Life often unfolds in unexpected ways, and for me, it began with a routine blood test that changed everything. After decades without a family doctor, I finally decided to get one. The first thing he did was send me for a blood test. The next day, his office called, urging me to come in immediately. Feeling unwell, I complied, and as soon as the examination room door closed, the doctor told me I needed to go to an emergency room right away.
A Sudden Health Crisis
I drove to the nearest emergency room at Rockyview Hospital, weak and disoriented. Thanks to a note from my doctor, I was quickly seen and placed in a bed. The blood test results revealed that my blood sugar was dangerously high—I was diabetic. That explained why I had to get to emergency immediately to bring my blood sugar under control before something serious happened. Intravenous lines were attached, fluids pumped in, and insulin administered. Slowly, I began to think clearly again.
Nearly three weeks later, I sat on my front steps, watching ants scurry across the dry leaves and grass blades. Sparrows chirped in the lilacs, and magpies called from across the street. The scene reminded me of the emergency room, with gurneys passing and voices from the nurses' station. But now, I was in warm sunshine, free from tubes and able to walk. I could wander down the street and look up at leaves against the blue sky.
The Hospital Experience
The hospital staff were incredibly upbeat. Nurses, porters, and cleaners all smiled and asked how I was feeling. Doctors informed me that once my glucose levels were under control, they could address other issues. A chest X-ray showed no problems, but a CAT scan revealed an abscess in my liver and a shadow on the left side of my abdomen—a tumour. I had suspected bowel issues, and the scan confirmed cancer. But I decided to stay positive, knowing the doctors would do their best.
I remembered a deer hunt in Mongolia in 2014, where the smell of deer liver fried with onions came back to me as doctors discussed treating my liver. A day later, I was moved to a regular hospital bed for a colonoscopy, MRI, and a drain to clear the liver. I kept smiling and made a new friend—Potato, the bulb at the end of the tube that collected the gunk from my liver. The nurses drained him twice a day, and he worked tirelessly. I introduced Potato to everyone, and they laughed it off. Days passed, and tests showed no cancer cells in the liver goop. I still had a blood infection and needed a stent, but things looked good.
Recovery and Reflection
After nearly a week, I said goodbye to Potato and was sent home. I expected to resume normal life, but the hospital stay had worn me out. I rested, took pills, and gave myself insulin injections. Two weeks later, I feel pretty good. I drive to the store, walk around the neighbourhood, and take pictures of dandelions. I've watched leaves burst and catch the sun, and lilac buds turn purple. At the community garden, I saw a squirrel that looked like a rat and bumblebees prospecting in apple blossoms. I smiled, grateful for the amazing hospital staff and friends like Leah and Todd, who visited and helped me. Even Scott, Leah's husband, signed my tax forms.
It's sunny and windy now, with rain in the forecast—a typical May long weekend. But I'm fine with that. Life is a series of adventures, and I've had a rough road. But I know there will be more adventures ahead, and I'm ready for them.
