When mom and I were at the hospital cafeteria yesterday for lunch, we met Dr. Warfen the Anesthesiologist. I told her that we were leaving for Malaysia this evening and Dr. Warfen slapped her chest and wrote “You have a special place in our hearts”. Dr. Warfen visited me in the ward the first day I was discharged from the ICU. Dr. Lekovic had told her that I was doing well and she just had to see it for herself.
When I remained nonresponsive for 24 hours after surgery, they were very concerned. Mom said I wouldn’t open my eyes and wouldn’t talk, I only knew how to pull against the restraint on my arms and tug at the drains. She thought I looked just like her mom before passing away. That gave Mom many sleepless nights.
I was in a seizure and when I started responding to stimuli again everyone was so happy and glad.
I had been given a second lease to life. Funny how that phrase was often used to describe my cause but it never rung truer till now.
When we parted I said to Dr. Warfen, “See you next surgery!”. She did not seem surprised by that very spontaneous remark from me. Dr. Warfen like any other surgical team members do not see patients for clinic consultations so the only time I get to see her is when she’s about to anesthesize me before each surgery. No matter how tough each surgery is, there will always be a next for me. Dr. Warfen who works for St. Vincent Medical Center where so many NF patients come for surgery knew that well. She has seen me through five surgeries here in L.A. since 2004.
I consider myself very fortunate to have come out of the seizure without any related neurological deficits. That is the critical stage when people might not make it but I made it.
All thanks to the doctors who made important decisions at my most critical stage.
I can now glady and confidently proclaim, “I had been given a second lease to life”.
Merry Christmas!
Good on you. I’m happy for you.
Hi Yvonne,
you feeling good enough to go home is all the Christmas present I need. Some day you’re going to have to visit here without having to spend time in the repair shop. Just come over and see some of the country for fun. Have a safe trip home.
Mark
Merry Christmas, Yvonne ! Welcome to Life!
Yvonne, I must tell you that, I read your blog almost every night! I am so glad to know that you have survived another surgery. Maybe I had a different kind of tumor and surgery, but I truly understand how you fell coz God have given me a second lease of life as well. Your stories remind me of my days in ICU, High Dependency Ward and scary experience with the nurses ! But we have been treated by good doctors.
Welcome home and Merry Christmas
Thanks god.. Chinese saying “A second lease to Life brings your more lucky and happiness..” Hopes It’s really goes to you too.
Welcome home and Merry Christmas.
Keisha: Thank you and see you soon!
Narrk: I did that in 2007 when I had to visit L.A. four times that year to tune my newly implanted ABI.
Svllee: Thanks and same goes to you! How’s the celebration in the U.K.?
Joanne: I am glad to be reminded that we have something in common that helps us relate with each other. A second lease to life feels so refreshing and filled with gladness.
Fiona: It’s the way people take their second lease to life and what they want to do about it. eg. we can lead better lives and see everything as a blessing or continue with our bad old ways.