This archive report was first published on 2 October 2021.
On March 24, 2018, Faustine Andeso tied the knot, starting a new chapter in her life. A year later, on April 16, 2019, she welcomed her firstborn, Bibian, into the world. Little did she know that her daughter's life would take a dramatic turn just a few months later.
At four months old, Bibian began to exhibit unusual symptoms. She developed acne, her breasts enlarged, and she started growing pubic hair. The bleeding from her vagina lasted for five days, leaving Andeso bewildered and worried. Despite seeking medical attention, the family's search for a proper diagnosis and treatment was met with frustration and dead ends.
It wasn't until December 2019, when Andeso noticed that Bibian was bloated, that they finally received a diagnosis. Medics at Likuyani Sub-County Hospital prescribed antibiotics and medicine to treat bloating and indigestion, but Bibian's symptoms only worsened. An ultrasound revealed that her abdomen was filled with fluids, and she was referred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) for further testing.
At MTRH, Dr. Elly Odongo, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, and the head of gynaecological oncology, delivered the devastating news: Bibian had a growth in her reproductive system, which was producing hormones and causing her symptoms. The growth was a type of ovarian cancer known as sex cord stromal tumour.
On January 7, 2020, Dr. Odongo and his team performed surgery to remove the tumours, followed by chemotherapy. The treatment was brutal on young Bibian, but it ultimately saved her life. Today, at two years and five months old, Bibian is cancer-free, although she still requires immune boosters and multivitamin supplements to combat the effects of chemotherapy.
Andeso's journey with her daughter has been a rollercoaster of emotions, friendships, and financial struggles. The family has spent over Sh1.5 million on medical expenses, with many of those funds coming from friends, church, relatives, and well-wishers. Andeso has also taken loans, which she is still repaying.
As September marks ovarian cancer awareness month, Bibian's story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of early detection and awareness. Dr. Odongo advises parents of young girls to be vigilant for symptoms that mimic puberty, such as bleeding and hormonal imbalances.
