history: When I defended my thesis, I wasn't completely prepared but I knew my research perfectly.  I wasn't worried despite having three days to prep and having a raging ear infection.  I defended my thesis last year_comma_ with a raging ear infection. You must have been in so much pain. How did you manage to endure it?
current: Lots of Advil.  Thankfully, my adviser had prepared me really well.  I wasn't even nervous.
next: It great you were confident despite your illness. It's a sign of good character.