COVID-19 Test

Tomorrow (Tuesday 7/14/2020) I am having my right breast augmentation mammaplasty to balance my breasts. In addition I will also have my chemo port removed which is another step forward towards a life without chemo treatments. These are unusual times we are all living in. So, on Friday (7/10/2020) I had to get an active COVID-19 test.

It was a drive up testing site across the street from Sharp Memorial Hospital. There were signs to follow that led me to the designated parking spots. And my pre-anesthesia call last week with Ronnie was very detailed and thorough which made it helpful to prepare for the testing and surgery. Have I mentioned how great Sharp is?!?! Ok I diverted and did a squirrel. Back to my COVID-19 experience.

I parked in a spot and put on a mask. I rolled my window half way down. A nurse came up to me and asked if I had an appointment. When I confirmed my appointment, she asked for my name and walked to her station to grab the test kit and documents with my information. When she returned we confirmed my name, date of birth, doctor requesting the test, and when/what my surgery will be. Then she confirmed my name and birth date with what’s on the test kit and tubes.

After all the confirmations, she proceeded to give me instructions and information on the process of the test. She opened the bottom end of the pack that had the swab stick in it. I was given the instruction that I would grab the end of that stick and put it up my nose. Best part is I didn’t have to stick it all the way up to my brain. I just had to stick it enough that the cotton tip of the swab was inside my nose. I would circle it 5 times around in each nostril. Then I’d put the stick in a tube with some liquid in it that would be sealed. It was that simple and easy.

Then she explained it takes one business day to get the results to the requesting doctor. For me that would be Dr. Rishi Jindal my new plastic surgeon. Another quick diversion, Dr. Michael Halls retired at the end of March. He did such a beautiful job on my left breast that I am grateful for. The incision and shape was so good that the nurse technician at my last mammogram couldn’t tell I had a mastectomy on my left breast. I received a couple of referrals for Dr. Jindal one from my nurse navigator (Marcia) and Dr. Halls. I did see a couple of other plastic surgeons just to make sure I do my homework. In the end I felt very comfortable with Dr. Jindal and trust the referrals that were given to me.

We return to the normal program...COVID-19. The nurse said that if I don’t hear from Dr. Jindal or anyone from his office on Monday, assume that my COVID-19 test result is negative and my surgery will go as scheduled. No news is good news. Well I must share it’s excellent news because I did not get a phone call today from Dr. Jindal or anyone from his office.

Mark, my at home caretaker that I am forever grateful for being in my life, will be taking me early in the morning and will be waiting until I’m done. I will update everyone once I’m off any pain meds.

I thank you all for your prayers and love.