Monday, June 16, 2008

'The Man' Tales - Why God Created Surgeons

As they rolled Cid past us and he settled back on to the gurney, his uncle and I turned and looked at each other with our mouths open. How could he have had such a huge turn-around and be able to talk so soon after surgery?

Like excited children, we gathered our belongings and followed the gurney. We watched anxiously as they lifted Cid into what would be his bed for the next little while. Nurses hovered, checking vitals and talking to Cid while he smiled and gave me a wave before nodding to his uncle. My emotions were almost out of control and I thought I might break down and weep with my gratitude at seeing him looking so healthy and so – alive.

As I stood in the doorway trying to marshal my emotions, I heard the distinctive sound of slippered feet and I turned to see a doctor dressed in surgical greens approaching. Tapping Cid’s uncle on the shoulder, we both stepped aside as the doctor swept into the room and went to Cid’s bedside. He checked the surgery site and probed gently with his fingers, and then he shone a flashlight into Cid’s eyes and spoke to him for a bit. He checked the charts the nurses were working on and gave some orders before he seemed satisfied with everything. At last he turned to us and asked us if we had any questions.

Cid’s uncle looked tongue-tied so I stepped forward and asked, “How could Cid have been unable to speak English and not recognize us before the surgery, and now seem so normal – and so quickly after the surgery?”

The doctor smiled and spread his hands and looked skyward before he answered.

“Sometimes we get lucky. It’s as simple as that. Cid’s tumor was encased and pressing on the part of the brain that manages speech function and other things. We managed to remove it all and we doubt very much if it will come back again. However – Cid’s current state? Let’s put it down to he’s an amazing person – and that I’m an exceptional surgeon. Does that help?”

It was all the answer I needed and I turned to look at Cid’s uncle to see if he had any more questions. He had a big white hankie and was wiping his eyes with it before he blew so loudly into it that everyone in the room laughed. The surgeon took one more look at Cid before he patted us on the shoulder and left the room.

We stood in the door for a while longer until the nurses were finished with their charting and seemed satisfied that Cid was comfortable and didn’t need anything more. Once they left, his uncle and I took up our positions on either side of the bed and beamed down at the patient. I took Cid’s hand and felt his reassuring squeeze, then bent over and kissed him softly.

“I love you.” Cid’s words seeped into my brain and calmed me instantly. I looked up to see his uncle smiling at both of us as I told Cid the same thing.

17 comments:

Daryl said...

Ahhhh .... I sigh with relief ... I love you aims, and I am loving Cid a little myself right now...

:-Daryl

Mima said...

I'm so glad that Cid is ok, I have been on tenterhooks. I must have been the most incredible moment for you when he opened his eyes and spoke to you.

Rachel Green said...

How super :)
What an amazing surgeon, too.

softinthehead said...

At last a happy ending (?) ....or interlude ....? With you aims, who knows what is around the next corner. I will bask in your happiness for a moment :)

Lane Mathias said...

Yipee! I'm so pleased for Cid. And you.
I hope I haven't yipeed too soon. I don't care. Cid pulled through!:-)

bichonpawz said...

WOOHOO!! Cid came through the surgery! And the surgeon seemed to be quite nice himself. I am so glad for you all. Right now.

Anonymous said...

Thank heavens for that! Well done Cid and that surgeon. I hope he's all clear now- Cid deserves a break from hospitals for life!

Breezy said...

Yaay for good surgeons for Cid and you!

Georgina said...

So pleased Aims, my cousin had a brain tumour about 10 years ago. It was also encased and "touch wood" she's still OK. You wrote very well even though your mind was on other things. Love Debs & Bob (X)

San said...

Wow, the surgeon said exactly the words I wanted to hear too. Just beautiful.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

aims I am so delighted for you both. As you know OG had what they called massive, massive surgery in March. One of the nurses even called it bionic man technology. Surgeons are so skillful now aren't they?

Maggie May said...

Looks like Cid is going to make it but I can't relax too much as your stories have hidden twists! They have me sitting on the edge of my chair!

Anonymous said...

fantastic. when you remember that brain tumours were inoperable such a short time ago, what a lucky break - and a really quick return to consciousness - great.

Living the Dream said...

I'm sure you can hear the blowing of the nose and the tears dropping from there with us as well. Oh Cid, we love you, get well soon. Aims needs "her Man" to be fit and well.

Stinking Billy said...

aims, baby, so, what's not to love about miracles being worked? You have brightened the day of a lot of people, I guess. Good on yer, girl!

aims said...

It is amazing to me that so many of you have reached out with love and affection for Cid and for myself.

Thank you for your thoughts and for giving me the opportunity in the first place to share this story with you.

Everything counts in the grand scheme of things.

travelling, but not in love said...

brilliant. i love a happy post!