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Events that keep me closer to God
I
was born in India in a Christian family. My life was normal as any other
without many significant events.
I completed my year 10 and against my
parents wish of doing a degree, went on to complete Diploma in
Electronics and Communications Engineering (Equivalent to our TAFE), I
commenced work at the age of 18 as a Service Engineer and worked for
various companies. In 2000 I decided to come to Australia to further my
studies and I was successful in getting into University of Western
Sydney in March of 2001 for Bachelor of Technology – Computer
Engineering.
While studying, GOD was graceful to
provide me a work at a local computer shop. This was a great help in
meeting my basic needs during my studies. I had to leave as they got a
trainee from TAFE and didn’t have much work for two. That week my
lecturer who was the department head asked me to take his tutorial and
laboratory classes. I continued working as a Tutor/Lab Demonstrator at
the University till my graduation. On graduation in April 2002 I applied
for my permanent residency. I was informed that it would take a couple
of months.
As a pre requisite for applying for
residency, I had my health insurance converted from student health cover
to international visitor cover. I had my medical check up for
immigration purpose. The test discovered that I am diabetic and was
advised medication which I started promptly.
In the following week I had nausea and
headaches. As it was a weekend my GP was not available. Hence I went to
the hospital. Preliminary investigation indicated that my condition was
normal and I was advised that someone will attend. Although I was
feeling better I decided to remain and see a Doctor. After nearly 8
hours of waiting in the waiting room I was attended by an intern doctor.
After a brief discussion the doctor prescribed medication for headache
and kept on observation for 15 minute. I was advised to go home once I
feel better.
Within few minutes I collapsed and my
blood pressure and pulse started to drop. I was rushed into emergency
immediately and put on life support to stabilise my condition. Following
this I was referred to a Neurologist who arranged a CT scan and then a
MRI. The MRI indicated an abnormal substance. Then I had a biopsy. The
biopsy indicated a high grade tumour – Anaplastic oligodendroglioma, a
large 6x4cm brain tumour on the left parietal lobe.
I was then referred to a Nero surgeon
from Prince of Wales Private Hospital in Sydney. On our first meeting
he looked at my MRI and said “This person is long dead, don’t waste my
time” would be my comment if I didn’t see you. Then he added I need to
talk to your family.
I replied “You need to go to INDIA”
“Then who should I discuss this matter
with?” The doctor asked
“To me” I said .
He said “OK, here are your options,
success rate of surgery 10%, success rate of normal recovery 0%. Out
comes of the surgery could cause partial paralysis, partial blindness, a
reduced ability to think logically and post surgery Physiotherapy for up
to six months or longer“
He suggested that I get opinions from
different doctors and with my family.
I replied “When is the surgery, I have
faith in my Saviour and He will get me through this and I will have a
complete recovery.”
The doctor said “If you are that sure
then I am admitting now and operate the morning”.
Unfortunately, my Private Health
Insurance did not accept as I just renewed my insurance. The hospital
demanded a deposit of $10,000 up front before admission in spite of
doctor’s plea.
I had around $200 for my expenses at that
time and I had no friends who could lend me that much and my parents
were in a similar situation in India, moreover I didn’t ever tell them
anything happening here.
While waiting for my Private Health
Insurance to be approved I continued teaching at the Uni. One of my
students offered me counselling through his friend who had been through
a similar situation, I thought it would be helpful and said that is a
good idea. I met het that week end and she explained what to expect and
what she went through.
I told her that I am waiting for my
insurance to be approved for surgery. In couple of days she called me
from the hospital to tell me that I have been admitted and my surgery
was scheduled for the very next day. She arranged admission by paying
the full deposit in my name.
Following the operation I had a stay of
six days in hospital including two session of physiotherapy. While in
hospital I was informed that my Visa had been approved. My health
insurance was cleared and as I was holding international visitors
medical insurance at the time of the operation (before my Visa was
issued) I was fully reimbursed of all my expenses. If my Visa had been
issued before the surgery I would have to pay a gap. That was the plan
HE had for me.
Following the surgery I was referred to
an oncologist for radiotherapy and chemotherapy. As the Doctors were
not sure on the best treatment for this type of tumour, I started on
radiotherapy for 45 days and then I was to have six cycles of
chemotherapy.
After having three cycles of
chemotherapy, the fourth being due, I heard about the Healing Service at
St Andrew’s Cathedral, I attended the service and received prayer and
blessing. The following day I visited my oncologist and was informed
that all medicines were to be stopped immediately and I didn’t need any
further treatment as the review scan showed no sign of regrowth.
With the type of tumour I had
reoccurrence chances very high. I have had 6 review scans and there is
no sign of the tumour reoccurrence.
I praise my Saviour for His mercy and
healing and GOD for HIS SON. |
