It's Not What You Know, But Who You Know

Almost a month I was waiting. One month of 'is the cancer back?' I had my most recent pap smear on December 19th and almost four weeks later I was busy whinging about it to anybody who would listen. One of those people happened to be Rachael. And Rachael happens to work in gynaecological cancer-trials at a northern NSW hospital. Weekly, Rachael liaises with staff at the GC Uni Hospital where I had been treated and we had known for some time that we knew some of the same people. The oncology nurses mostly. Rach knew them through work. I knew them through...well...cancer. So, when I complained to Rach, she jumped into action. Because she's bloody great like that.

When Monday morning rolled around Rachael sent a short email to, as she is saved in my phone, 'Nurse Paula'. And that was all it took to get the ball rolling. Within the hour Paula had text me in the hope of chasing my results for me. Shortly after that, my phone rang. The 'No Caller ID' that I've come to associate with doctors showed on my phone and I answered to hear the voice of The Austrian. He'd been one of the surgeons who removed my lymph nodes. Very quickly I was told that everything was absolutely perfect. My results not only showed no cancer, but also no HPV. As I went to wrap up the conversation I heard Eilish in the background wishing me a Happy New Year before The Austrian went on to ask how I've been and apologise they hadn't got the results to me sooner.

I hung up and text Nurse Paula back to say thanks and we exchanged a few texts back and forth about non-cancer related stuff. You know, as you do. Chit chat with the cancer nurse.

In the blur that was finding out I still didn't have cancer, I had another realisation. Was it possible that, my friendship group now extended to the medical professionals who had saved my life, and my sanity? It sure felt like it. And in a situation where it's not what you know but who you know, I'm happy to have the oncology department in my circle. And even more happy to have Wonder Woman Rachael in my corner. So here's a picture of three beautiful things Rach has gifted me over the past few months: my most beautiful plant, a mug and a turmeric blend of goodness. What a lady!