Pauline Achieng, a resident of Bombolulu, is appealing for help as she battles rectal adenocarcinoma, a condition that has continued to deteriorate despite months of treatment and medication.
Pauline says her health struggles began with what she initially believed were ulcers, prompting her to seek treatment at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, where she was put on medication for about a year.
She says doctors later established that she had a problem affecting her rectal area after she began experiencing difficulties whenever she went to relieve herself. She was subsequently referred to a doctor for surgery, during which samples were taken for further examination.
“The surgery, which was performed at a private facility by a doctor from Coast General Hospital, was unsuccessful,” she said.
Pauline says the samples taken during the procedure remained with her at home for more than a month as she waited for them to be examined, a delay that left her questioning why, especially after she had been told the facility had better equipment and storage capacity.
She says she was later asked to pay for the samples to be examined, and although she managed to raise the money, the results were inconclusive. Doctors subsequently gave her a 15-day window to determine whether the samples showed signs of cancer.
“Since the beginning of my treatment, I have not seen any changes despite taking my medication,” she said.
Her condition has since worsened, with Pauline saying she is now experiencing leakage that has compounded the difficulties she faces in her daily life. She says a doctor has since advised her that she needs another corrective surgery, to be followed by another year of medication.
“This illness has taken a heavy toll on me, affecting my ability to provide for my children,” said Achieng, who has three children, an 11-year-old and a set of twins who depend on her.
She says meeting her children’s basic needs, including food, clothing and school fees, has become increasingly difficult since her illness affected her business, as the cost of medication has become a major burden.
“At times I buy medication from Erin Hospital in Mtwapa, and at times I get it from the Mombasa Cancer Centre, while the Social Health Authority (SHA) has occasionally helped cushion some of my medical expenses,” she said.
Pauline says she has only one chemotherapy session remaining before she proceeds to radiotherapy at the Mombasa Cancer Centre.
She is also hoping to have her case reassessed from the beginning, including a fresh examination of her samples, so doctors can accurately establish her condition and determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Describing her experience as frustrating, Pauline says she has remained committed to her medication despite seeing little improvement and is now appealing to well-wishers, organisations and members of the public to support her treatment and help her provide for her children during this difficult period.
“I am pleading with anyone who can help to hold my hand during this difficult time so that I can receive the treatment I need and continue providing for my children, including paying their school fees,” she said.
Those wishing to reach out to Pauline or offer assistance can contact her on 0734 235 383.
By Vincent Kiptoo
