be my home for a few days – the words “High Dependency Unit” above the door. I shall always remember the look on Liz’s face.
“You don’t have to do this, you know. It’s not too late.”
We hugged – Liz left.
I was on my own now.
‘Chris’ introduced himself saying it was his first day on the Unit. He
talked me through what would happen for the rest of the day and gave me a thorough examination before taking bloods, listening to my heart and lungs and sending me off for even more tests. I liked him – he was
fa”
ce.