Ruth Wairimu Mwenja’s breast cancer journey began in 2020, when she first noticed a lump on the right side of her breast. At that time, it didn’t raise any alarm, and she continued with her daily life. However, in March 2021, while in Uganda, Ruth suddenly felt a sharp pain in her armpit, which led her to reconsider the lump she had been feeling for the past year. It was then that she realized something might be seriously wrong. After completing her business in Uganda, she travelled back to Kenya. Upon her return, she began researching her symptoms online. She discovered that the skin on her breast had become textured, resembling the peel of an orange, and her nipple had started retracting. The lump had also grown. She immediately contacted a friend who was a doctor at another hospital, and he advised her to seek a check-up as soon as possible.
Ruth visited the doctor, and after an examination, the doctor strongly suspected it could be breast cancer. She was referred to another hospital for further investigation. At this point, although she didn’t know for sure what the diagnosis would be, her online research had already led her to suspect it might be cancer. Unfortunately, the doctor conf irmed her suspicion—it was indeed breast cancer, and she was told that the cancer had grown thus was quite late in seeking help. Though the news was hard to bear, she knew that she had to face it courageously. She underwent several tests, including a CT scan, MRI and biopsy, and the results were devastating—she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The doctor recommended a mastectomy (a surgical procedure to remove all breast tissue) but due to the high cost at the other hospital, She decided to seek treatment at a private hospital nearby, which offered a more affordable option.
The mastectomy was performed, and she was told that this surgery would be curative, providing her with a sense of hope and relief. The recovery process was challenging but filled with hope. She spent a week healing with bandages around her chest. When the bandages were f inally removed, she looked in the mirror and felt a mix of emotions. Though she didn’t look the same, she was grateful that the cancer was gone. Despite the challenges ahead, this moment gave her the strength to keep moving forward. For a time, she lived with the reality of having lost her breast. She used cotton pads as a temporary prosthetic, but one day, while heading to town, she forgot to wear the cotton. Upon realizing this while on the bus, she immediately got off and returned home, feeling self-conscious. This experience motivated her to invest in silicone breasts, which gave her a better sense of normalcy. The journey did not end there. After some time, she noticed another change. On the left side of her breast, where two small lumps had previously been removed through a lumpectomy during her mastectomy, she felt a new lump.
As a previous cancer patient, Ruth did not hesitate. She immediately visited the hospital for a check-up. This time, Ruth came to Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH). She noticed that the nipple on the left side had small signs of retraction, which further raised her concerns. She underwent a CT scan and an MRI to assess the situation, but fortunately, no signs of cancer were found. The doctor advised her to return home and wait for six months to monitor any further changes. However, our doctor reassured her that if any more changes occurred, she should come back immediately. Six months later, she returned to the hospital. This time, the signs of nipple retraction were more visible, and the lump had changed. Ruth underwent a PET scan, and the results revealed that the lump was consuming glucose and had spread to the lymph nodes, indicating that it had the potential to spread further. The doctor recommended starting chemotherapy immediately, she began her chemotherapy sessions, undergoing six rounds in total.
The chemotherapy journey was tough, she experienced painful side effects, including severe stomach pain and frequent loss of consciousness. Despite these challenges, she remained determined to keep fighting, knowing that every step was a step closer to regaining her health.
Approximately f ive weeks after completing her chemotherapy, she learned from a friend that we were holding a Breast Reconstruction Symposium in just a few weeks. She was filled with hope and positivity, especially since she was part of a support group where people shared their personal experiences. She registered for the symposium, eager to learn more about the options available to her. Time passed, and when the day of the symposium came, she had completed her mastectomy for the other breast. She then underwent reconstruction for both of her breasts. The process was transformative, not just physically but emotionally. She felt empowered and confident, knowing that she had taken control of her health and her journey toward healing. Ruth is deeply grateful to the medical team in this hospital for the exceptional care and support throughout her journey. The doctors, nurses, and staff were incredibly kind, compassionate, and dedicated, making her feel safe and supported every step of the way.
She encourages others who may be facing a similar situation to consider Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital before seeking treatment abroad. The hospital not only offers affordable care but also provides high-quality, eligible services that are at par with international standards. She believes that this hospital is a beacon of hope for many, and she wishes to share her positive experience to help others access the life-changing care they need without the f inancial strain of traveling abroad. She attests that our hospital’s slogan of offering quality, patient-centered care is not just a mere phrase, but a true reflection of the hospital’s commitment to its patients. She has experienced f irsthand the exceptional care and attention given to each individual, making the slogan a reality in her own journey.