Well I'm sitting in bed back in Portland hospital, and whenever I look up I see more of the lovely Portland harbour vista before me. How nice! That is not to say I haven't appreciated being at close proximity to the specialist care in Melbourne, and particularly the loving ministrations of siblings, Simon & Caitlin, and chaplaincy support.
Yesterday was transfer day, and a long day it was too.
It began early in the morning with the news that an ambulance was not yet organised so probably wouldn't happen. Grrr. Before long the news changed again and I was informed that I would leave at 1pm, bound for Portland - approx a 5-hour journey with a minor detour to pick up another patient from the Royal Melbourne hospital to drop off at Geelong.
In due course, two lovely, caring ambo ladies arrived and I was strapped into the ambulance, and off we set - one lady at the wheel, one poor soul with a terribly tickly cough most of the journey, and one stirring around with reflux, and a full bladder (guess which was me?)
So off to the RM hospital.
This is where the plan changed, as the transfers from hospital to ambulance never only take a few minutes - and each end extended the trip by an extra hour. The 5-hour trip to Portland had now blown out to 7 hours.
But as this prospect was getting more daunting to me by the minute, a most unexpected intervention occurred. The gentleman patient beside me began to chat and we exchanged our personal stories. All I know is that he is Lindsey from Grovedale, a Christian, and I wouldn't know him by sight as I didn't even see his face. During the ambo journey we began to pray - hands clasped beside each other - and there was a great sense of peace over the ambulance.
One of the ambo girls turned around and said, "Oh that was so lovely" - and it was too! I will never see this man again, but what a blessing to share such an intimate moment!
After the 7-hours I finally arrived in Portland at 8pm, and what a welcome to smell the sea air, and to relax into the familiar kindness of the local staff (not to mention relieve an aching bladder!)
Today has been spent seeing all the local specialists, the pharmacist, my oncologist and the like, and I have been happy to relax and do very little. My back is a bit sore (hardly surprising) but also because I am now off all the heavier medications. I'm glad to be off them, though I certainly acknowledge their role in pain management.
Brian too is happy to be home - getting back to normal things in the house, washing the car, shopping and visiting his dear wife!
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