It's been a week in the hospital. The most I've ever stayed over in a hospital. Even for my mum's cancer removing operation, I also didn't stay for 24 hrs. @_@
Anyhow, Hong yan's mum had arrived, settled and is now fully adjusted to be a stay-at-hospital-cook for her daughter. The hospital provide great food, I must say. But to people from their culture, it is still quite foreign, bland, unhealthy..... So we brought her mum to various asian stores, groceries supermarket to stock up on items for her cooking spree. It's good that Hong yan has the appetite to 'order' food. We even had a takeaway beef noodles soup for her one night.
The accommodation organised by the hospital's social worker is really good. A basic room just 2 blocks down, where staff n patient's family can stay over. Costing only $30/day! It includes breakfast and have a small furnished communal kitchen where people like her mum can cook her rest of the meals. There are 3 big fridges to put her groceries in, with labels to identify the owner of the food. Shared toilets n showers.
So her mum has settled down well in the hospital. She has even found a chinese speaking friend in the hospital! The cleaner who comes to tidy up the place speaks chinese. And she claimed that Hong yan's mum is the first Chinese to ever live there in the past 20 yrs. Wow! It's quite a blessing to have someone she can talk to there, as she speaks no english.
So this week, we will cut down the visits and focus on things which we had put off for the past week.
Need to get back to routine!
Hope your week is good too!
kcan
30 September 2013
25 September 2013
Hospital stay
I've been in the hospital for the last 2 days. No, I'm fine. I'm there to help accompany my friend Hong Yan.
For her.... Well, things were up n down for her as she was quite anxious about the tumour n the cold n fever she is experiencing. The neighbour that sleeps beside her in the room have many big groups of people visiting each time (suppose max 2 person per visit, but they have like 6-7 ppl visiting each time. Thus affecting her sleep n mood. Took a while to calm her down. I stayed there from lunch to 8pm yesterday, and also from midday today.
She was pushed into doing the MRI scan shortly after I arrived. Our friend Meredith came to visit during her lunch break, but could not meet her as her MRI scan too over an hour to complete. (Hope nothing to serious)
She condition became worse after MRI scan with nauseous n dizziness. It took a while to settle with some medical help. By then it was almost 3 pm.
We both had our lunch in her room, and she fell asleep soon after. Phew!
But things did a big turn after that, with the doctor coming in, telling us that the cough sputum collected yesterday contain the infectious virus H1N1. Oh my, can it get any more worse?!
So all hell break loose, as she started crying n screaming or me to get out of the room,for fear of infecting me. We all tried to calm her down but it was difficult. So eventually, I was 'kicked out' of the room. Lol.
So apparently, she had recently went back to china for visit and possibly contracted it there. This flu that she got is going to make the upcoming surgery very complicated because of its infectious nature. And the surgery will have to be postponed infinitely till the flu is fully recovered. Sigh....
Haha, what a change of event from being fearful of the tumour to the now unseen virus.
But nonetheless, we still thank God for the complete control of the event. For if not of this flu, she will not have headache n other symptoms that will prompt her to go see doctor in the first place. And with that, the tumour is found!
Anyhow, she is in good hands in the hospital. The two friends that have been looking after her will be going to their nearest hospital for check up after work, while Eric and I will go down stairs to the A&E. It's weird. We all felt unwell after hearing about it. Haha. I have some tickle in my throat, while Eric felt headache.
So please pray for our health for the next few days too.
Her mum is arriving tomorrow, so I will just need to go airport pick her up n then drop her off to look after her daughter. Good timing indeed.
Stay healthy everyone!
Kcan
23 September 2013
Ice cream vs tennis ball
Eric and I had a frightening experience today.
No, not car accidents, near miss, or seen ghost. But accompanying our Canberra friend from old church to see the brain specialist. She, at age 25, is recently diagnosed with brain tumour.
So I picked up a desperate SMS on Saturday from Hongyan early in the morning. A call later, realised that she is coming to Sydney the next day, which was yesterday, for an appointment to see a brain specialist on Monday (aka today). She knew that I had worked with cancer patients in my pervious job, so she'd like me to be there to help her translate any medical information she may not be familiar with. And so we went, with Eric of course.
