Yesterday, I had my third surgery in a series of operations related to a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and breast reconstruction. I'm hoping that the old saying "third time's the charm" holds true in this case.

Today I reflect on the excellent care I received at the Queensway Carleton Hospital yesterday. As I've mentioned before, the organization and signage in the hospital is remarkable. I arrived at 6:20 AM, proceeded to the Patient Registration Desk (Zone 1) and was signed in, braceleted and dispatched with paperwork in about a minute.

I proceeded to the Day Surgery Unit (Zone 5), once again following the clear signs posted on the ceiling. The last time I had been at the hospital (for my pre-op visit), I didn't take a picture of the signs because there were always people around, and I didn't want to invade their privacy. But yesterday, at 6:30 in the morning, the hallways were empty, save for a few other brave souls proceeding to the Day Surgery Unit; it was easy to wait for a moment and then to snap a pic in an empty corridor.

After settling myself in the Day Surgery Unit, Grace appeared a few minutes later and summoned three patients, myself included, into the unit, where I checked in at another desk before Grace escorted me to a bed. I changed into a gown, popped into bed and started doing Duolingo to pass the time.

Next, I was transferred to Renée, who inserted an IV line in my hand, checked my vitals, and explained what would happen over the course of the day. I enjoyed a fun banter with her as she went about her tasks.

My primary surgeon, Dr. Lee, came by. She reconfirmed my consent for the procedure. She then had me sit on the side of the bed so that she could mark up my chest in advance of the surgery. I was surprised when my gown fell away from my shoulders so readily as I hadn't felt her undo the ties behind my neck.

— "Wow, I didn't feel a thing. You were so quick," I remarked.

— "I guess it comes from years of practice," Dr. Lee replied.

— "It reminds me of an episode of Happy Days. But maybe that's before your time."

— "I've heard of Happy Days."

— "There was an episode where the Fonz—he was the cool guy who wore a leather jacket and was played by Henry Winkler—undid a bra with one swipe of his hand."

The things that come to mind when you're about to head into surgery!

Next, my anesthesiologist, Dr. Abdulla, arrived, looking every inch the calm professional one would want in an anesthesiologist. He noted my previous issues with nausea associated with anesthesia. He explained that in addition to the Emend pill I had taken at home that morning, he would administer more anti-nausea medication during the operation. This appeared to work very well, as I did not throw up after coming to.

In a perfectly timed call, my son—not realizing that I would be at the hospital that early—telephoned between visits from various members of the healthcare team who were preparing me for surgery. Shane signed off with these words: "Break a boobie!"—a variation on the "Break a leg" expression used in the theatre.

Next Jubi (full name Jubimol) arrived to wheel me to the operating room. "What a beautiful name," I told her. It reminded me of the words jubilee and bijoux (French for jewelry). I had never heard the name before. Inside the operating room, Jubi introduced me to Jessica, who would be my nurse during the surgery. Dr. Lee, who was already in full preparation mode, introduced me to her assistant surgeon, Dr. Ryding. One and all, they were the epitome of efficiency and care, right down to the little gel pads they put under my heels and the pillow they put under my knees.

While all of this activity was under way, Dr. Abdullah must have slipped into the room. I began to feel lightheaded.

— "That must be the good stuff going in," I muttered.

— "It is indeed," said Dr. Abdullah from behind me.

And with that, my lights were out and the surgery proceeded.

I woke up a few hours later in the Day Surgery Unit. Joyce was caring for me. Like every person I encountered in my day at the Queensway Carleton Hospital, she was kind, courteous and focused on giving me the best possible care. She fetched my glasses, my phone and my earbuds. She brought me some ginger ale and biscuits, and then, when I couldn't stomach the ginger ale, she brought me water. She gave me an anti-nausea pill. This was one of the few surgeries I've had that didn't involve my throwing up afterwards, so kudos to the team and the technology.

At 12:17 PM, one of my brothers texted to see how I was doing, wondering if I felt like I had been hit by a freight train. "It feels like I got kicked by a horse," I replied. "Two days and it will feel like you got kicked by a pussy cat," he reassured. (Given how I feel today, his prediction may not be far off.)

At 2:25 PM, I texted my family: "Out of surgery. Sore and tired. Groggy but not sick. Very much alive."

At 4:15 PM, I called my mom to give her an update. Though I thought I was lucid, she told me today that I sounded pretty out of it. That's OK.

Between texts and calls, Joyce helped me prepare for going home, giving me instructions on managing the drains and paperwork that I would need for my follow-up visit with Dr. Lee. Joyce put on one of two bras I had brought as well as a shirt with inner pockets for the drains, courtesy of a friend who had gone through breast surgery in the past. Joyce used a special tape to secure the drain hoses to my abdomen—a lovely invention I haven't had in the past. She helped me get dressed in my pyjamas, socks and shoes. When I remarked on what great care she (and in fact all the staff at the hospital) had provided, she said "It's what we do." It's true that I've always been well treated by nurses, whom I see as angels. But one can never say thank you enough.

Speaking of nurses and angels, my niece (a former nurse) called me soon after I got home from the hospital. By then, the anesthesia had worn off and I was sounding more coherent. She remarked: "Have you really been through surgery today?" marveling at how good I sounded. She had reached out to my daughter earlier in the afternoon and said, "Here's hoping that Jen stays balanced and she's freed from the uniboob." Mel replied: "Yes!!! Double booble." Cheers to that!

And speaking of more nurses, I received a visit this afternoon from June, a nurse with CBI Health, which provides homecare services. She checked my drains and showed me a new trick with the suction cups at the end of the drain tubes. In addition to squeezing the suction cup, she turned the cup up at the end to force out as much air as possible before putting the cap back on. I understood immediately: the less air in the cup, the stronger the suction, the stronger the suction, the greater the drainage. Brilliant! June confirmed my next appointment with CBI, which will be in the clinic on Tuesday, September 17. By then, I expect that I will have reached the threshold of two consecutive days of less than 30 mL of drainage on each breast, meaning my drains will be removed.

Shortly after June left, I received a call from Jasmine in Dr. Lee's office to schedule my follow-up appointment with the surgeon. It will be at the Queensway Carleton Hospital next Friday, September 20. Jasmine is an absolute pro at her job, achieving that perfect mix of efficient and caring.

In fact, that would be a good way of describing all the people I encountered throughout the process of this latest surgery: efficient and caring. From Dr. Lee and Jasmine to all the nurses and other support personnel at the hospital, to Drs. Abdullah and Ryding, they were all efficient and caring professionals.

I'm feeling good about my progress since yesterday and really do believe that "third time's the charm." Coincidentally, I had three previous breast surgeries in 2002 and 2003 for recurring breast infections. The third surgery was the most aggressive, but also the one that ultimately cured the infections.

And under the heading of "one can never say thank you enough," I would add my gratitude to the many people who sent me loving and encouraging messages and gifts, both before and after my surgery. I'm sure that your love is one of the reasons I'm doing so well.

Signed,

Double Booble