Jacinta

Jacinta is 51-years-old, married and blessed with four boys. She urges all women to go for breast cancer screenings.

Jacinta

How did you find out you had breast cancer?

I discovered that I had a “boil” in the left side of my breast. After two days I decided to visit a nearby dispensary for a checkup. After being referred to a sub-county hospital to see a surgeon, I was given an appointment for an operation to remove the “boil” in my breast. It was done successfully and the samples taken to Aga Kahn hospital for further diagnosis. Two weeks later I received the results and learned it was stage two breast cancer.

What treatment did you receive?

The journey of my illness started. I was immediately referred to Kenyatta National Hospital for treatment. Several tests were done and the doctors recommended the breast be removed which was successfully done. The healing process took three months. I was prescribed Tamoxifen for five years.

I was referred to MTRH Chandaria Center for chemotherapy. I did six cycles. After the whole process I was sent back to Kenyatta National Hospital for radiotherapy for five weeks. After completion I went back to MTRH for normal clinic and checkups every three months. I did well for five years. I had a medication change for another three years.

What challenges have you faced?

The journey has not been easy. I went through many challenges including:

· Lack of finance to pay for treatment bills; arrangements were made for fundraising to meet the hospital bills

· Lack of appetite

· Stigma

· High cost of transport to receive the medication

· Loss of assets through auctioning to cater for the bills

I wish to thank all those who participated through prayers and financial support towards my medication including NHIF. Also thank you to the doctors who brought us together as cancer warriors and sensitized us on formation of support groups to exchange ideas, receive emotional support and create new friends.

How are you doing now?

I want to thank God for the gift of life. So far, so good, all by His Grace.

What advice do you have for other women?

What I can tell others who are suffering from the same diseases is that cancer is not a death sentence. It can be cured.

For those who are healthy, go for cancer screening. It is free at most hospitals. In general, clients are not aware of the different methods of screening and the number of times it is recommended they be screened for breast cancer. Clients prefer to be given information on breast cancer in the hospital during health talks or in places where women meet such as religious meetings. They also want to be able to ask questions on things they do not understand regarding breast cancer.

TOGETHER WE CAN STOP BREAST CANCER. We acknowledge support of government health offices and organizations including AMPATH that have extended a hand to support and provide education about breast cancer. I am sure that when we all work hand in hand to fight this tragedy, we are going to live a life full of health and peace. We are also grateful for those that have worked to cure the disease. Support your neighbors who may be facing cancer.