The breast cancer scourge; The trials and triumphs of a patient
It discovered the lump through self-breast examination and reported same to a teaching hospital.
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However, I was appalled by the treatment given to me by the medical staff. First was the backhanded approach by some nurses, then their unwillingness and inability to patiently comfort and explain issues about my condition to me.
I was becoming frail. After several visits during which long queues, combined with the poor doctor/nurse-relationship took its toll on me, I abandoned that line of treatment.
I then met a friend who introduced me to a herbalist. I was given various concoctions. They somewhat made me energetic but the lump kept growing. I had family support unlike other less fortunate patients who were neglected.
My family became alarmed when my health deteriorated. I lost weight, and became pale and weak physically. I was then rushed to the Peace and Love Hospital when I was running out of breath, and thankfully, I have found peace and comfort at this hospital.
Treatment
The treatment has been excellent.
It is rather life-saving. I have been here for only three days, and my condition has improved tremendously, compared to the one-and-a-half years that I had been on my own using herbal preparations which nearly claimed my life.
The moment the surgeon walked in, I could feel the grace and professionalism he/she exuded.
This surgeon, with much care and dexterity, drained about two litres of fluid from my chest. This brought some instant relief, and I got better with each passing day.
I challenge well-endowed citizens and corporate bodies to give back to society by rallying round individuals and NGOs keen on bringing peace and joy to homes through increased awareness creation programmes on the negative effects of breast cancer.
Advice
I want to advise medical staff at all hospitals to improve upon their compassion for patients. What I experienced was bad and I guess I am not alone. Breast cancer is a condition that requires utmost confidentiality and care by medical staff, else the patient will resort to unapproved methods like I did. I suspect this has led to several fatalities.
Again, the government should join in intervention measures, including programmes designed to heighten awareness of breast cancer.
I am convinced that with such collaborative programmes, if national in character, would drastically reduce the stigma attached to the condition while reducing mortality in the process.
Breast cancer is real and claiming lives. Please tell all women with the condition to promptly report to hospitals and not stay at home or rely on herbal medicine or go to prayer camps. We will all have comfort, peace and love at home if our mothers, sisters and aunties are free from this scourge.
