This archive report was first published on 8 July 2019.
Michael Juma Oloo's life took a drastic turn in 2010 when he started experiencing stomach upsets and severe heartburn. Despite visiting several hospitals, he was treated for various ailments and given medication to ease the pain. It wasn't until 2014, when the pain became unbearable and he noticed large bloodstains in his pants, that he finally sought further testing at Nairobi Hospital.
After a series of tests, Oloo was diagnosed with a malignant tumour in his colon. The doctor referred him to the hospital's emergency section for emergency surgery to remove the tumour. However, Oloo chose to delay the surgery, taking painkillers and dismissing the doctor's instructions to report to the hospital.
It wasn't until February 2015, when his health plummeted once more, that Oloo finally returned to his doctor. He was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer, with cancerous cells having spread from the colon to his rectum. The doctor explained that surgery could ease the pain, and Oloo underwent the procedure, but it was marred by negligence, leaving him with a bigger scar and a hole in his small intestines.
After a long and difficult recovery, Oloo was fitted with a stoma bag to manage his waste. However, adjusting to the bag was not easy, and he faced challenges at work due to his condition. He was eventually laid off, but with the help of Sally Agallo from Stoma World Kenya, he learned to maximize the use of the expensive bags and has since been able to manage his condition effectively.
Today, Oloo is counting down the days until his final test, which will declare him cancer-free. He reflects on his journey, regretting not waiting for his cancer results sooner, but grateful for the lessons he has learned along the way.
