Post Operation Update

This photograph was taken two days after I left the hospital for my combined operation to remove my thyroids (total thyroidectomy) and for the lipoma on my right arm. Some of you have asked me discreetly about it. . . 

The lipoma had been on my upper arms since childhood and it never really bothered me. My doctor-cousin, Dr. Michael Tee, had actually seen it years ago and told me to have it removed but since it does not pose a problem except for aesthetics, (lipomas are soft tissue benign tumors) I decided to pass. 

The funny thing is, when the doctor-parents of the kids in my art workshops would comment on it I thought I heard them say "lymphoma" when what they said is it could be 'lipoma' and that is what I tell people whenever they comment on it. "Oh, its just lymphoma, nothing dangerous" I would say. Haha! No wonder everybody looked shocked!

Surprisingly, when kids see my lipoma

they ask me outright what it is

and does not make a big fuss of it

and most kids would actually cradle and hug my arms

loving the feel of the soft, fat mass on my arms.

Most of my kid students love to hug. Fyi.

However, when adults see my lipoma

they either discuss it behind my back

or ask me outright what it is.

I actually admire people and strangers

who would actually ask me about it.

I feel their concern and sincerity.

Now, my thyroids is, er was, another story.

In the late 80s while accompanying my older sister Loyd to the hospital for her hyperthyroidism, the doctor suddenly advised that I also take the RAI (radio active iodine therapy) with Loyd. I was shocked then since I do not have any of the symptoms and I felt it was so sudden but I got outvoted (doctor and family) so I had RAI then. In my recent operation, when the doctors were interviewing me before my operation, I mentioned this and they were sort of disappointed because they said RAI is actually only for cancer or extreme cases. Hmmm, I felt betrayed. But what the hey . . . .

Now this is my before and after shots:

The lump on my neck grew bigger this year

and the reason I dilly-dallied was because:

1. I do not have the time (I was curating a major show);

2. I do not have the funds for it (art consultants do not make much)

3. and, I do not feel the time is right.

Ok, call me silly,

but I believe in fate

and of the workings of a Higher Being

of trusting in my spiritual energy

and all that shebang ;-)

In short, I affirm and pray

and allow events to 

rule my life.

True enough,

while I was returning the call of a filmmaker 

I dialed instead the number of my doctor-cousin Dr. Tee

and babbled my predicament.

After the call, I sat in complete bafflement.

What was that all about?

Completely trusting my fate

and setting aside my confusion

I saw Dr. Tee as agreed

and right then and there had tests

and returned two days after 

and in two days I was confined

and operated on and am now home.

Had I been given the chance to mull my fate

and study my options,

and catered to my fears

I am sure all these would not happen.

And this is what happened:

I had two operations (I jokingly call it "all in")

and did not feel any major pain

all the warnings about after effects I did not feel at all!

Everybody commented on how strong I was

talking, eating, and connecting to the other patients.

My only discomfort is that I can not take a good shower after

but then, I can wash myself slowly,

brought my arsenal of toiletries

(a good toner to clean my face haha!)

my good sense of humor,

and it pays to have a team of professionals

doctors and hospital staff

who are experts, caring, young and gorgeous

(my friends all laughed whenever I say this!)

and again, the right time to have it . . . 

Of course, I will not discount the many miracles I had.

Until now, I still can not believe and understand

how I was able to raise the amount needed.

Although I owe people some money for the operations,

a lot gave unselfishly and unconditionally!

I am totally overwhelmed!

I am still racking up huge amounts for post operation

but I am confident I will get by.

And the many nuances and insights I had

which I will keep to myself for now.

Suffice it to say

I will never ever imagine this experience

but time and again,

it always manifest.

I feel blessed. ;-)

So now I am back to spending time with my hounds . . .

. . . animals, like dogs, are overly protective when their human is sick.

My scars are dry and healing fast.

I have to clean them daily and protect from elements.

Soon, I will wear them proudly like a badge . . .

When I did an art workshop with a kid last week,

he told me "I love you teacher!"

and I felt another gift in those 4 year old eyes

so that when he asked to play after the workshop

I gamely folded paper airplanes for us to play with.

And look:

I received an early holiday presents ;-)

My swap artworks sent by mail!

It felt like Christmas instead of Oh-Ghost month ;-)

And look:

We had red alert weather since weekend

that left many areas flooded and impassable.

People have been calling us and texting us in worry.

Yes, I know my place is in the news.

The stories are correct.

But by some mysterious force

my house and our streets are wet but not flooded:

And before I sound preachy

and unbelievably optimistic

(You would be surprised of how some people actually hate optimism and the good luck of some people so I really try not to babble too much. But I needed to 'tell all' here in response to requests from friends who wanted to hear every details of what I went through and my inability to accept each and every invitation for coffee and chat) . . .

I am in the whirlpool of joy.

And if you were one of those who prayed for me

and whispered and sent healing lights my way

I am sending you the same whirlpool

so that together we can affirm

and understand its power.

So mote it be.