4.15.2011

The phone call I'll never forget

One year ago today - I went to work as usual. Pablo called to tell me that the doctor's office had called him - they wanted him to come in that morning because they had some test results. At this point, Pablo had been sick for over a month and had undergone countless tests and emergency room visits. No one could figure out what was wrong - until that day.

My phone rang at work and I saw that it was Pablo. His appointment was done. I remember being very curious as to what he was going to tell me and I picked up the phone and said hello. Silence. Then I heard Pablo crying. He couldn't speak. I started to cry because I knew that whatever they told him was bad - really bad. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined what Pablo was about to tell me. In between sobbing, Pablo told me that they found a brain tumour. I was completely horrified and stunned beyond belief. Pablo asked me to come home because the hospital was expecting him - they wanted him admitted right away. I said I would and hung up the phone. I called my dad to come and pick me up.

That day, Pablo was admitted to the hospital and we were told that the tumour was quite large and they wanted to operate within the next few days. They were pretty sure it was malignant. It took them 11 days to schedule him for surgery. They kept postponing his surgery due to emergencies. I kept thinking to myself - what could be more of an emergency than my husband having a large tumour in his brain?!?!?!

Those were the longest 11 days of my life - our lives. During that time, Pablo was given day passes to come home on the weekend and we took alot of family photos and had family gatherings - basically tried to spend time together and not think about the upcoming surgery. Every night during those days leading up to surgery, I had the hardest time sleeping. Over and over I kept thinking of the what if's and all the possible outcomes of the surgery. As hard as it is to say, I spent alot of time thinking about what I was going to tell Isabella if her father didn't make it through the surgery.

Pablo made it through the surgery with flying colours (well almost). I'll talk more about that on April 26 - one year ago to the day that my husband had surgery to remove his brain tumour.

19 comments:

  1. I cannot even imagine going through something like this. It makes my heart hurt for your whole family. I'm so glad that Pablo is better - aside from all of his crazy illnesses!

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  2. This story made my morning; the strength and courage your family has shown, amazing. Keep your chin up.

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  3. Wow, it's been quite a year hasn't it? And you've held up with grace and humor. Hugs.

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  4. Sending hugs your way dear, I can't believe it's really been a year already! <3

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  5. Thank you to everyone and there thoughts and prayers for the last year. You have really helped Julia keep her sanity. I may not always show it but I am so blessed to be her husband. Thank you to all of you for all you have said and done. It truly means a lot to our family. Collette, we need to find a way for our families to meet!

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  6. Wow - we continue to pray for health and provision. What a year... really enjoy your blog and getting to know you and yours :-) All the best, under God's watchful eyes and tender care.

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  7. Pablo, I would love that! I'll have to start by getting Gabe a passport. ;-)

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  8. wow.
    what a phone call.
    only just found you thru table tonic - and i'll be coming back for more.
    hugz across the ocean from us to yours.
    mrs c. xox

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  9. Collette - you are the best. the best of the best. the best of the supreme best. LOL! I think you get the picture. we love you. lots.

    mrs c - everytime I think of that phone call, it gives me goosebumps. hugs back to you and thanks for stopping by and commenting!

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  10. You're gonna make me cry again. (In a good way!)

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  11. we both seem to be able to make each other cry quite easily! LOL!

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  12. Your posting made me remember a phone call from January 2010. My husband went to several doctors because he had a lump on his tongue, which the doctors at our local hospital couldn't diagnose. At the closest university hospital he finally got a diagnose. It turned out the growth was myofibrosarcoma. He got his diagnose on Thursday and he was operated next Tuesday.

    The doctors removed the tumour and some healthy tissue (=40% of his tongue) and took skin & muscle from his right thigh and made him a tongue-transplant. He ended up spending about two weeks in intensive care before coming home. After that he has had check-ups every three monts and everything has been ok. Next one is scheduled for next week.

    Sorry about my long rambling. What I ment to say is that I really can imagine how you felt getting the news on the phone.

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  13. Your family has had a tough journey the past year. So glad you've made it through that. Wishing you continued strength and only happy phone calls from here on in.

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  14. Tea - I'm so sorry for what your husband went through. All the best to you both! And feel free to come back and ramble anytime!

    Thanks Jen. Bring on those happy phone calls!!! :)

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  15. What a year for you guys, I can't even start to imagin. My thoughts are with you and your family, and my best wishes for your husbands full recovery. *hugs* from Holland.

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  16. Thanks for sharing this, so real, so honest, I cried reading this, can't even fathom what you guys have been through. Loving you blog Jen. Miss Walker xoxo

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