01-04-21

Another update from Dr Selina Leow

Dear patients,

I thought that it was time to let you know how I have been going. On 16 April 2021, it will be 12 months since my right hand, wrist and forearm was amputated.

I am happy to let you know that all has been going well. There continues to be no pain from the arm - I have been very fortunate in that regard. I have had a few follow up scans since the amputation and all have been clear. I will continue having these scans every 6 months for the next 5 years, like other cancer survivors.

I have recently had my licence amended to allow me to drive with a plain spinner knob instead of an electronic spinner knob (this was what I was originally permitted to drive with). This amendment means that I can carry a plain spinner knob with me and I can drive any automatic vehicle - useful if I have to hire a car if away on business, etc. My own car has already been modified for the electronic spinner knob and I will keep that as is.

As many of you are aware, my family and I are 4WD enthusiasts and since Christmas, I have ventured out on a few trips including camping. I must admit I hesitated on going camping for some time as I wasn’t sure how I would “do” things-it was mostly getting around it in my head because Darren has always taken care of everything on camping trips including cooking!

I have been using my prosthetic hook arm for some things but not always. Predominantly, I use it at Forensics and at the practice. I also use it if I anticipate eating meat or chicken at a meal as I can put a knife in the hook and use it to cut. I will also wear it if I think I’ll need to buy fruit and veg from the supermarket - those plastic bags are quite difficult to open with one hand! I am hoping that I will be approved for a myo electric arm which will allow me to hold round things like glasses, cans, etc but also, I won’t need the harness on my left shoulder like with my current prosthesis. However, the process and paperwork to be approved for the myo electric arm is SLOW!

I have been able to help out at the practice on the front desk when we have been short staffed. This has been great as I have been able to catch up with so many of my patients. It has been so amazing to see you and speak to you! I love it!

My Forensic work has continued unchanged. I am still one of the NSW Forensic Odontology team that regularly attends the NSW Mortuary to undertake identifications. Recently, I was appointed National Forensic Odontology Co-ordinator for a missing persons program run by the Australian Federal Police. I also give periodic lectures at Western Sydney University, University of Turin, Italy and the NSW Forensic Odontology short course (that I help to run also). I am a keynote speaker at an upcoming International e-conference on Forensic Odontology and will also, be presenting research in Sydney in my current role as NSW Forensic Odontology Registrar.

Unfortunately, the Forensic Odontology work is not an income source - more of a service provided to assist the Australian Police, Australian Justice and the Community. It does, however, allow me to stay active and utilise my skills, knowledge and expertise to make a valuable difference for others.

So, between my Forensic activities and continuing to manage the practice, I’m keeping out of mischief! I continue to get easily tired through the day and require little “rest” breaks which get frustrating (especially for me!) but I really don’t have a choice as I get so tired, I couldn’t function without a break. I don’t need to “take a nap” always - sometimes it’s just a sit down at a meal or some quieter time. I can hear many of you saying “Well, you needed to slow down!”

I am so glad that my patients have continued at the practice seeing Dr Darren Calleia and the rest of the team, but remember, I haven’t left the practice - I just can’t provide your dental treatment. Hopefully, I will catch up with you when I am next there.

Until next time,

Love

Your Dentist 

June 2022 UPDATE available here.  

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