Saturday, May 10, 2008

Spinal Surgery @ the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital, London

Months of fear and anxiety over my precious son’s spinal surgery are finally over. Today is exactly 3weeks after the successful T5 vertebrectomy and spinal reconstruction from T3 – T8 surgery. This highly skillful surgery was performed by the talented and brilliant Dr Stewart Tucker a spinal consultant at the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital (RNOH) without any incidence.
This month is a year since the diagnosis of osteosarcoma, as a mom hiding away my tears and fears were really very taxing. Finally I feel so relived that all is over and Richard can go on and live his life to the fullest. He is such an amazing young man after going through chemotherapy, serious infections (3 X), operating theaters (9X) Blood Transfusion (10X) Hundreds and hundreds of pokes and two major surgeries (his beads of courage speaks for itself), he has not at one time ask “WHY ME”. He took it all as his challenges in his life and conquers all his hurdles with triumph. Truly “Richard the Lion Heart!”
One week after the spinal surgery he was discharged from RNOH and has started to plan for his university studies. I just know (mother’s instincts that he will be great man and he will touch and inspire millions of people as he already has. I thank my god, my creator for all the healing and the miracles for my son. My prayers `were answered at every stage of my son’s treatment and recovery process. God works in miraculous ways including directing the right doctors and surgeons.
There is one very special person that we are very fortunate to meet in our life’s’ journey. He is Mike Sullivan a brilliant pediatric oncologist (consultant) @ Christchurch Hospital. His professionalism and his willingness to listen and consult with other medical experts to get the best cure facilitated the highly successful treatment and recovery process. He is indeed a simple man with a heart of gold. He told us that he will search the whole planet for the right spinal surgeon. He not only did that, he went all out to get the necessary approvals and funding for Richard’s surgery. How many doctors in Malaysia will do that in fact not many in the world? There is no wonder that his patients under his care are so strong and positive.
To us he is not just a doctor but one of god’s chosen healers as well. It is just amazing how our life were directed at the right time to be in New Zealand.
Last year's Mothers day is like doomsday to me. This year is one of the best days I ever had. I am so blessed with three great sons and a wonderful husband. Happy Mother’s Day!