and when she speaks
Thursday, October 08, 2009
10/3:It was a good, good day :) *quote from Black Eyed Peas' latest hit song* :)In the morning; I walked over to the hospital and caught up for a short while with Kenny and Shuba :)Then, got some coffee and walked over in the drizzle to Hilda's apartment where we yakked for 3 hours- and in the midst of chatting, we were immensely productive as well, much to my amazement *haha* But with her sitting next to me, I'm not surprised one bit. She's really focused.Then, at 3pm sharp, Mariam phoned me up- and I ran in to the Emergency Department's entrance where her husband and her came to pick me up. I had a fantastic meal with them. And their apartment is so warm and cosy, I almost didn't want to leave! She fed-and FED and continued FEEDING me! Despite her tiny size, she sure can pack a lot into her belly *lol* OH- How I can go on raving about what a wonderful host they both were :) Then, they dropped me home where I cleaned up, and walked over to Gaurang's apartment for our Mooncake Festival celebrations with all the other Malaysians! So many new faces! and so many mooncakes :) Lanterns were up. Firecrackers. Pomeloes. Snacks. Chocolates. It was so much fun =)End of a long long day- and onto call the next morning, all satisfied :)
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6:01 AM;;
10/2/09
I love my time with my colleagues on the HIV/AIDS ward. The bunch of interns and residents are all super fun =) I couldn’t have asked for better camaraderie amongst the company I’m surrounded with! J
It’s getting colder. And I hate it. I go to bed shivering despite 3 blankets sometimes. Maybe a pair of strong, solid, warm arms (that I like) might help *snicker*
Today, my other senior, Vijay dropped me home- so nice right?! And then, when I arrived home, I saw a missed call from Hilda- who called to ask if I wanted a ride home! How wonderful! J
And then, Lucia treated me to a big heavy Italian dinner: pizza and Tiramisu.
I’m feeling overly stuffed. And spoilt rotten ;)
*mwah*
her
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5:57 AM;;
9/26/09
Yesterday was a whirlwind.
That said, despite the hectic afternoon (which resulted in me swallowing 2 cheesy lasagnas and two bowls of canned fruits for breakfast&lunch in just a record-breaking 8 minutes) before going back to running after my patients (almost literally!) --- the morning was indeed a sweet morning.
I woke up as per usual around 5.45am, and was waiting for the bus by 6.12am. The bus I take is famously known for being the slowest bus in the city, much to my joy -.-'
I heard someone calling ‘Sue’ at first. I didn’t bother of course cos’ I didn’t think it was for me. I was after all, standing at a random bus stop with people up at this absurd hour.
It was freezing. And the name-calling continued…I still hadn’t turned my head. Then, it gradually got louder- so I tilted my head just to peek at the person repeating the name-calling.
This time I heard it loud and clear.
‘SUEYI, SUEYI. It’s me, ANDY’ --- a smile lit up in my face.
*hahahaha* it’s Andy, my co-intern whilst I was on my emergency rotation about a month ago!
He saw me standing and waiting – and he said he didn’t want me to freeze waiting for the bus! *awww*
I was obviously stunned at seeing him unexpectedly- I knew he lived around the area; but him coming down, calling me and offering me a ride to work together- I was ecstatic! *hahaha* I hit him in the back with both my hands enthusiastically and with joy! *haha* And there, I had a nice warm ride to work. And as it turns out, we were both on call.
My senior and I had another blast of a night on call. Food talk in our call room, talking about chicken stew, sushi, Thai food for end-of-rotation report, Indian buffet, cheesecake, Brazilian steakhouse. And then, onto rampaging dinner and breakfast this morning together =)
I love my HIV/AIDS rotation. OH- did I say- we had ABSOLUTELY no admits? ;)
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5:52 AM;;
Here's to wishing my dearest yiyi a belated Happy Birthday. To my auntie; who can sometimes be as childish and young-hearted ( as us four! ;)) and then unexpectedly, call me up with a ton of loving advice coming from her own experience. That’s when she takes on the role of becoming a ‘senior auntie’ ---dishing out heartfelt advice and reaching out to comfort and to listen. And laughing along; and not forgetting to repeat over and over again (despite my nonchalance! Lol) to “not be so picky when it comes to getting a boyfriend!” – hahaha. I love u yi :)Sorry- about not being able to reach me by email or phone (both down!)... :)
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5:10 AM;;
The patient I told you about who vomited blood, and had to be admitted earlier than as scheduled---
She showed us that container--- filled with fresh frank blood with clots. It wasn’t little.
We are so used to going in a group doing rounds; as a team- that what you see might make you go ‘ick’ and ‘gross’ --- and you never think twice. You move on and see the next patient.
You don’t put in too much thought into your subconscious mind.
And you dismiss.
But --- imagine you like this:-
All skin and bones.
Having been through the turmoil of beating lung cancer years ago.
Having been diagnosed with HIV after that.
Then, losing weight and feeling weaker day by day.
And coughing so hard; it tires you out; each cough draining the little that’s left of you.
Then, blood one evening, that suddenly accompanies the cough- that’s bright red in color.
At first, little amounts- then, it progressively increases til you’ve coughed up half a cup of fresh frank blood.
All this blood that’s coming out from your own lungs.
I imagined it myself…
You probably wouldn’t be able to sleep; wondering what’s eating inside of you.
All alongside, the fears and the anxieties and the unsuppressed dread underneath have never left her alone.
The tears that flowed this morning and her face grief-stricken; showed it all.
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5:07 AM;;
