Being Patient

My dad was admitted to IJN on July 16 for the surgery to remove the tumor in his chest. The surgery was scheduled to be done on Friday, July 21, but did not happen because of the high occupancy of the operating theater. Being there for almost a week was already a torture for my dad. He just couldn't bear the thought of being away from home and his circle of usrah colleagues.

Finally, the surgery was due on Monday July 24 at noon. He was whisked to the OT at 12.30pm, but I think the procudure only started at 1pm. Mak, Atam, Ateh and Adik were waiting there. I wish I could be there, but I had to care for Amir (my maid was still not here yet) while at the same time attend to my endless work stuff. I ended up bringing Amir to work, while Dad would fetch Adam & Aina after school and perhaps brought them his office.

The procedure was completed at 4pm. The tumor was removed, measuring 10x10cm at the core (refer picture - what looks like the head is the core) about 12-14cm tail. Imagine that growth with the size of a grapefruit all these while nestling in between the heart & lungs...no wonder my dad's cough is endless.

My dad came to consciousness at about 6pm, it was heart-rendering to see him in ICU, with all the supporting tubes & IV. In his semi-consciuosness, heavily drugged with morphine, his index finger kept pointing to his legs. The bed was not long enough to accomodate his long legs to stretch out properly. I told the nurse to move him so that he could stretch his legs. They only could do it after sponging is done. So we waited about half an hour for them to do that and finally removed the oxygen tube from his mouth after 7:30pm.

The next day, Tuesday, Apak was transferred from the ICU to the normal ward at after 4pm. Though still heavily monitored, it was a relief that he didn't have to stay long in ICU. This time around, Mak wanted to stay the night to care for his husband. Even then, Apak, was already complaining why Mak was late. She insisted that I pick up the new maid first before sending her to IJN. We noticed that Apak was a bit impatient and quick-tempered - must be the drugs. He was groggy and confused in identifying his children.

Alhamdulillah, by Wednesday, he was back to his normal self. With the after-effects of the drugs, he was a little bit dizzy. But he could already go to the bathroom by himself. The doctor said his recovery was quite remarkable, and Apak attributed all that to prayers and zikirs. With zikir, your soul becomes calm and peaceful, hence the strong will and determination...