We picked her up early in the morning from her friends's place and brave the peak hour traffic to the hospital. During the journey, she had an episode of seizure.
Then during the consultation, she had an episode again, right in front of the specialist.
The doctor described her tumour as of the brain coverings, not of the brain itself. It is however though, growing into the brain, squashing the brain along the way as it grows. Like pushing a tennis ball into a tub of ice cream. The tumour is BIG. 5 cm in diameter. Imagine it's almost the size of the fist!
What is more frightening, was that the seizures were caused by the tumour squashing onto the brain. And today alone, it was as frequent as every hourly. Prior to that, was 2 weeks ago. So something was not really right. Initially after the specialist appointment, her friends were to drive her back to Canberra. So Eric n I drop her to meet up with her friends at a food court. We help her buy some lunch and said our good byes n all.....
However, 2 hrs later, her friend called, saying that they are still at the food court, waiting for the ambulance to come over. Hongyan's seizures were worst and her fever had peaked. They were unsure if she is fit for the long journey to Canberra.
So, the paramedics took her to the hospital to make sure her fever n seizures were well controlled. And instead of heading back to Canberra, she is to stay over in the hospital tonight, and maybe even possible of having the surgery to remove the tumour here in Sydney.
Please pray that she will continue to remain trusted in God and our Lord Jesus. Pray for peace n strength for her to go through these alone in a foreign place. Pray that her mum's visa to come here to visit n take care of her will be granted soon. Her family were far away (inner Mongolia) and very worried. Her mum had flew to Beijing awaiting the granting of visa.
Pray for the doctors, for the wisdom and knowledge, to do the best they can for Hongyan.
Pray that she will find calm in knowing that many people are praying for her, both in Sydney and Canberra. And lastly, pray that we as her only few friends here can help her as much as possible to make her feel comforted and loved.
I thank God for his perfect timing and plans for the various people/events/situations that happen. And we lift up all this into your hands for you are in control.
Kcan
No, not car accidents, near miss, or seen ghost. But accompanying our Canberra friend from old church to see the brain specialist. She, at age 25, is recently diagnosed with brain tumour.
So I picked up a desperate SMS on Saturday from Hongyan early in the morning. A call later, realised that she is coming to Sydney the next day, which was yesterday, for an appointment to see a brain specialist on Monday (aka today). She knew that I had worked with cancer patients in my pervious job, so she'd like me to be there to help her translate any medical information she may not be familiar with. And so we went, with Eric of course.
We picked her up early in the morning from her friends's place and brave the peak hour traffic to the hospital. During the journey, she had an episode of seizure.
Then during the consultation, she had an episode again, right in front of the specialist.
The doctor described her tumour as of the brain coverings, not of the brain itself. It is however though, growing into the brain, squashing the brain along the way as it grows. Like pushing a tennis ball into a tub of ice cream. The tumour is BIG. 5 cm in diameter. Imagine it's almost the size of the fist!
What is more frightening, was that the seizures were caused by the tumour squashing onto the brain. And today alone, it was as frequent as every hourly. Prior to that, was 2 weeks ago. So something was not really right. Initially after the specialist appointment, her friends were to drive her back to Canberra. So Eric n I drop her to meet up with her friends at a food court. We help her buy some lunch and said our good byes n all.....
However, 2 hrs later, her friend called, saying that they are still at the food court, waiting for the ambulance to come over. Hongyan's seizures were worst and her fever had peaked. They were unsure if she is fit for the long journey to Canberra.
So, the paramedics took her to the hospital to make sure her fever n seizures were well controlled. And instead of heading back to Canberra, she is to stay over in the hospital tonight, and maybe even possible of having the surgery to remove the tumour here in Sydney.
