I was watching this episode of House MD last night. There was one case where his patient was diagnosed with lung leukemia. The only way she could live is by doing a major operation to get rid of the tumor (I saw the show halfway through so I may be wrong on some of the details). Problem is the patient was already 30 weeks pregnant and was very adamant in bringing the baby to terms. Of course, Dr. House gave his usual sarcastic-yet-I-really-do-care-about-you speech and the lady agreed to have the surgery. Then entered the Big Bad Wolf (Volgar, that ultra-rich guy who lately donated USD100 million to the hospital). He cancelled the procedure, infuriating House and basically caused a big uproar, resulting in Wilson getting fired, House almost getting fired, and Cuddy herself put on the line.
Anyhow it was, as always, a great episode of House but it made me wonder about what I would do if I were in that woman’s position - pregnant but in need of surgery that could be fatal to my baby. I love my babies with all my heart and as every mother would feel, I would gladly risk my life for their sake. However in this case, I would probably have to think about my living children, apart from the one I am carrying. Also there’s hubby to think about. I’m pretty sure he would have wanted me to live, even if it meant putting our unborn child at risk. If I was only 2-3 weeks pregnant, then maybe it wouldn’t be such a difficult choice, but at 30 weeks...I would have already felt the baby inside me, kicking and moving about. I would have already pictured him/her playing with Dania and Dina. I would have bought all new clothing, especially if the baby was a boy.
It’s a hard choice to make, and I pray I’ll never have to make it.
Ps: In House, the lady died in the end due to internal bleeding in her stomach. They had to do an emergency c-section to save the baby, which they did. I cried when the Dad held the baby and kissed his wife goodbye.
