Sooner or Later

My apologies for the delay since my last post however as flagged in my first post, unexpected circumstances pop up and slow things down.

Total Brain Radiation

So while we awaited the results of the lung tumour biopsy, I was also referred to a brain oncologist for a consultation.  Sister Sue (RN) had the day off and offered to meet me at Princess Margaret Hospital as a second pair of ears. The consultant’s advice was to start five consecutive days of reasonably low dose radiation in order to halt the growth of the ten or so small tumours in my brain. There were a variety of potential side effects flagged including losing my hair, but they did not seem to outweigh the option of doing nothing.

With the call made to proceed, they quickly (this was Thursday!) set up the treatments to start on Saturday. First, however, they needed to create a mask moulded to my face to which would keep my head locked in place during the treatment. Luckily they were able to do this while we waited.

Now the bureaucratic part started LOL. I had been transported to TWH to PMH by a transfer ambulance while my sister met me there. I was dropped off in time for my 9:30 am consultation and by the time we completed everything it was just before noon. Reporting back to the transportation coordinator we were told my return was booked for 4:30 pm.  Nobody wants to sit around in a hospital doing nothing for another 4+ hours so my sister noted she was an RN and asked if she could just drive me the 10 MINUTE drive to TWH. Apparently, this was a highly unusual request and took almost 30 minutes to get a doctor’s approval/release…sigh.

Treatments

The five treatments were virtually identical: transfer ambulance staff pick you up from TWH, and take you to the treatment room in the second basement level at PMH. (While their vehicles had little suspension, the attendants were all very friendly and attentive!) When the six-inch doors to the treatment room opened, the low lighting, soothing music, palm tree wallpaper, and fake window of a beach scene, were clearly meant to make this a relaxing experience lol.  You are transferred onto the radiation table, had your radiation mask locked to it, and then listened for the chimes to signal the count down as the technician slipped out and the door slid shut – the same Westminister chime used in the Old City Hall clock tower opposite our offices at 401 Bay St LOL

The machine whirs around your head for about ten minutes and then you’re done! And they pack you back up and return you to Toronto Western.

Sacrifice

One afternoon during these treatments, I was reading my book while a member of the housekeeping staff was changing the bedding on my roommate’s bed. When she was done, she asked if I wanted mine changed too and I gladly accepted.  I stood back out of the way as she quickly stripped the sheets and replaced them. The bottom sheet was fitted but the top sheet required what both my mother and the military had taught me were “hospital corners” and when the Filipino-born housekeeper started to make the folds, I chuckled and said out loud “ahhh…..hospital corners.”

She smiled and told me that 16 years ago when she first arrived in Canada, she had no idea what “hospital corners” were because in the Philipines she didn’t have a bed per see – just mats on the floor. She mentioned a son who was just 6 years old when she came to Canada and how it had taken 5 years to bring him over as well.  All before the era of instant text messaging and video calling. I couldn’t help but be moved by her story which she shared without any bitterness – if anything with appreciation.