A relative on Dad's side of the family fell critically ill all of a sudden. My sister visited him at the hospital last weekend and shared that he had undergone multiple therapeutic thoracenteses (liquid had to be drained from his lungs: 900 ml the first time, then 2 liters, and we don't know how much more afterward).
We were so shocked. What the hell happened? We were joking with each other a few weeks ago when we met him in another town. He was alright then, looking perfectly healthy and bubbly.
The initial medical diagnosis indicated a malignancy in his lungs and that it had spread (adenocarcinoma, metastatic). His wife (my first cousin on mom's side) was heartbroken, said she couldn't accept it, and echoed a question we all feel. Why so sudden? He lived a clean lifestyle, free of vices or toxic exposures.
No one dared to answer, even though most of us understand it could be genetic, and serious conditions can develop silently behind a veneer of perfect health until they reach a catastrophic tipping point and cause medical emergencies.
Sadly, his case wasn't the first. Some of the people we lost (relatives) went from absolute pink of health to the worst in so short a time. But we clung to hope, praying the team of doctors and oncologists could piece together a treatment plan for him.
He, on the other hand, jokingly asked if a dying person could get insured (referring to himself). Even in his sickbed, he was thinking about his family's future.
And as if life wasn't done giving them trials.
In the same week, his Mom was rushed to the emergency room. The diagnosis was an aneurysm and an advanced kidney problem. Truly heartbreaking.
Yesterday, we learned that he asked to be taken home. He may have refused further medical interventions. In just over a week, the disease ravaged his body. He had severe weight loss, and his facial features had changed dramatically (his ears have dropped), which, according to those who know, are often signs of a worsening condition. The cancer must be so aggressive.
Today, his mother will be brought home too. They will both be on palliative care.馃槩 My sisters couldn't hold back their emotions and sobbed uncontrollably, shattered and overwhelmed by the fact that we cannot do much at this point.
Life can truly change in a heartbeat...
Photo by Engin Akyurt via Pexels. 16102026/09:40ph