The first thing I should mention is that in Canada this procedure would be considered “day surgery”. I was not surprised that I had to stay in the hospital for 2 nights (night before and after) but I was annoyed. I think this is mainly the fact that I was scared. The unknown is scary and surgery is scary at the best of times. I am not scared anymore. Everyone has been very lovely and I feel very welcome and safe.
Surprisingly - I slept quite well. I had of course asked for a private room and similar to Canada, it is based on availability. And like Canada - of course there was no availability. But it’s all good. My biggest complaint is the temperature - and I am sure it would be just as hot in a private room! I always found surgical wards in Canada nice and cool - definitely not the same in Japan!
My surgery is at 2pm. I have seen the doctor and his FEMALE intern three times since I came to the hospital. And they are both so kind and speak good English - even though - in typical Japanese style - they think they are not good - LOL!
I have to wear compression stockings. I had my legs measured by a nurse. This is probably the most distressing part. That and hoping they have a gown big enough for me.
I was just interrupted by 2 lovely nurses. I am now officially not able to drink so the IV went in! Two have my roommates have vacated and the house keeping staff are cleaning vigorously! Earlier a woman came to my cubicle and wiped all surfaces down and emptied the garbage. This is definitely not my experience in Canada.
The intern was here at 10:30 as she promised. She proceeded to give me a haircut! Both her and the nurse assisting her commented on my eye brows - were they “art”? Yes indeed they are, and both commented on how they would love them for themselves!
One of the reasons (besides the amazing English) I am feeling so good about my surgeon, is that he is very aware of the differences in skin cancer between Canada and Japan. He will take wider margins than is standard for a Japanese person. Japanese people are diligent about staying out of the sun.
In his words…
”This condition is very popular in North America, not so much in Japan.”
Obviously he meant common as I am pretty sure no cancer is popular - anywhere.
So now I wait.
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