Please pray that she will continue to remain trusted in God and our Lord Jesus. Pray for peace n strength for her to go through these alone in a foreign place. Pray that her mum's visa to come here to visit n take care of her will be granted soon. Her family were far away (inner Mongolia) and very worried. Her mum had flew to Beijing awaiting the granting of visa.
Pray for the doctors, for the wisdom and knowledge, to do the best they can for Hongyan.
Pray that she will find calm in knowing that many people are praying for her, both in Sydney and Canberra. And lastly, pray that we as her only few friends here can help her as much as possible to make her feel comforted and loved.
I thank God for his perfect timing and plans for the various people/events/situations that happen. And we lift up all this into your hands for you are in control.
Kcan
19 September 2013
Scenarios
A few weeks ago, I had put a scenario out to my friends on Facebook.
I had chatted to my friends, mum and a few of my church friends about it.
If it was you, what would you do?
The drain was blocked, so had to use buckets for catching the water from washing machine. It was the final rinse and you realised your mum/friend/housemate/dad/
A: try stop the washing machine, let whoever know so as to get their attention. Maybe help clean up the mess?
B: try stop the washing machine, let whoever know so as to get their attention. Then go away, since they create the problem, they deal with the mess.
C: try stop the washing machine, not let them know, then walk away. They can deal with it when they realised their forgetfulness.
D: try stop the washing machine, not let them know, then walked away. If they came back n realised of the mess, tell them that you saw it flooding the laundry and had tried to stop the washing machine. Then walked away and let them clean up the mess.
This obviously happened when we found out that the pipes were leaking and we had to stop using the washing machine. The only way we can get by those weeks, were to fill the buckets and carry it down a level to the bottom level's toilet and pour it away. Very heavy and dangerous job, for the stairs are all carpeted and every time, we don't know when the water will be out next! =(
The worst thing was, the IN-LAWS were back. Not one, BUT TWO!!!!
Anyway, what will you do in the above scenario? A, B, C, D?
Personally, A will be my immediate answer, B if I think they can clean up the place adequately themselves.
And NEVER D.
Because if I do that, don't you reckon it is very 欠扁 (asking for trouble), or just plain selfish.
Well... will update on this episode on another day.
kcan
I had chatted to my friends, mum and a few of my church friends about it.
If it was you, what would you do?
The drain was blocked, so had to use buckets for catching the water from washing machine. It was the final rinse and you realised your mum/friend/housemate/dad/
A: try stop the washing machine, let whoever know so as to get their attention. Maybe help clean up the mess?
B: try stop the washing machine, let whoever know so as to get their attention. Then go away, since they create the problem, they deal with the mess.
C: try stop the washing machine, not let them know, then walk away. They can deal with it when they realised their forgetfulness.
D: try stop the washing machine, not let them know, then walked away. If they came back n realised of the mess, tell them that you saw it flooding the laundry and had tried to stop the washing machine. Then walked away and let them clean up the mess.
This obviously happened when we found out that the pipes were leaking and we had to stop using the washing machine. The only way we can get by those weeks, were to fill the buckets and carry it down a level to the bottom level's toilet and pour it away. Very heavy and dangerous job, for the stairs are all carpeted and every time, we don't know when the water will be out next! =(
The worst thing was, the IN-LAWS were back. Not one, BUT TWO!!!!
Anyway, what will you do in the above scenario? A, B, C, D?
Personally, A will be my immediate answer, B if I think they can clean up the place adequately themselves.
And NEVER D.
Because if I do that, don't you reckon it is very 欠扁 (asking for trouble), or just plain selfish.
Well... will update on this episode on another day.
kcan
Downs...
Sorry for not updating for the last few weeks.
Had been having really down times. Surprisingly, it coincides with the arrival of my in-laws. hur hur...
Anyway... I think I need some serious help. I just cannot help myself from crying and crying and crying. It is really frustrating living here. Seeing people sneaking here n there like a rat, hiding and stuffing silly things like news paper or plastic bags in every small holes/gaps you can find in the shelves.
I don't know why I had to endure at this place for so long. I hate it when they criticized me for changing their way to suit my way, when I am the one asked to help them clean up their filthy home.
