I was recovering from my fall for about 2 months. I almost fully regained my health, and I was looking forward to going home to Penang. Suddenly I had a relapse. My left leg was very weak and painful. I could not stand up. I was not able to walk again.
I was taken to hospital C (in Johore) which is about 1 hour’s drive from Singapore. The doctor did a scan of my head. The swelling had grown bigger. The next morning, the neurosurgeon, my wife and daughter sat down for a discussion. What option do I have now?
The surgeon laid out only one possibility – undergo an operation immediately. I asked the doctor some questions.
- Can the surgery “kill” the patient? Like during the surgery, the patient just died. While this is possible, it is not likely it will happen in my case.
- Can surgery cure me? Not likely. There is NO cure. The fluid may come back again.
- Looking at my case, can surgery help me to regain some aspects of my health? Most likely but there is no guarantee.
- Do I need to do more surgeries in the future? Surgery after surgery? May be, no one can predict this.
Based on the answers I got, I have decided there and then that I would proceed with the surgery. I have no other choice. I don’t know if there is any non-medical alternative to my problem either. In other wards I am ignorant like most cancer patients. Yes, over the years, I have helped many patients with CANCER of the brain, and they recovered. But my case I don’t have brain cancer!
My only request to the doctor and my family members is do not try to be a super hero. If my chances of survival or recovery is remote, please don’t try to save me at any cost. Let me go in peace. I don’t want to suffer – drag on and on until I die. It is not worth it. I am ready to die.
A friendly anaesthetist visited me to explain what is involved in the surgery. I was to be given a general anesthesia injection. This anesthestics will gradually make me “go to sleep”. The surgeon shall then work on me. There will be no pain!
So, the question – did I make the right decision to undergo this emergency operation? Let me say that I received a “miraculous healing” immediately after the operation. Before the operation, I could not move my left leg – no strength and painful. After the operation, my left leg immediately had more strength and all pain disappeared. In fact, my left leg is now much stronger than the right leg. Thank you, doc, for your help. The operation did a lot of good for me.
Let me be clear. I am not anti-doctor, although I am critical with what some doctors do or tell their doctors to do. I have read enough books written by medical experts themselves who warn readers about being taken for a free ride by their doctors. So be careful.
The mani reason why I agreed to the surgery was because I fully trusted the neurosurgeon who is operating on me.
- He is humble and caring person. I could “see” the sincerity in hm in wanting to help his patients under his care. I am aware that all “humans” can only try their best but they cannot guarantee or promise a cure! Yes, the surgeon did admit to that – but he was willing enough to do his best. He did NOT tell me – Ah, your case is easy, I can cure you (like a certain famous oncologist told his patients!). I have heard enough of such “fake” assurance! The surgeon’s honestly is the prime factor that made me trust him. Great doc., thank you for your concern and willingness to give your best! I understand, the final outcome, is in God’s hands, not ours.
The surgery was scheduled for 8 p.m. or slightly later. This would take about 4 hours!
God’s Blessing!
By mid-night, I received a message: Operation successfully completed.
When I agreed to the surgery, I accept the fact that before mid-night, that is in the next 5 hours I may die. So, I was calm and was not worried or stressful. Let Your will be done, Lord.
Thank God I am still alive! And am able to share my story with you all.
CANCER STORY 