Patients suffering from external tumours in Nyamira have found a glimmer of hope through dedicated medical interventions and the unwavering support of volunteers.
These efforts have not only alleviated pain but also restored normalcy to the lives of many who were previously burdened by debilitating conditions.
The region has witnessed a surge in cases of external tumours, often linked to injuries or infections that escalate into severe medical issues.
These tumours, which manifest as abnormal growths on various parts of the body, can cause significant discomfort, and pain, and sometimes even lead to life-threatening complications.
The lack of immediate medical care exacerbates these conditions, leaving patients in dire need of surgical interventions and continuous medical support.
In a video by Citizen TV, one patient shared a distressing tale of how a routine visit to the barber turned into a prolonged medical ordeal.
"I had gone to the barber to shave my beard, but the shaving machine pricked the right and left sides of my face and also my chin. There was a small growth that was very itchy, and I kept scratching it. I had to schedule surgery to have it removed, but after it was removed, another abnormal one grew. This one is very painful and has pus," he recounted.
Yvonne Maureen, another patient, narrated her painful journey that began in childhood.
"Mine started in 2014 when I was in class four. A certain woman pierced my ears in Migori, and this growth started growing. It has been very painful. I can't sleep, and sometimes it bleeds," she shared fighting back tears.
Yvonne’s experience underscores the chronic and often traumatic impact of external tumours, especially when they develop at a young age and continue to affect daily life over the years.
A youthful man spoke of his ordeal that began with a seemingly minor injury. "I was injured by a nail on my left leg. I went for a tetanus injection, and these are the side effects. I went to the doctor, and he asked me to massage it with warm water. It became worse when I was playing football, and my opponent elbowed me. After that, it became this big," he explained.
However, not all experiences are harrowing. Charles Njenga expressed his gratitude for the medical care he received.
"I was very sick. There was a growth close to my left ear, but right now I am okay because I was treated by Save a Life," he stated.
Dr Ong'uti, a dedicated medical professional involved in the treatments, shared insights into the challenges and triumphs of their efforts.
"When we came here, we found a patient with a huge tumour on the neck, but in a matter of hours and commitment from the team and volunteers, he has been able to be helped. The tumour that was around 2 kilos is no longer there," he revealed.
Dr Ong'uti, speaking from the theatre emphasized the crucial role of volunteers in these endeavours.
"This is not an easy job to do. It requires resources. The highest resource is the volunteers because if you were to cost what they are able to do, it could be so much in terms of monetary value," he added.
The experiences of these patients and the dedication of medical professionals and volunteers in Nyamira demonstrate the profound impact of collaborative healthcare efforts.
