A day to remember

Friday, October 28, 2011 8:24 PM, BST
This blog has always been focussed on Fabian’s journey, but I’ll also cover other family matters and today, that is to tell you about Lydia’s surgery. I have to confess the last 48 hours have been entirely forgettable – and I wasn’t the one having surgery! We had a 6.30am start on the day of her operation to check in to pre admission at the Royal Marsden, Fulham, a rather imposing building, set incongruously amongst the fashion shops of Chelsea. We had a brief discussion with the surgical team about the procedure before Lydia donned the somewhat unfashionable theatre gown (one size fits all!) and did her make-up (no, not really). The op was planned for early afternoon so I hot-footed back home in order to collect Fabian where he was due to be at the sister hospital in Sutton. This entirely confused my satnav, not knowing which Marsden destination applied. There was the usual welcome for him on arrival; cook Jacquie with the menu, nurse Tania to do the obs and a doctor looking important. Oli had agreed (coerced!) to be on duty and I was able to head back to Chelsea, hoping not to miss Lydia coming out of recovery. However, she was held there a few hours longer than anticipated so I got a parking ticket instead. Those of you who have undergone a full anaesthetic and surgery will be only too aware that one never looks one’s best immediately post-op. Still, it was very upsetting to see my dearest in such a poorly condition and my usual stoicism somewhat failed me. The operation, though had gone as well as expected and the Sweeney Todd-sized gash she had feared was thankfully a small(ish) incision which we are assured will blend in with the natural skin folds. Results of the biopsy are due in a week and we remain confident this will prove to be benign. That night for her on the ward could best be described as a ‘Night at the Museum’ with all the groans, cries and comings and going. Thankfully, the doctors gave the all clear today so half the family are now back at home, figuring out the care rota for next week. Apparently I still have a job to do, and even a looming Ofsted inspection for which I must prepare. Thank you to the many who have sent us messages of encouragement at this time. “Those who are for us are greater than those who are against us”.