The world of Tzu Chi December 2020(Vol.129)

TZU CHI 129 43 medical examination at a private clinic in Kota Kinabalu revealed a tumour in her left ovary. However, no treatment was sought as they could not afford it. The volunteers were shocked and felt sorry for her. After evaluating, and consulting Norlija bte Kassim, a welfare officer at the hospital, volunteers decided to assist Melinah in her treatment. Keeping her company On June 24, volunteers accompanied Melinah to Hospital Duchess of Kent Sandakan. With the help from Norlija, they proceeded straight to the Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department, where a CT scan was arranged. On July 9, the doctor confirmed the tumour on her left ovary. Procedures and risks involved in the surgical removal were then explained to her. After one postponement, the operation was scheduled for September 3. Melinah was accompanied by volunteers throughout the process, from taking blood samples to taking X-ray. This kept her comforted and at ease while awaiting the day of surgery. However, on August 25 morning, volunteer Lee Kui Siam received a phone call from Melinah. She complained of pains in her abdominal area which resulted in sleepless nights for three consecutive days, and requested for an emergency admission into the hospital. After examination, Melinah needed immediate surgery. The surgery took six hours and a tumour of 30 by 40 cm was removed. Yasil and the volunteers were all greatly relieved that the surgery was a success. Considering the size of the tumour, everybody was happy over the outcome and the safety of the patient. That same evening, five volunteers went to the hospital to visit Melinah. The next afternoon, the volunteers visited Melinah again. She was smiling profusely and in no pain. When Melinah could ingest liquid foods, the volunteers brought her Jing-Si multigrain powder to supplement her nutrition and to help restore her energy and health as quickly as possible. On September 3, with the help of volunteers, Melinah was discharged from the hospital. Heaven sent help With Melinah hospitalized, her two children missed and longed for her. When Melinah was finally home, her two children showed mixed feelings. Yasil revealed, “For the past few days, the daughter had worn her mother’s clothing to sleep, as if she wanted to be held by her mother.” The volunteers were moved by the love and closeness within the family. Melinah said in between sobs, “Before I met Tzu Chi, nobody had told me that they will help me. Now, I feel like I’m reborn. My body feels lighter and I can sleep well and eat normally. Without Tzu Chi, I don’t know what will happen to me and probably I will not be able to see my children grow up.” She continued, “Heaven has arranged Tzu Chi to help me.” Her gratitude was beyond words. Yasil said, “When I knew that Tzu Chi wanted to help arrange the surgery for my wife, I was very happy. I felt very motivated at work and also grateful to Tzu Chi.” Of the eight sufferings in life, sickness is the greatest and gravest. Due to poverty, Melinah had suffered for two years. Indeed, it was most fortunate that Tzu Chi stepped in to assist in her medical expenses.