Rodger Brulotte has recently faced a significant health crisis that dramatically changed his life. He recounted his experiences with a sense of both humor and seriousness. Over the past six weeks, he lost 24 pounds due to an unexpected health scare that began with persistent back pain.
Discovery of a Tumor
Brulotte’s back pain intensified throughout the summer, prompting him to set aside his golf clubs. On September 11, he visited his family doctor, Dr. Luc Lasalle, who recommended a scan at the CHUM (Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal). The doctor’s prescient advice included a heads-up about potential hospitalization.
Brulotte initially doubted the severity of his situation, replying, “Are you sick? I just have back pain.” However, scans revealed what X-rays had missed: a cancerous tumor located on the sixth vertebra of his spine.
Emergency Surgery
The day after his hospitalization, Brulotte underwent a first embolization procedure for the tumor. Two days later, skilled surgeons performed a five-hour operation to remove the mass, with careful precision to avoid the risk of paralysis. He spent five hours in recovery, reflecting on how quickly life can shift.
- Diagnosis: Cancerous tumor on the sixth vertebra
- Surgery Duration: 5 hours
- Recovery Time: 5 hours in recovery
Facing Life’s Challenges
Despite the major baseball season unfolding, Brulotte struggled physically in his role as a sports analyst. An evening devoid of physical capability led him to ask colleague Karl Gélinas to substitute for him during a broadcast.
He reminisced about a scene from the film “A League of Their Own,” where the coach dismisses tears in baseball, stating, “There’s no crying in baseball.” For Brulotte, however, it was life itself that brought him to tears during this harrowing period.
Emotional Toll
The date of his hospitalization echoed a painful memory – a day when he took his late mother to the hospital due to Alzheimer’s disease. His anxiety over potential paralysis was overwhelming, prompting him to seek reassurance about his mobility after waking up from surgery.
Rehabilitation and Setbacks
Following his initial recovery, Brulotte was transferred to a rehabilitation center in L’Assomption. His early days there were marked by struggles to complete physical exercises and undergoing four sessions of radiation therapy at CHUM. After six weeks of treatment, he returned home but was soon faced with another medical challenge.
- Initial Treatment Duration: 6 weeks
- Additional Hospitalization: Required due to a severe fever from an infection
Support and Resilience
Brulotte expressed gratitude for his wife, Pascale. Married for over 15 years, she exceeded his expectations by providing exceptional care during his ordeal. Despite managing her professional responsibilities at Bombardier, Pascale remained a constant source of encouragement.
Brulotte acknowledged that many face tougher situations than his own. However, he emphasized the importance of emotional support, especially when life takes unexpected turns. His journey serves as a reminder of resilience, love, and the power of staying positive.
