I Am Free!

Chinese New Year was fast approaching and I was anxious to be home by then. I had been hoping to have the tubes removed but the doctors wanted to wait until the fluid actually stopped draining.

3 Feb 08 - Soon, the doctor gave the go ahead to remove the left tube. The fluid collected for this side was nearly 500ml. During removal of the tube, threads had to be snipped off at two sections and the coiled tube was slowly pulled out through the muscles and skin. It was quite painful as no anesthetic was given. This was done by a junior doctor who had never done it before, under the guidance of another doctor.

With the right tube still attached, I had used the commode once and somehow with all the movements, I was sure the tube became twisted as I could feel the stitches pulling on my skin.

4 Feb 08 - Finally, it was time to remove the right tube, and the fluid collected measured 1.3 ltr. The doctor who removed my left tube was now guiding another doctor in removing my right tube. It was more painful this time round and the doctor commented that the tube was twisted - so I had been right. Expectedly, the fluid was more on the right side because the cancer and the metastasis had been on this side.

With the fluid drained, my cough had become better. What amazed me was that my lower back pain had also disappeared. By now, I was also not dependent on the oxygen.

With all the attachments gone, I am free! Although it had only been a few days, the taste of freedom and independence could not have been sweeter. I lost no time in moving around to stretch my limbs. I was so happy and so were the nurses as they commented, 'oh, you're free already'.

I am going home, sweet home!