My Macmillan Nurse saved my life when I was admitted to hospital due to phenytoin toxicity. This was a full year after my initial grand mal seizure and subsequent brain tumour diagnosis. I credit Billy Joel with saving me at this time too, partly because it’s true and partly because it makes a crackin’ true story!
So Macmillan and Billy Joel saved my life in 2018. But many others had already saved it the previous year when my brain tumour so suddenly and violently made its presence known. Along with my wonderful husband, who continues to save my life every day, my gorgeous grown up son, my amazing sister, and too many friends and colleagues to name, there were many medical professionals who will never be forgotten.
The first Medical Consultant I came across was an amazing man I met upon my first admission to hospital, the night of my grand mal. He admitted me into his ward, setting me up in my own private side room, and ensuring I got the best of care from his incredible team. By the time I was admitted again a year later, he had retired. The rest of the team in ‘my’ ward remained much the same so I received the same loving care, but I often think about that gentleman who first took me into their care.
Recently I have been thinking about him more and more. As Covid restrictions ease, we have been looking to the future. That future includes the official opening of our Riverbank Relatives Room in the hospital. We were all set to open it when Covid struck, causing us to put plans on hold. The room is in use and an event around opening is far less important, but it’ll be wonderful to have an official opening as a thank you to everyone who’s played a part in keeping me well, and all the wonderful friends who donated time, energy and their hard earned cash to make the project possible.
So I have been thinking about that first Consultant who dealt with me. He wasn’t supposed to be on duty that night, but came in when he heard about my case. He kept me safe and I’ll always remember his professionalism, but even more so, his kindness. I had been hoping the hospital had contact details for him because it wouldn’t feel right opening the Riverbank Room without him there.
You can imagine my surprise, and complete joy, when I was doing my supermarket shop this morning and saw my wonderful Consultant just ahead of me in an aisle! I approached him and he turned towards me. Despite our face masks, I could see the recognition light up his eyes. Initially he thought I was my sister and it became apparent he didn’t expect me to still be alive! He was visibly surprised and delighted and complimented me on looking so well. We had a brief chat and I was able to tell him about our Riverbank Room and how I’d been wondering how I could get hold of him to invite him to attend the opening when it happens. He gave me contact information and said he’d be delighted and honoured to attend.
I haven’t had one of those joyous, serendipitous moments for a while and it took me right back to the start of this crazy journey, when such serendipities seemed almost commonplace.
I managed to more or less hold back the tears until we got out of Sainsbury’s and thankfully hubby was there to give me a hug.
Overwhelming yet wonderful. I’m simply overjoyed. The world is full of wonderful people and it seems they can’t get away from me!!
Living with.... xx
