'Because I was intending to go to foreign parts, he decided to give me a thorough examination and a scan and, lo and behold, did he not find a tumour?'

'Because I was intending to go to foreign parts, he decided to give me a thorough examination and a scan and, lo and behold, did he not find a tumour?'

Rosemary remembers going for a medical check-up before travelling to Zimbabwe. The doctor found a tumour which necessitated surgical intervention.

Rosemary McCloskey

Trinity College Dublin

1988

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Rosemary McCloskey

Work and Employment

Life Story

Dublin

1980's

During this time of preparation for the move to Africa, Fr Pascal Slevin OFM, the 'custos' in Zimbabwe, was in frequent contact with us, because he was trying his best to speed up our visa applications. If you have ever been in the situation of waiting for a visa for an African country, then you will understand the uncertainty of dates and times. It was a waiting game. We had no idea if we would be at home or in Zimbabwe for Christmas that year. It so happened I had to have a check-up in the Mater Hospital with Dr Verzin, a gynaecologist. Because I was intending to go to foreign parts, he decided to give me a thorough examination and a scan and, lo and behold, did he not find a tumour? I was whipped into St John's (Gynaecological department of the Mater at that time) on 17th December 1989, and had a hysterectomy and ovarectomy within a few days. That put paid to any notion of my leaving with the others for Zimbabwe in January. I had to take time to recuperate. Sr. M. Emilian came to visit me at home in Brookvale Avenue to tell me that she had arranged a place for me in the St John of God nursing home in Newry, but I declined. I told her that I was fine at home and that I would go to Claudy, to Aunt Rosalin, when I was able. My father was very concerned about me and I did not realise that the whole family was most anxious, until the results of the tissue they took came back, and was found not to be malignant. That possibility had never even crossed my mind. I was in hospital from 17th December until almost the New Year, and had a wonderful time, with Santa Claus and so many good people calling to see me, including my dear friend, Aidan O'Kane, who borrowed a car and travelled from Carnlough, as often as he could. I truly appreciated all that kindness.I never knew what weakness was, until I was discharged from the Mater. I had no strength at all, and was frustrated with this weakness. My mother used to say that weakness was worse than pain. It took me a good few months to recover. In the meantime there were letters of encouragement from Fr Pascal and the others. Sr. Regina Kelly (President of Mercy Ireland) went out to see how the others were faring at Easter, and when she returned she was most anxious that I should go to Zimbabwe as soon as I possibly could. With only two in the community, life was strained and she thought that my presence would help the situation. I was unable to go until the middle of July.

Irish Research Council for Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (IRCHSS)

Dr Kathleen McTiernan (Trinity College Dublin)

Dr Deirdre O'Donnell (Trinity College Dublin)