something happened to the pillar of strength

At about the Mar period this year, my aunt got dengue fever and followed by what we and the doctor thought was UTI. It was a difficult time for her, with much inconvenience too. And this prolonged period then eventually led us to the condition today. (I will come to this later)

So what other things happened in this period? One of my grown up cousins (GUC) consistently had fits and it was pretty bad that he always falls and injures himself when he has fits. He had to go to the hospital for checks etc too, to make sure that he doesn't have a concussion or so. Now, this GUC stays with my aunt (he's not my aunt's son). And oh yes, because of the frequency of the occurence of fits and him in turn having to take quite a number of MCs, he lost his job at the petrol kiosk.

In the same period, we welcomed the birth someone I'll like to call my 表niece (daughter of my other GUC). It was a celebration for us and especially my big aunt's family too! It was during her birthday period that we welcomed her first grandchild! But there was a turn of events and the little one was called home just after 2 weeks (I've simplified this to the greatest extent) here with us, with 90 per cent of her time in ICU.

My aunt was much involved with the family, supporting her sister who was devastated and also my GUC's family. It was a test of faith. So tough, with much questioning.. but God's ways that are higher still prevailed. Why did I talk about this tough time? Now in the family, there's a little of self-blamimg by my GUC cause this incident prevented my aunt from taking better care of her "UTI". Also, as my aunt was the one who brought my GUC to Christ (just last year), there's an element of spiritual warfare. Well, that's present in everything actually.

So, what happened to the pillar of strength in the family? There was a huge tumour in her bladder. And the discovery led to her having to remove her bladder and replaced with an external urinal bag. It was a long process. Of tests and emotional rollercoaster and of the major surgery. (And I have once again simplified these tremendously) Then came progressive recovery and adapting.. and then came the report on the tumour.. and the revealation of another cancer- lymphoma and the need for chemo. And thereafter details that it's Stage 4 Lymphoma.