Before and After

Hubby's first brain tumour was diagnosed in late 2021.  So it now turns out he only had 4 more years after that.  :( 

When I compare hubby's life before the brain tumour and recently, there was a big difference.  Before, he would be out of the house all the time - for work, drinking with friends.  He was fit from regular visits to the gym.  He would challenge younger relatives to doing planks/push-ups/arm-wrestling and he would win!  He loved alcohol and would indulge in quite a lot daily.

After, he was mostly home watching his Chinese serials. He had continued numbness on the right side of the body - the arm, leg, face.  He woke up with back pain and various other pains.  Worst were the seizures which occurred at random times, even though he was on anti-seizure medication.  He brought his emergency chilled medication everywhere in its insulated bag.  He gave up alcohol.  At the end, his face and tummy were bloated from continued use of steroids to control swelling in the brain.  One side of his head was still hairless from the recent radiation sessions.  

Before, hubby was anticipating a long life like both his parents.  After, the picture wasn't rosy.  His second tumour had grown fast, requiring surgery in only 2 years.  The 30 radiation sessions were to to kill off residual tumour cells in the hope of prolonging his time.  Should tumours still regrow, the only recourse was medication to shrink the tumours.  I had worried that his later years might be spent in discomfort and distress. 

I am glad hubby never had to deal with this probability.  That he left behind a body sub-optimal in so many ways.  I have thrown away his 'precious' chilled medication.  And bid good riddance to the rest of the medication he was taking.

Only part of hubby's stock