This page was translated automatically. The German original is binding. Read the German original
Caren was diagnosed with cervical cancer last year.
Unfortunately, despite treatment, Caren’s body was unable to overcome the cancer.
Dottie reports that the cancer could not be eradicated, even after several courses of radiotherapy. Further treatment was, sadly, futile. Caren was subsequently treated at home with palliative care and died as a result of her cancer.
Dottie’s letter regarding Caren’s treatment:
She had completed 25 radiotherapy sessions at the Texas Cancer Centre. Unfortunately, the doctor’s advice was that she would not benefit from any further treatment.
She has been receiving palliative care at home. In his previous email, Dirk had suggested she be taken to a facility that provides the same care.
The family were reluctant to take her back to hospital, but I learnt yesterday that she had passed away. Funeral arrangements are underway.
R.I.P. Caren. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.
Update dated 26 January 2015
———————–
What is the current situation here?
Dottie, our nurse in Kibera, reports:
Caren was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She presented with severe vaginal bleeding, abdominal tenderness, anaemia and obvious general weakness.
After being seen by the doctor at the Texas Cancer Centre, urgent intervention was recommended. Two weeks later, Caren’s condition had worsened, with a haemoglobin level of 2 g/dl and elevated blood pressure.
She was admitted on 8 December 2014 whilst I struggled to source the blood she needed – up to 13 units, as I had indicated in previous emails.
She eventually received enough, and with her blood pressure stabilised, she was able to have radiotherapy markings on 17 December 2014 and began her radiotherapy sessions.
She was discharged on 30 December 2014 and is continuing her treatment at home. She is taking Ranferon, antibiotics and painkillers, amongst other medicines.
The bleeding has stopped, but she is experiencing a continuous watery discharge, which means she has to wear adult nappies – fortunately provided by the hospital.
She is weak, but the doctor says she is doing well.
I am rather worn out by this routine, as I have to collect both her and Pamela very early in the morning to avoid the traffic and also to get ahead of the large number of other patients seeking the same treatment. Sometimes they are too weak to get ready themselves, so I have to help them.
Sometimes the machine breaks down and we have to wait until it’s fixed, or there are so many people that we end up waiting almost the whole day.
All the same, she has had 12 sessions out of the 25 she is expected to have.
We’re hoping for the best,
Dottie
We’re keeping our fingers crossed and will keep you updated!