"What a story! Everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end."
- All About Eve, 1950
Multi-organ transplant unit at Toronto General Hospital April 8 - April 27, 2021
All patients bring their greatest hopes and greatest fears to the hospital but there is something surreal about hanging your hopes on an object foreign to your own body.
The surgical team, considering my complication of not having a bladder (lost to cancer years ago) proclaimed the operation "Challenging, exciting, and ultimately elegant." Personally, I have never felt less elegant in my life! Nonetheless, I am grateful and in awe of the skill and dedication of the staff at the hospital.
I am more than grateful for my beautiful family and friends whose love and support sustained me during the rollercoaster ride and will continue to do so as this crazy ride continues. My wonderful online friends from CMBA, Old Movie Weirdos all, and inspiring bloggers who share our passion for classic films keep it real and touch my heart. A kidney was generously donated and it is my job to care for it. (Send Swiffer Dusters!)
It will take a while for my energy to return, but I am back!
Postscript July, 2021:
It took quite a while for my energy to return, and it is not quite up to capacity yet. Two months back in hospital and rehab have taken a toll and given me a bit of my old life back. The journey continues.
Amazing challenges you are on your way to overtaking. You have the right attitude for success.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteThat "Unknown" post at 3:48 pm is from your cousin Michelle.
ReplyDeleteWow! I am so happy to hear from you! My energy isn't back yet, but I am optimistic.
DeleteWelcome back, Paddy! I hope you have a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteRight now I have to take it easy, but am very hopeful for the future. Thanks.
DeletePaddy, we're delighted to have you back in the blogosphere and--more importantly--to learn that your surgery went well! Take it easy during recovery.
ReplyDeleteIt was tricky but the docs sure seem pleased. I am as well, it is just that I feel sore a cranky.
DeleteYay! Glad to hear all is well! -- Will
ReplyDeleteForging ahead like a movie hero!
DeleteCongratulations on coming through in style, as usual. We love you, Paddy. Welcome back.
ReplyDeleteA few weeks from now it will be as if I have never been away.
DeleteThat goes double for me!
ReplyDeleteThanks! That makes me happy.
DeleteSounds like your surgery was as elegant as your blog! I'm so happy to hear that it went well. I have a good friend who is alive now because of the generosity of a kidney donor 25 years ago. It's a wonderful thing to give an organ, as it is to accept one generously. I'm hoping to donate a kidney to my sister later this year. Fingers crossed that we're compatible!
ReplyDeleteOh, Lee, good luck. That is a beautiful thing that warms my heart.
DeleteSo happy you are back and to learn that all went "elegantly." Take care, Paddy, we all love you.
ReplyDeleteIt appears I got in under the wire as they are cancelling more surgeries here in Ontario due to covid-19. Life is certainly interesting.
DeleteYou continue to be the most inspiring person. Much love and hugs.
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses.
DeletePaddy Lee, brave lady. Your inspiring news made my morning. I'm so happy that you made it and I hope that your continued recovery is a huge success.
ReplyDeleteBig Hugs!
Walter, you are a dear. Thank you.
DeleteGood to see you back in action, Paddy! We missed you!
ReplyDeleteI missed all of you. My social media energy needs a refill and I can hardly wait.
DeleteWelcome back, CAFTAN WOMAN! I missed you. By the way, I just thought of THELMA RITTER a few days ago. I remembered her from HOW THE WEST WAS WON and THE MISFITS. I saw the name ELI WALLACH and that made me think of Thelma because they both are in The Misfits and they are also in How The West Was Won (in separate stories.) She is in the one with DEBBIE REYNOLDS and he is in the one with GEORGE PEPPARD(who plays the nephew to Debbie).
ReplyDeleteGeorge doing his Jimmy Stewart impersonation, however briefly, in How the West Was Won is one of my favourite parts of the movie.
DeleteWelcome back!!!!!!!!!! We have so missed you. You have been in my prayers regularly over these past weeks, and they will continue as your recovery progresses.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Laura
Bless you. I have been missing all the fun and sharing.
DeleteHave thought of you often these past weeks, so relieved you’re back at home sweet home and through the worst. You are awfully nice to be so danged tough, Patty, but I bow down...
ReplyDeleteTake it slow, we’re all so happy to see you, we’ll wait for your next movie writing.
xxoo
Lesley
I have a backlog of posts and lots of plans. Now, if only I can put my fingers over the keyboard properly!
DeleteExcellent news! I'm very glad to hear that all is well.
ReplyDeleteI can follow instructions - I hope! Lots of medical appointments and future procedures. Lots to take care of and I take the opportunity seriously.
DeleteSO glad to know everything went well - Hope to see you back blogging soon; looking forward to your posts!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. This is a part of my life that makes me feel good and the psychological is just as important as the physical at this point.
DeleteI'm glad that everything went well! Sending well wishes your way!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your good wishes. I am a lucky woman.
DeleteI don't think you missed a thing, but we surely missed you! Welcome back! <3
ReplyDeleteYou are a doll. Thanks a lot.
DeleteWelcome back! What an ordeal you describe, but I'm happy it all worked out. Many fond wishes for good health and more wonderful blog posts!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Things are complicated and taking longer than expected but we'll get there.
DeleteWelcome home.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to see everyone.
DeleteGlad you're back, Paddy! Get well soon!
ReplyDeleteWorking on it. It just may take a while.
DeleteGlad you've made it through! Praying for your full recovery.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your prayers. They help me to find my way.
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