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Success! Margaret from Kenya raised $1,260 to fund a hysterectomy surgery to treat cancer.

Margaret
100%
  • $1,260 raised, $0 to go
$1,260
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Margaret's treatment was fully funded on February 7, 2023.

Photo of Margaret post-operation

February 27, 2023

Margaret underwent a hysterectomy surgery to treat cancer.

Margaret had a successful surgery, which has already helped reduce the abdominal pains she has been experiencing and it is expected that she will be able to lead a better life ahead. She can soon work to enable her to afford her basic needs. She will, however, require six sessions of chemotherapy to treat her cancer.

Margaret says, “The journey to battle cancer is long and tough. But with this treatment, I am determined to succeed. We thank God for the support. On my own I cannot manage.”

Margaret had a successful surgery, which has already helped reduce the abdominal pains she has been experiencing and it is expected that she...

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September 21, 2022

Margaret is a single mother of two children. She moved from Uganda to Kenya in search of a better livelihood. She works as a house help in Loresho area in Nairobi and lives in a one-room rental house costing about $35 a month. She has an immigrant identification card and cannot get national health insurance coverage within Kenya.

Since two months ago, Margaret has been experiencing lower abdominal pains. She visited a nearby health facility and was treated for typhoid and ulcers. The pain did not end and she could feel a painful lump on her abdomen. She was forced to go back for a checkup and advised to visit Kijabe Hospital for a cancer review. Early this month a biopsy was ordered and results revealed a vaginal mass and squamous cell carcinoma. She urgently needs to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure in which surgeons will remove her uterus.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1260 to fund Margaret’s surgery. On September 22nd, she will undergo gynecological surgery at our medical partner’s care center. Once recovered, Margaret will be able to resume her daily activities free of pain.

Margaret says, “This news is tough but I am determined to battle the cancer.”

Margaret is a single mother of two children. She moved from Uganda to Kenya in search of a better livelihood. She works as a house help in L...

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Margaret's Timeline

  • September 21, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Margaret was submitted by Ruth Kanyeria, SAFE Program Coordinator at African Mission Healthcare.

  • September 22, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Margaret's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • September 23, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Margaret received treatment at AIC Kijabe Hospital in Kenya. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.

  • February 7, 2023
    FULLY FUNDED

    Margaret's treatment was fully funded.

  • February 27, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Margaret's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 26 donors

Treatment
Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $1,260 for Margaret's treatment
Hospital Fees
$856
Medical Staff
$39
Medication
$44
Supplies
$209
Labs
$52
Other
$60
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Symptoms vary depending on the condition that requires the total abdominal hysterectomy. If the cause is cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer, there may not be symptoms, especially if the cancer is early-stage. In more advanced cases of cervical and uterine cancers, abnormal bleeding, unusual discharge, and pelvic or abdominal pain can occur. Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include trouble eating, trouble feeling full, bloating, and urinary abnormality. If the cause is fibroids, symptoms may include heavy bleeding, pain in the pelvis or lower back, and swelling or enlargement of the abdomen.

​What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

Fibroids can grow large, cause abdominal pain and swelling, and lead to recurring bleeding and anemia. Cancer can cause pain and lead to death.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

Most cervical cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted infection called human papillomavirus (HPV), which can often occur alongside a HIV infection. As a result, cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among African women in areas of high HIV prevalence. Cervical cancer is also more prevalent in Africa than in the United States due to the lack of early-detection screening programs. The other conditions treated by a total abdominal hysterectomy are not necessarily more common in Africa.

  • Process
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Risks and side-effects
  • Accessibility
  • Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

The patient first reports for laboratory testing. The following day, the patient undergoes surgery. After the operation, the patient stays in the hospital ward for three to four days, during which she is continually monitored. The surgery is considered successful if the wound heals without infection, bleeding, or fever, and if the patient no longer experiences urinary dysfunction.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

In the case of uterine fibroids or early-stage cancer, a total abdominal hysterectomy is curative.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

If performed early enough, this surgery is low-risk and curative, with few side effects.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

This surgery is available, but many patients cannot afford it. Many women are screened for cervical cancer with a low-cost alternative to a pap smear. This is common in HIV treatment programs. If necessary, the woman is referred for surgery, which she often cannot afford.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

If cervical cancer is caught early enough, some minor procedures can solve the problem. Women with fibroids who still wish to have children may opt to undergo a surgery only to remove the fibroids, which is called a myomectomy.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.