So here I am. I arrived yesterday after a hectic day. I arrived at the airport later than I thought and was late for baggage check. At first they said I'll need to get on the next plane, but the lady said I could take both on the plane if I got rid of any liquids. So I had to throw away my shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, razors, etc. But I got on the plane.
So now things seem good. But when we backed out and started taxiing they ended up having to go to some holding area due to a mechanical problem. It ended up being quick, they just had to shut down the plane to reset the system. So off we were. We ended up arriving earlier than expected at the next stop. I was able to get breakfast.
I had some time so it was nice to relax and stretch out. My next flight was a bit late taking off. We ended up getting into O'Hare airport late, and to compound the problem they also started taxiing for like 10 minutes. By the time I got off the plane I had to walk very fast - pretty much across the entire airport - to catch my next flight. Fortunately they must have been notified since when I got to the gate they knew who I was and escorted me on the plane.
Now I was good. I was on the last flight to Montreal. But did my luggage make it to the plane too? We landed in Montreal earlier than expected, which was good. I was done with flying. I get off and everything is clearly marked leading me to customs. I fill out the form and they start asking me the questions. When they get to the "What's your business here?" question I say "Surgery with Dr. Brassard." hoping that would suffice. She then delves deeper into the question and asks what type of surgery. I hesitate, a little perplexed why she would ask that. But I answer, saying simply genital surgery. After a couple more questions she sends me on my way. I head to baggage claim and wait. And wait. And wait. After an hour I finally tell myself it's not coming.
I go to the baggage claim people and tell them the situation. They have me fill out a form, take it to some other customs area, and then back to her. After that's taken care of I can finally start looking for Robert Clark, the limo driver here to pick me up. So I follow the signs to the taxi/limo area. I get there and don't see anyone. Unfortunately I can't use my cell phone since I don't have an international plan. So I get some Canadian cents and use a payphone. I call him and we finally find each other.
I get in the limo and just exhale. Finally, I'm here. What a day it was. They said I should get my luggage in the morning today, but it hasn't arrived yet. Let's hope it arrives.
But beyond the crazy day yesterday, arriving at the residence has been great. The other girls here are nice and fun to talk to. The nurses who oversee us are all, mostly, nice. Right when I walked in I had to fill out some paperwork and other stuff. They also asked me if I was hungry. I said yes and they brought me a delicious chicken pot pie. This morning they woke everyone up at 7:30, as they do every morning apparently. They served us breakfast. Now I'm just relaxing, waiting for my baggage to arrive.
Tommorrow I'll do the final prep stuff, have the final consulatation with the doctor, and then be admitted to the hospital around 7 or 8pm. The next day I will have my surgery.
I'll be posting pictures hopefully soon.
~Sarah