And they had not even lift up their little finger to help! 9 Bloody MONTHS!!
I so longed for home with my parents.
Late last week, I attended work seminar in the city. Ollie from uni days came with senior Jenny to attend too. It was a nice catch up with Ollie and Jenny. The only regret was not able to try out what I had learned with patients... Because I had none~! I seriously don't know why this 9 months had past yet the clinic had not started. Crap just kept pilling and pilling, and things that are not our business became out business, and then 9 months down the road, our goal was still no where in sight.
What crap and business you may ask? Well, these are some of the crap and business:
Crap includes the other house, where it had plumbing, trees, walls paper, and many headache things to consider. We thought we can move out to live there 2 months later, but there are many things which their greedy minds wanted to do. Like, rebuilt the place or extend the place, so it can fetch a higher selling price in the future. We drove all the way to displays homes and such during one fine day, and realised that it will take 18months to build one from scratch.
So now the place is left idle.
'Business' includes the kitchen, wall cracks and plumbing issue at THIS place. So that kitchen frame took a while for the pest control dude to declare good to replace. 3 Monthes! Then it took her another 2 months to get some carpenter or builder to come and fix it. But no! No Carpenter or builder came. She went to find the wood work guy to make her the window frame. He recommend his friend who is a licenced handy man to come and fix up the frame and kitchen, but no... No one came. By then, she went overseas, and Eric and I had to take it into our 'business', learning how to replace the plasterboard, fixing the frame and then later paint the whole dame kitchen, because the kitchen was a ugly PINK, where we could not find it's original colour.
Another 'business' was the cracking in the wall. The crack was always there, but of course, people who stayed in the house don't give a blink, till people like us start questioning if it was actually safe? Because, the tiles started lifting off the floor, showing a big gap of almost 8mm where by you can see down the concrete underneath, and the windows of the affected side cannot be close when you tried opening it. There's also the sinking walkway at the side of the house where it looks like a whole concrete pathway had detached itself off the top and side and is sinking down the ground underneath.
So that involves us having to call the engineers to come and access the damages and also to find out the root cause of the damage.
The first engineer came, gave some crappy solution which I do not buy. He wanted us to dig a hole at the side of the house to dig out 'stones/sand' that could have pushed the wall out from the rest of the house, that was causing the damage. It took me almost another few weeks to convince Eric to get another opinion. And the 2nd engineer came and found a gaping tunnel underground that showed signs of soil erosion which signifies a burst pipe!
With that, we isolated the whole house to only 2 usable toilet and sinks. The top and bottom most level. That also meant that we cannot use the kitchen sinks, and laundry, for all the waters from that level goes through the leaking pipe.
We lived like that for almost 3 weeks and it was finally fixed this Monday.
With the plumbers, they also found a storm water pipe breakage and blockage. Storm water pipe channels all the water from the roof down the pipe onto the street. A major pipe that gets all the water from the roof from the pack of the house, and the back yard, was BROKEN!!! It took the plumbers a while to locate it's location as it was under a concrete pathway, but thankfully, we found that there was a way to get to it. It was always right infront of our eyes, but was blocked because his mum love to put the bins and empty pots n rubbish at it's entrance. So ALL the water from the rain pipe and backyard and the washings that she had illegally poured down the outdoor drain had all accumulated at the bottom of the house. GREAT.
The plumbers fixed the pipe back (yay!), but a water drainage test showed that the other end of the pipe was blocked! So they had to clear the pipe and found tree roots, mud, tennis ball!, ceremic pavers.......
So Eric started digging last week while I was at the seminar, to find the section of the pipe where it was blocked. Probably had to cut down some trees too. It was crazy.
BUT despite all of this, we STILL don't know what caused the cracks on the walls. *rolled eyes*
So yup....
kcan
Had been having really down times. Surprisingly, it coincides with the arrival of my in-laws. hur hur...
Anyway... I think I need some serious help. I just cannot help myself from crying and crying and crying. It is really frustrating living here. Seeing people sneaking here n there like a rat, hiding and stuffing silly things like news paper or plastic bags in every small holes/gaps you can find in the shelves.
