Breast cancer survivor stories in Kenya: Wanjiru Githuka’s Cancer Story

46 year-old Wanjiru Githuka is a career woman working in agricultural development. She is also a mother of two: a son and daughter. Wanjiru is also a cancer survivor. This is her story.   

“In December 2013, I did my usual self- breast examination and thought that I felt something. I immediately went to see a doctor but a lump was ruled out, thank God. However, in May 2014, I thought I felt a lump again. I went to see a different doctor in Kampala where I work. The doctor felt something too. Of course it wouldn’t be anything, I thought to myself, because there was no cancer history in my family and besides, I lived a relatively healthy life, I was careful about what I ate and drunk and was active. If at all it was anything, it couldn’t be cancer, I thought.

Nevertheless, the doctor sent me for a mammogram. The results indicated a lump in my left breast. I even went for an ultrasound which confirmed the lump, then I was sent for a biopsy.

Additional Lumps in my Breast

After the biopsy procedure, my doctor insisted on giving me sick leave as I waited for the results. It was the longest period of my life -the anxiety was too much. Meanwhile, I developed two other lumps in the same breast, which were very painful. Finally, one week later, I got a text message from the lab that the results were out. Despite my natural curiosity to quickly open and read the results, I surprised myself by actually waiting for the doctor to open them himself and give me the results.

“I have some good news and bad news for you, Wanjiru”, the doctor said.

“The bad news is that you have cancer. The good news is that it’s not the bad type”.

I froze, wondering if there was any ‘good cancer’. The diagnosis shattered my world. I went home, locked myself in my room and cried for hours. I cried for me. I cried for my children. I cried for my mum who had already buried three of her six children. But soon, I knew that I had to collect myself since my daughter would be arriving home from school at 4pm and I didn’t want her to see me crying. I would fight this thing to the end.

Watching Mexican Soaps

When my daughter arrived home, I explained to her that I had to leave for Nairobi to undergo a surgery. My son was a candidate and I knew that if I told my daughter, then it was as good as telling him. As a mother, I didn’t want the news to affect his performance. That evening, I travelled to Nairobi.

The following day, I saw a doctor and was scheduled for surgery the day after. I am a born-again Christian and I asked a few friends to join me in prayers. I was not afraid. Prayer warriors were praying with me and for me. The words of Isaiah 43: 1-2 gave me peace – “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”

On 25 May 2014 as I was being wheeled to the theatre at 6pm, I kept meditating on these verses. I wasn’t worried. I knew I would make it. I am a typical woman and I love Mexican soaps and after a hard day’s work, they always help me unwind. I remember telling my niece on my way to the theatre:

“See you at 8 pm as we watch our favorite Mexican soap”.

I had no doubt in my mind whatsoever that I would come out of theatre alive.

I underwent a mastectomy, which was then followed six weeks of healing. Meanwhile, I had decided that I wouldn’t let my status define me. I knew I had cancer, period. I was not going to think about the stage of cancer I was in, but I was just going to concentrate on my treatment and getting well. I went through 8 chemotherapy sessions, 30 radiation, and 16 session of Herceptin. I was also put on tamoxifen to take for five years. But I was determined to soldier on.

Generally, I’m a poor feeder but when I was on treatment, I purposed to eat so as to be strong, so that the chemo drugs would not put me down. I followed my doctor’s instructions to the letter. I don’t like meat but she told me:

“You have to eat meat, at least three to four pieces daily. Take a glass of milk every day and eat a balanced diet.”

I did exactly that, no questions asked.

I went through chemotherapy with no major setbacks. However, I know that the thought of chemotherapy scares many. I remember people would come visit and tell me they weren’t expecting to find me ‘that way’. Even at my weakest, I was strong and jovial. Even with my bald head I felt fashionable. Because of the sun, I’d wear wigs; a friend of mine bought me four good ones.

My friends and family supported me throughout. Some would take me to hospital and sit with me during chemo. Even though I slept during the sessions, I would wake up and find them there, sitting patiently as I slept.

I Should have told my Son

Friends would call me whenever they saw cancer features on TV. I remember seeing survivors sharing their experiences and getting very encouraged. My mantra was: “If they made it, I will too. If they survived all those years, then why not me?” I told myself that one day I would also share my story and be a source of encouragement to others.

When my son finally got to learn what I was going through, he was really mad at me and the rest of the family.

“Anything could have happened”, he said. “I had a right to know!”

I hadn’t fully let my son in because as a mother, I thought I was protecting him. He had a point though, that I should not have hidden anything from him. He could have received the news from other sources, or he could have heard the news from the grapevine which would even have caused him more harm.

In November 2015, I went to India for a pet scan and there was no trace of cancer in my body. I was exhilarated. I went down on my knees and I thanked God for giving me another opportunity, a new lease of life.

 Also See: Lena’s Breast Cancer Awareness Makeover  

Today, I would like to encourage someone out there who has just been diagnosed, someone who is just about to go through chemo and does not know what to expect, someone who is scared that they are about to start radiotherapy. Take heart, my friend. Here are a few encouraging tips:

• Those days when you have an appetite, eat well for there will be some days when you will not feel like eating.
• When you feel like sleeping, do so, take a rest.
• Talk to people, tell your family what you are going through. They have a right to know.
• Ask friends and family to assist you with things that you are struggling to do. Let them know if you’re having financial challenges. Cancer treatment is very expensive. You’ll be amazed at how willing people are to help.
• Read the bible and pray. God will always be your source of strength.
• Faithfully go to the hospital for your appointments and treatment. Listen to what your doctors tell you. God gives them wisdom.

Positive Attitude

What is very important in the cancer journey is having a positive attitude. Sometimes you’ll have low moments -don’t worry, this is normal. Sometimes you’ll feel like crying -go on, don’t hold the tears, cry your heart out. Just do not let those few bad moments take control of your life. When you get over these moments, shake off the negative energy and draw strength from the good and positive things.

Surround yourself with positive people, they will be your source of inspiration. Play all your other roles well. Go to the office on days when you are not down with aftermath of chemo. Of course, be a parent and help with homework, take your kids out, go to church, go for social gatherings, be there for your children. Try and live your life normally and walk around with an aura of confidence.”

And that is Wanjiru’s inspirational story. You can follow Wanjiru on her blog: Pink Hearts Cancer Support 

Do you also have a cancer story to share? Email me on maryanne@mummytales.com

Mummy Tales by Maryanne W. Waweru is a platform dedicated to empowering its readers on different aspects of womanhood and motherhood. Read more motherhood experiences of Kenyan moms here. Connect with Mummy Tales on: FACEBOOK l YOU TUBE l TWITTER

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