Shouting it from the rooftops... MY DRAIN IS OUT!!!

Yesterday marked my final post-op appointment, bringing me almost to the end of this year’s cancer abatement journey.  With all external medical devices removed from my body, true recovery can finally begin!  The last step will be in eight weeks, when my stent is removed during a reverse ERCP procedure.

Yesterday was also the day my fire was reignited – it was truly the BEST day!

Jenny and Carmine (my sister and brother-in-law) picked me up promptly at 7 a.m. as the first flakes of snow began to fall. We drove straight into the storm, navigating through light snow, whiteouts, freezing rain, and sleet. Once we hit the Palisades Parkway, we finally got a break. My appointment was scheduled for 11:00 am and we arrived by 11:30 am. Thankfully, my medical team understands the distance we travel and that the weather wasn’t on our side today.

One thing I truly appreciate about Mount Sinai Hospital is that the grass doesn't grow under anyone's feet. No sooner had I sat down to catch my breath, I was called in.

Dr. Divino, my surgeon, walked in with two residents, and we got right to business. The residents stood on my right, while Dr. Divino positioned herself on my left to remove my drain bag. She instructed the residents to distract me. We exchanged glances, and I started a conversation—'Oh, your name is Gabriella? I have a niece named Gabriella. She’s finishing up at Sacred Heart, studying Occupational THERAPYYYYYY!' And just like that, distraction over!

Removing the drain didn’t hurt at all—no pain whatsoever—but the feeling! It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The most bizarre, nauseating sensation. There was pulling, tugging, gliding—all coming from deep within my abdomen. The doctor mentioned that the drain had been in longer than usual, so she had to give it an extra pull. It definitely got my attention, and I was laser-focused on the whole situation. I’m not ashamed to admit that I peed myself a little and made sure they knew. I also said, 'I’m so sorry, I’m an F-bomb mom, and I’m about to say something really bad'—and then let out a guttural, "F#$K!" It got a good laugh from all of them.

I noticed the sensation stopped and looked at Dr. Divino, telling her to just finish—get it out! She calmly said, 'It’s already out; I’m just putting pressure on the hole it came from.' I told her she was lying, and then she held up what she’d just pulled out. The moment I saw it, I felt instantly woozy and quickly looked the other way. I couldn’t help but say, 'WHAT THE F#$K, THAT WAS IN ME!' (I attached a picture of it - from the black string all the way down to the thicker white material - YES, ALL OF THAT was inside of me and pulled out of a small hole on my left side!!!)

The team went to see another patient in the room next door, telling me to relax for a few minutes and they’d be back. I took their advice, felt a little better, then got up and dressed. I couldn’t resist—I went to the garbage, pulled out my drain, and snapped a picture because it honestly blew my mind what had just come out of me. When the team returned, we exchanged hugs, and I got my picture with the member of my elite team who continues to keep their promise of giving me QUALITY OF LIFE.

This all unfolded in about 30 minutes. By 12:15 p.m., I was back on 98th Street with my sister, and Carmine had the truck ready and waiting.

Carmine asked, 'Where to? Best Sicily or Arthur Ave?' Where we went next turned out to be the turning point of the day. I couldn’t decide, so he and Jenny made the call—Best Sicily Bottega. It was an 8.3-mile drive downtown to Wall Street, a quick ride down the FDR, past the magnificent Brooklyn Bridge, and meander past the South Street Seaport area.

Best Sicily Bottega is a place we follow on Instagram, offering authentic, organic, homemade Sicilian recipes from Silvia Lombardo, who moved here from Sicily with her husband. Silvia is a cancer warrior and survivor. Sicily holds a special place in our hearts as our family hails from there. You can explore their story, including details about their olive oil farm in Sicily, products for purchase, and more about Silvia's remarkable Bottega, on their website: Best Sicily.

Best Sicily Bottega is a charming little spot on Beaver Street, just off Wall Street in downtown Manhattan. The space is thoughtfully organized, offering a delightful array of products, from olives and pasta to tomato sauce, candy, home decor, and kitchen essentials. On-site, you'll find a variety of homemade items like cookies, pastries, paninis, arancini, lasagna, soup, as well as cappuccinos and espresso.

I’m a sucker for arancini, and that’s exactly what I had, along with a zuccotto cookie for dessert. I threw caution to the wind, savoring my meat ragu arancini and washing it down with a blood orange Sicilian soda when, out of nowhere, Silvia—YES, THE Silvia—walked out from the back kitchen and came over to our table to say CIAO! The most friendly, humble, and down-to-earth woman, Silvia shared her cancer journey with us and spoke about the special bond we share: a deep understanding of how precious and beautiful life truly is. As a gift, she gave me a mug with a heartfelt note on the bag, along with her phone number so I could reach out when I return. 

I’ve been to Manhattan many times since January 2022, but I can confidently say that Thursday, February 6th, was the BEST day I’ve had yet. A huge thank you to my sister, Jenny, and brother-in-law, Carmine, for always being willing to drive me down and making sure every trip comes with a little adventure.