I don't know why I had to endure at this place for so long. I hate it when they criticized me for changing their way to suit my way, when I am the one asked to help them clean up their filthy home.
And they had not even lift up their little finger to help! 9 Bloody MONTHS!!
I so longed for home with my parents.
Late last week, I attended work seminar in the city. Ollie from uni days came with senior Jenny to attend too. It was a nice catch up with Ollie and Jenny. The only regret was not able to try out what I had learned with patients... Because I had none~! I seriously don't know why this 9 months had past yet the clinic had not started. Crap just kept pilling and pilling, and things that are not our business became out business, and then 9 months down the road, our goal was still no where in sight.
What crap and business you may ask? Well, these are some of the crap and business:
Crap includes the other house, where it had plumbing, trees, walls paper, and many headache things to consider. We thought we can move out to live there 2 months later, but there are many things which their greedy minds wanted to do. Like, rebuilt the place or extend the place, so it can fetch a higher selling price in the future. We drove all the way to displays homes and such during one fine day, and realised that it will take 18months to build one from scratch.
So now the place is left idle.
'Business' includes the kitchen, wall cracks and plumbing issue at THIS place. So that kitchen frame took a while for the pest control dude to declare good to replace. 3 Monthes! Then it took her another 2 months to get some carpenter or builder to come and fix it. But no! No Carpenter or builder came. She went to find the wood work guy to make her the window frame. He recommend his friend who is a licenced handy man to come and fix up the frame and kitchen, but no... No one came. By then, she went overseas, and Eric and I had to take it into our 'business', learning how to replace the plasterboard, fixing the frame and then later paint the whole dame kitchen, because the kitchen was a ugly PINK, where we could not find it's original colour.
Another 'business' was the cracking in the wall. The crack was always there, but of course, people who stayed in the house don't give a blink, till people like us start questioning if it was actually safe? Because, the tiles started lifting off the floor, showing a big gap of almost 8mm where by you can see down the concrete underneath, and the windows of the affected side cannot be close when you tried opening it. There's also the sinking walkway at the side of the house where it looks like a whole concrete pathway had detached itself off the top and side and is sinking down the ground underneath.
So that involves us having to call the engineers to come and access the damages and also to find out the root cause of the damage.
The first engineer came, gave some crappy solution which I do not buy. He wanted us to dig a hole at the side of the house to dig out 'stones/sand' that could have pushed the wall out from the rest of the house, that was causing the damage. It took me almost another few weeks to convince Eric to get another opinion. And the 2nd engineer came and found a gaping tunnel underground that showed signs of soil erosion which signifies a burst pipe!
With that, we isolated the whole house to only 2 usable toilet and sinks. The top and bottom most level. That also meant that we cannot use the kitchen sinks, and laundry, for all the waters from that level goes through the leaking pipe.
We lived like that for almost 3 weeks and it was finally fixed this Monday.
With the plumbers, they also found a storm water pipe breakage and blockage. Storm water pipe channels all the water from the roof down the pipe onto the street. A major pipe that gets all the water from the roof from the pack of the house, and the back yard, was BROKEN!!! It took the plumbers a while to locate it's location as it was under a concrete pathway, but thankfully, we found that there was a way to get to it. It was always right infront of our eyes, but was blocked because his mum love to put the bins and empty pots n rubbish at it's entrance. So ALL the water from the rain pipe and backyard and the washings that she had illegally poured down the outdoor drain had all accumulated at the bottom of the house. GREAT.
The plumbers fixed the pipe back (yay!), but a water drainage test showed that the other end of the pipe was blocked! So they had to clear the pipe and found tree roots, mud, tennis ball!, ceremic pavers.......
So Eric started digging last week while I was at the seminar, to find the section of the pipe where it was blocked. Probably had to cut down some trees too. It was crazy.
BUT despite all of this, we STILL don't know what caused the cracks on the walls. *rolled eyes*
So yup....
kcan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)