“Today Is All About My Operation Date!”

The lead picture was edited by Canva.

This morning, I woke up very early. I got ready and went to the hospital for my doctor’s appointment. It has been one month since I last saw the doctor. Today, I came to know what’s next for the lump in my breast. Two months ago, I was very worried. The doctor told me the lump might be cancer. That moment really scared me. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. My heart felt so heavy. But after more tests and checks, the doctor said, “It’s not cancer.” Thank God! It was only an infection. So, the doctor give me two rounds of antibiotics. After I finished the medicine, I feel so much better. The pain became less, and the lump got smaller. I felt so thankful and more at peace. Today, it’s my appointment to see what the doctor will advise about what's next. I had to wait for my number to be call at the monitor. It’s a government hospital, so many people were waiting. I took a photo of the waiting area, with many chairs, people sitting quietly, waiting for their turn, too. Just like me!” Also busy scrolling up and down the handphones. I remember I haven’t had my coffee yet.

While waiting, I feel a bit hungry and tired. I go to the hospital canteen and bought a hot latte coffee. I also got a green pancake filled with sweet coconut, a Chinese-style dessert that I really like. The coffee tasted simple but nice, just what I needed that morning. I sat near the doctor’s room on an empty chair and sipped my coffee slowly. I take a snap of the coffee cup too. It’s remind me to enjoy the small things, even on a stressful day. After a while, my number was called. I stood up quickly and went to the doctor’s room. The doctor smiled and checked my records. She looked at my breast again and asked me a few questions, how I was feeling, if the pain was still there, and how the lump was now. Then the doctor gave me the important news: My surgery is planned for August 11. But I told the doctor that I already booked a short Malaysia trip on August 10. I asked kindly if I could move the surgery to August 15. She checked the schedule — and yes, the slot was still free. I was so happy. Thank you, Doctor!

She gave me a form to see the anesthesiologist (the doctor who handles sleep and pain during surgery) on August 11. If everything is okay, I will need to check into the hospital on August 14, and my surgery will be on August 15. I’m glad I will have a few days to relax before the surgery. The short trip I booked will help me to feel relax and ready. I think it’s just the right timing to breathe, reflect, and prepare myself. I also took another photo inside the hospital. You can see more people sitting and waiting. Government hospitals are always busy, but I respect everyone who is waiting patiently. All of us are dealing with something in our lives, and still we stay strong. Today is not just about having a surgery date. It’s about how far I come. From being very scared to feeling more brave and hopeful. I feel lighter now. The worries that stayed in my brain for a few months are slowly going away. I’m thankful for the kind doctors and the support from my husband and family, which means to me, even for the small moments like a warm cup of coffee. These little things helped me through this journey. Now, I’m ready. Ready for the next step. Ready to heal. And ready to enjoy life more.