Home for the holidays.....Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas 2010

As I type this late Christmas Eve / early Christmas Day, I am conscious that I need to be swift as I may end up disturbing Santa, Rudolph or an elf or something so I best be quick :-)

I am finally home after two and a half weeks in hospital.  I slept in my own bed, under my big fat duvet and soft pillows for the first time in weeks last night.  And it felt like sleeping in a cloud.  I even had an angel sleeping next to me.  I had the best night sleep in absolute ages.  It was lovely.  Simple pleasures indeed!

I wasn't quite sure whether or not the hospital was going to release me in time for Christmas Day at first.  I'm not sentimental about Christmas at all but the thought of spending Christmas Day in hospital hooked up to an IV pole and eating yet more hospital food was just too depressing to contemplate.  I know it would have been fun celebrating with the medical team but I was really keen on going home.  I had had enough already.  Been there, seen it, done it, bought the T-shirt AND taken the pills. The novelty had well and truly worn off. 

And yet there they were, taking swabs up my nose and down my throat to test whether or not I had a virus. I happened to mention that I didn't feel quite right and was a bit sniffly. Given my lowered immunity they had to decide whether it would be ok to send me home or keep me in isolation in critical care. This was so I didn't infect other patients and they could keep an eye on me just in case it was a particularly nasty virus such as the swine flu one.  Where would you prefer to go Vanessa?  Oooh, I don't know, how about another week in critical care? I hear it's a real party palace down there, a bit like the Playboy mansion so yeah, bring it on. NOT. 

A decision couldn't be made until the test results came through so I was left in limbo for much of Wednesday. When I was finally told I could leave because test results were negative I was delighted. If I could have skipped out of the hospital I would have done so but as it was, it was a slow walk to the lift and into a cab.  Mat and I were laden with all the stuff you kind folks had sent me so we looked a bit like refugees clutching our boxes of worldly belongings. A support worker was despatched to help and she fortunately brought a trolley with her.  I only came in with a suitcase! 

It was also the first time I had ventured out in public wearing a scarf around my head and I have to say, I was a little self-conscious but I got over it fairly quickly.  It's only a scarf after all.
As has already been mentioned, I now have a buzz cut - a No 4 in the end.  What Mat may have forgotten to say was that he had just come back from his Christmas work party when we both went for the let's shave Vanessa's head idea and that while he was doing the deed he was acting like Vidal Sassoon throughout!  Honestly, you should have seen it.  Not only were the clippers involved but a pair of scissors too - "to neaten the edges".  Riiiight.  Although at the time we were giggling and laughing like a pair of naughty schoolgirls let loose with cutting equipment, when I looked in the mirror at my decidedly masculine appearance I just burst into tears.  I think it was the shock and the sudden realisation that IT had finally happened - my hair was no more.  Ridiculous really as it is only hair and it will grow back but there you go, I'm only human and I loved my hair. 

The photo below is the clearest photo I have to show you of the buzz cut.  Yes, I know I could have tilted my head slightly more angled to show off my cheek bones and to minimise the double chin, but I was in shock OK?! Although this photo was taken only 2 days ago, most of the hair you can see has now gone.  All I have left are wispy Gollum bits on my head so come the new year I think I will end up with a proper slap head!  I would take a photo and show you all but I am waiting till my scalp calms down a bit - it's not looking very pretty at the moment (scaley, dry and a bit sore) and I don't want to put you off your sprouts! Plus, oh my goodness, just how cold does your head get?! I have been wearing the beanie hat Fi's mum knitted me to bed as it's so toasty warm and good at catching falling out hair - thanks Flo :-)

GI Vanessa at your service - Sir!

Which reminds me, thank you very much for organising the Nintendo DS gift Fi! I'm hugely grateful. I know you were instrumental in putting this together and when I read all the names involved in the card I was deeply moved by all your generosity - you know who you are and you all clearly know me very well!Brain Trainer indeed... My maths will definitely improve now :-)

Anyway, I best go.  I can hear Rudolph outside. Even though I am no longer in hospital I still have weeks/months of rehab to go through. In fact, I'm back in hospital for the day next week to make sure that things are ok.  I get fatigued very easily so apologies if I fall asleep on you and refuse party invites - I am just not well enough. The no sick people near me rule still stands I'm afraid.  My immunity is still building itself up.  But at least I get to recuperate in the comfort of my own home.

Obviously, given that we were somewhat distracted this year, Christmas is very low key in our household with the lack of decorations and presents but no matter.  I'm just happy to be well enough to enjoy this Christmas and hopefully loads more besides!  Remember, it's only for one day. Don't get stressed over the dinner - it's only a glorified roast dinner after all.  People will understand if the veg are slightly over-cooked or the turkey is taking longer than expected.  If they don't, they can go and stuff themselves and don't invite them next year!  Send that text, type up that email or make that phone call - let people know you care.  Merry Christmas everyone - hope you all have a lovely day, whatever you are doing.