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| A man stays loyal to wife despite sickness |
Patrick Apecu and Carol Muduwa exchanged vows in 2011 and embarked on a journey of love and partnership. Loving Man Sticks by Wife After Cancer Diagnosis, Loss of Speech: “Through Thick and Thin” However, their lives dramatically turned in 2023 when Carol’s health began to deteriorate. How did it start? Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Patrick shared the profound emotional toll his wife’s sickness took on him. He narrated that it started with Carol losing appetite and weight, prompting a visit to the hospital. Their search for answers was futile as none of the doctors offered them definitive answers. That was until their housemaid noticed a swelling in Carol’s neck whenever she swallowed food. When did she test positive for cancer? When they went to the doctor, a scan revealed a solid mass in her throat, necessitating immediate surgery. Post-surgery, the doctors suggested testing the mass for cancer, which came back positive. “When I received my wife’s cancer results, I spent one week without sharing them with anyone, not even my wife,” he started. According to him, the diagnosis made him feel like he was holding her stamped death certificate. How did the cancer diagnosis affect the family? Despite his emotional turmoil, he mustered the courage and broke the devastating news to his wife and their children initially. Patrick says he soon regretted the decision as the family’s happiness was replaced with fear and sadness. Doctors suggested that Carol undergo surgery again to remove some of the remaining parts. In June 2023, with funds raised from friends and relatives, she was flown to South Africa for further treatment. Carol lost her speech Unfortunately, she lost her vocal cords and could not talk. The doctor who performed the initial surgery reassured them she hadn’t touched the sensitive nerve and suggested waiting three more months. For a year and four months, the distressed husband lived without hearing his wife’s voice. Hormonal imbalances further complicated Carol’s condition, causing emotional instability and physical discomfort. How Carol miraculously regained her voice An ENT specialist discovered that one of Carol’s vocal nerves was not functioning and referred them to a speech therapist. The couple planned to start the sessions, but personal events, including a family funeral and their daughter’s introduction ceremony, caused delays. Miraculously, the day after their daughter’s function, Carol spoke for the first time in over a year. “I just heard someone talking in the bedroom, and I was like, ‘are you the one talking?” Patrick recalled with joy. Patrick kept his wedding vows He admitted that after confirming his wife was talking, he was confused between crying, smiling, or shouting. “I did not know what to do. I just knelt down, raised my hands up, and thanked God for the miracle,” Patrick said, overwhelmed with emotion. Carol, with tears in her eyes, expressed profound gratitude for her husband’s unwavering support. This is because he refused to listen to friends and relatives who advised him to get a second wife. Patrick and Carol’s new normal Despite the long, painful journey devoid of conjugal rights, their bond strengthened. “I almost gave up because I was in pain. If it was not for Patrick, I would have given up,” she said. Patrick reiterated that his wife is getting used to the new normal of living a life without thyroid glands. She is supposed to take thyroxine tablets for life, but they thank God for the gift of life.
by Hillary Lisimba