Some experiences need courage to gather- Completed Operation!

At present, the time is 9:50 PM,
and while documenting today's experiences, I find myself with tremors in both hands.

The events of the day have required considerable
courage to confront, particularly as they involved circumstances
I had not previously encountered.

I arrived at the hospital at approximately 10:00 AM. Upon reaching the second floor, where the operating theatre is located,
I discovered that my cousins had already
assembled there.

When I inquired with my sister, she informed me that the anesthesiologist had taken my brother into the operating room, although the surgery had yet to commence.

Around 11:00 AM, the surgeon called for us, and my cousin sister and I were permitted to enter the operating theatre. The doctor informed us that the operation would soon begin and that it would require approximately four to five hours.

Following this, we exited the operating theatre
and awaited updates in the waiting lounge. Given the expected duration of the surgery, concern among our family members was palpable. We ensured that my maternal uncle, a diabetic patient whose son was undergoing surgery, was also provided for, specifically concerning his need for lunch.

My other cousin sister accompanied him to the ground floor for lunch at around 2:30 PM.
It is pertinent to note this detail,
as at approximately 2:45 PM, the doctor summoned us again. He requested that my cousin sister and I come to the outside of the operating theatre, where he detailed the procedure that had been performed and showed us the extent of tissue removal, which included 76% of the tongue and other portions of the throat.

While I cannot recall the specific medical terms used, I felt overwhelmed at that moment; such realities are more manageable for those trained in the medical field, but they are profoundly distressing for family members witnessing these procedures involving loved ones. The doctor assured us that the cancer had been excised and that they would proceed with a reconstructive surgery to address the areas of tissue removed.

After completing some necessary paperwork, my cousin and I found ourselves in tears, a reaction I do not feel ashamed to express in writing, as it was my initial confrontation with such a stark, yet practical experience. However, we quickly became aware that
our emotional display
might raise concerns for my maternal uncle, prompting us to compose ourselves.

Upon my uncle’s return, we descended to the ground floor to conceal
our emotions from him. By around 5:00 PM, both surgeries were successfully completed,
and when my brother emerged from the operating theatre, the attending nurses firmly instructed us not to take any photographs.

He was subsequently transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he was conscious and able to recognise us. I found it challenging to look at him due to the numerous medical tubes and blood present, making the situation difficult to bear. Nevertheless, I felt compelled to confront this reality, as I had spoken with the surgeon, who confirmed that no cancerous cells remained;
Some additional tissue had been removed for precautionary reasons, and my brother would be undergoing breathing assistance through a tube placed in his throat.

I understood that the plastic surgery had also been completed successfully, with the doctors stating that he would require observation for at least twelve days. I noted down the ICU contact information and visiting hours before attempting to visit my brother. However, I was unable to remain in the ICU for more than thirty seconds before stepping out. Other cousins subsequently visited him, and when
I arrived at my destination,
it was 8:30 PM.

After taking a shower, I experienced nausea and continued to feel unwell, as the day's events replayed vividly in my mind. This experience has underscored the challenges of gathering insights from such profound encounters;
Some of which demand extraordinary courage to face.

Dear @stef1 ma'am,

I wish to express my sincere gratitude for the invaluable lessons I have learned from you, as well as for your unwavering support and care. There are only a few individuals, such as yourself, who truly understand the mental challenges I am currently experiencing, and even fewer who genuinely show concern.
Your exceptional qualities inspired me to share my sentiments in this post.❤️🫰

Additionally, I would like to acknowledge @iffatilyas, @sampabiswas, @tangmo, and @beckymia for taking the time to engage with my post and for their thoughtful comments.🫰🙏