2007-09-09 — Calendar entry — back to 18-Dora, an operation

So this is a Sunday admission as the radiation and chemo treatment starts on Monday and they have to insert a catheter — not sure if that is what it's called — it's to be a 'permanent' IV just below my collar bone.

I had to arrive at the hospital early and not have anything to eat or drink. I spent a load of time just waiting in my room but at least this time I'd brought loads of books and my laptop computer with some DVDs.

It wasn't until about 16:30 that the thing was done. It was done under a local anaesthetic but done in an operating theatre. The area was sort of screened off and a sheet was over my face making it rather hot and a little claustrophobic.

I hate, really hate, this type of thing. I want to know what is happening and how long it is going to last. I also want to know how long it has being on — this is all a control thing — or rather a feeling that I am not in control — which always makes me nervous. Same thing that makes me dislike dental treatment — not pain but not knowing what is happening to me.

Anyway it probably took about 15 minutes though it seemed longer. I swear the assistant asked if he could do it and the surgeon let him —- but I probably invented that.