15 February 10 pm

It is five o'clock, and Tashie went into the OR about ten minutes ago.
But back to the beginning. . .

This morning started out a bit precariously, as she suddenly felt her legs give way shortly after getting up.
It was a bit scary while it was happening, but we have concluded that it was probably anxiety plus dehydration.

Bruce and Eliza took her to the ultrasound lab for some pre-op work, and while waiting, worked on the large type NYT cross-word
In Tashie's bag was the NY Times, the New Yorker, the Atlantic, The Omnivore's Dilemma, a Valentine's Day card from Lal.

Tashie was telling stories when we suddenly realized that we had brought no camera to record this event.
So Eliza motored back to the apartment, fetched a camera, travel scrabble, a coffee for Bruce, and a pesto panini to share.

During which time . . .Bruce monitored the standard of care rendered during the ultrasound and the concurrent implantation (temporary) of a fine wire to localize the tumour.
Bethany came from the office, to join us just as Tashie was finishing up.

Next step was actually not a step, but a roll in the wheelchair over to the short stay unit.
While Eliza filled some papers, bethany held up tashie's films for viewing. . . despite the disapproving looks from the transfer lady.

She took the films from bethany;s hands, commenting that she had not been holding them correctly.
But Bethany the Brave (she has received medals in assertiveness training) took them back, whereupon the lady declared that this demonstration was "upsetting to the patient."

Tashie was thoroughly interested, as were all of us.
However . . .at this point, Bethany moved Tashie's attention to the Daily Mass Proper.

Thereupon, they lifted their voices in song, belting out Go tell It On The Mountain, Just a Closer Walk with Jesus, and others.
we waited to be checked in at the SSU, Tashie and Bethany sang hymn and spirituals.

Minutes later, Tashie was rolled into her room, this time with not two, but three in the posse . . . she requested that the Daily Mass Proper not be left behind.
Bethany took over as photographer, telling everyone Tashie was the AARP cover girl. She looked ravishing in her skimpy hospital gown and flannel stole.

We settled in, started Michael Hoppé's WindSongs, and in walked Matthew, just arriving from Bainbridge. Four in the posse.
Susan soon followed: five in the posse.

The nurse attending to the next bed patient swiped back the curtain separating the beds, and announced that we were too loud.
Only two people would be allowed to stay. We were being scolded.