This does not help the patient, and the disease may advance, become complex and lead to early death. Many cases of cancer, diabetes etc fall in this category many of which we are victims. Alternatively, the diagnostics may just be narrow and is not broadened enough to capture other potential ailments that need to be captured in the diagnostics – here treatment becomes impossible.
Finally diagnostics can be accurate, broad, including oral and laboratory, the right team and materials and equipment, and hence possibility of accuracy is high thus timely, leading to the accurate treatment and prolongation of life.
When I became ill and got hospitalized in Nairobi Hospital between 5th February and 5th March 2012, little did I know that this would be my experience. I truly learnt that when in doubt of your disease, counseling helps. In the case of the latter, I have learnt that diseases can be identified, diagnosed and treated.
I was also able to meet more than 10 patients of “Hodgkin Limforma” and other forms of advanced cancer who came to give me support in various forms. These people were a major source of inspiration and energy in addition to the doctors. In this context, I thank Prof. Peter Nyong’o, Prof. Ntiba, Mrs. Mary Onyango and Jerry Okungu, at least the few that permitted me to share their own experiences. These people are going about their business as usual but most important they advocate on awareness on cancer. They need all the support and that is why I add my voice to the process.
I advise that it is critical to seek medical attention at the earliest opportunity. Avoid fear to overcome the challenge and move on. Above all, have faith, determination and believe that fear is not meant to stop you from moving on but to enable reorganise your strategies.
I highly congratulate the following team at Nairobi Hospital; Dr. Elly Ogutu; Dr. James Nyikal; Surgeon Baraza; All the Angels (Nurses) and the overall staff.
I wish in a special way to thank the following for their inspirational support and encouragement during the process:
i. Dr. James Nyikal;
ii. Dr. Kioko – Kidney Specialist;
iii. Dr. Elly Ogutu;
iv. Prof. Habinya;
v. Dr. Gikonyo;
vi. Dr./Surgeon/pathologist Baraza;
vii. Dr. Minus (Anesthetist);
viii. Dr. Suni, and;
ix. Bone Marrow Specialist
The 15 Nurses under their Matron and the continuous improvement teams also deserve special mention.
Finally, it was amazing to be always woken up at 4.00 p.m. by laboratory technicians drawing blood for tests to monitor how I was doing medically and clinically.
In addition, I give special thanks to my colleagues for the moral support, wise counseling, spiritual support and material assistance. Finally, was the powerful spiritual network driven by network of faithful friends that unleashed a new life of hope in me. If you have gone through an experience in life, like the biblical Job (Ayub), and you have nothing to share with others, then you learnt nothing. I learnt something special and I have chosen to share it.
Mr Nalo was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of East African Community succumbed to cancer at the Nairobi Hospital on Thursday 13th September 2012
