Sickness and Struggle: A Couple’s Journey with Cancer

For Steven Mburu and his wife, life in Githunguri, Kiambu County, has become a journey marked by resilience, unwavering devotion, and the harsh realities of battling cancer. Over a year and a half ago, Steven’s wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, and since then, their lives have been shaped by frequent trips to hospitals, financial struggles, and the emotional toll of a disease that has altered every aspect of their existence.

Their days start early, with Steven and his wife preparing for long journeys to the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi, which is their only reliable option for cancer treatment. Living in a remote area, far from the nearest healthcare facility, means that each hospital visit is not just a physical challenge but an emotional one as well. The couple has no steady source of income, and the financial burden of cancer treatment weighs heavily on them. “We have been trying to make ends meet,” Steven says, his voice a mixture of pride and fatigue.

Their children, who also struggle to find stable work, help where they can doing odd jobs such as washing clothes or working in gardens. Despite their best efforts, Steven and his wife continue to face challenges accessing the necessary care. The couple’s journey to Kenyatta National Hospital is not a simple one; it’s a grueling process that involves multiple screenings, injections, and a constant battle against the side effects of cancer treatment. “Sometimes we arrive only to find that the machine isn’t working, or that essential medications are unavailable,” Steven explains, his frustration palpable.

The hospital is their only hope, and although the medical staff at KNH have provided skilled and compassionate care, the reality of their treatment is far from perfect. The couple often finds themselves at the mercy of an overwhelmed system, dealing with technical issues with their government insurance and the additional burden of paying out-of-pocket when the system fails them. “When that happens, they ask us to pay out of pocket, but we can’t always do that,” Steven adds, a deep sense of helplessness in his voice.

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Cancer treatment comes at a steep price, with costs that can range from Ksh 172,000 ($1,720) for non-surgical treatment to over Ksh 1.2 million ($12,500) for cases requiring surgery. Steven and his wife face this financial strain every day, with little recourse other than relying on their children’s occasional help and their own perseverance.

Aside from the physical toll of the disease, the side effects of cancer treatments have been devastating for Steven’s wife. The bouts of fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, and hair loss have left her fragile, both physically and emotionally. Steven recalls with sadness how his wife’s once-beautiful hair fell out due to the chemotherapy. “She used to have beautiful hair,” he says wistfully, “Seeing her lose it was hard, but she’s a strong woman. She holds on.”

In the midst of their hardship, however, the couple found a moment of light at an event called “Wigs and Wings,” organized by KNH and local beauticians. This event, designed to pamper cancer patients and provide a brief escape from their struggles, offered Steven’s wife the chance to receive a wig, giving her back a small piece of her former self. “They gave her beautiful hair,” Steven says, his eyes softening. “She looked so happy, and for once, I felt like I was seeing her as she used to be.”

But the event was more than just the wig it was an opportunity for the couple to experience joy amidst their ongoing struggles. Laughter, dancing, and lighthearted moments provided a much-needed respite, and for Steven, it was a memorable occasion in which he found himself being shaved by a woman for the first time. “It was strange but fun,” he laughs, recalling the moment. “It brought a little laughter to my heart.”

As Steven watched his wife dance, surrounded by others who understood her pain, he felt a renewed sense of hope. “Seeing her smile, seeing her so happy it reminded me of the person I married all those years ago,” he says. “This disease has changed so much for us, but moments like this give us the strength to keep going.”

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The day filled Steven with deep gratitude for everyone involved, from the doctors to the organizers of the event. He acknowledges how small gestures of kindness have made a world of difference for them. “I thank them all from the bottom of my heart,” he says, reflecting on the impact of such moments.

As they return to their daily routine, with its inherent uncertainties and challenges, Steven and his wife cling to the memory of that joyful day. Despite the hardships they face, they find strength in each other and in the support of those around them. Their journey with cancer has been one of pain and hardship, but it has also been a testament to their love, dedication, and resilience. Together, they continue to navigate the difficult road ahead, drawing strength from their shared commitment to one another, knowing that with each other’s support, they can endure whatever comes next.