It was really scary: Tulsi Gabbard opens up about husband's rare cancer battle
Tulsi Gabbard has shared details of her husband Abraham Williams' diagnosis, surgery and recovery after sacral chordoma was detected. She said doctors are confident the cancerous tissue was removed, but regular scans and rehabilitation continue.
Former US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has opened up about her husband Abraham Williams' battle with a rare form of cancer, describing the difficult months following his diagnosis and surgery. In an emotional video posted on X, Gabbard said doctors discovered a rare tumour known as a sacral chordoma after Williams began experiencing back pain. The cancer affects the sacrum, the bone at the base of the spine, and can be difficult to treat.
Gabbard said she first realised something was wrong when Williams called her after hearing from his doctor.
"I picked up the phone and Abraham's voice was different," she said. "He said that he got a call from his doctor and the doctor told him that he has sacral chordoma, very, very rare, one in a million type of cancer."
The diagnosis left the couple with difficult choices. Gabbard said doctors presented them with two main options: a major operation to remove part of Williams' sacrum and tailbone or radiation treatment. The couple chose surgery and moved quickly to schedule the procedure.
'IT WAS TOUGH'
Gabbard recalled the moment Williams was brought back to the recovery room after the operation.
"I was so happy to see him when they wheeled him back into that recovery room. But it was also really scary, which I didn't expect," she said.
Williams had been under heavy anaesthesia for almost eight hours. As he began waking up, his body reacted to the medication, making the immediate aftermath of the operation particularly difficult for both of them. Despite the pain and effects of the surgery, Williams tried to get back on his feet that same night.
Gabbard said he repeatedly told her and the medical staff, "I want to get up." With help from nurses, he slowly began walking. He could manage only a few steps at a time and would sometimes vomit while trying to move around.
Williams also chose not to take narcotic pain medication after the operation, meaning he had to deal with significant post-operative pain while beginning his recovery.
DOCTORS CONFIDENT ALL CANCEROUS TISSUE REMOVED
The couple received more encouraging news several weeks after the operation. Gabbard said pathologists and doctors told them they were confident that the surgery had removed all the cancerous bone and tissue. That, however, did not mean the treatment was over. Almost three months into an intensive physical therapy programme, Williams continues to work on regaining his strength and mobility.
Gabbard said he sometimes becomes frustrated because his recovery is not moving as quickly as he would like. She added that Williams sometimes pushes himself beyond what his body can comfortably handle.
While the latest update has brought some relief, Gabbard stressed that the couple remains cautious about the future. Williams will need regular medical monitoring, including frequent MRI scans, to check whether the cancer returns.
This has made the recovery especially difficult, but Gabbard said the couple remains grateful for the medical care Williams has received and for the support offered by people around them.
She also thanked everyone who had sent prayers and messages of support during the difficult period. By the end of the video, Gabbard became emotional and broke down in tears.
TULSI GABBARD RESIGNED AS TRUMP'S INTELLIGENCE CHIEF
This comes months after she announced her decision to leave her role as director of national intelligence. She announced in May that she would resign from the position, effective June 30, following Williams' cancer diagnosis. Her departure triggered a fight over who would take over the intelligence post.
President Donald Trump initially nominated housing official Bill Pulte as her replacement. The nomination sparked opposition on Capitol Hill, particularly among Democrats, who held up the renewal of a key surveillance authority while demanding that Pulte's name be withdrawn.
Trump subsequently nominated Jay Clayton instead. Clayton was later confirmed by the US Senate.
During Gabbard's tenure, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence underwent a major restructuring. About 40 per cent of its staff were reduced or reassigned, while several offices and analytical functions were consolidated under an initiative dubbed "ODNI 2.0".