This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
Emotional Toll of Cancer Care ¶
Friday, September 20, 2019
Dr. Miriam Mutebi, a breast surgeon and assistant professor at Aga Khan University, has seen her fair share of cancer patients. As one of the few female breast surgical oncologists in Kenya, she has dedicated her career to helping women with breast cancer.
Despite her expertise, Dr. Mutebi admits that dealing with cancer frequently makes her more fearful of her own mortality. However, she believes in the importance of hope and support in the face of cancer. 'I like to think I'm in the hope business,' she says. 'That's the one thing that's missing in the cancer narrative; that cancer equals death. That's not true at all.'
Dr. Mutebi's passion for her work is evident in her dedication to her patients. She takes the time to understand their needs and provides them with emotional support. 'We have a group of oncologists that we normally debrief to and learn actively,' she explains. 'It's not over drinks, but we just sit and chat about our distresses.'
When asked about her own emotional support, Dr. Mutebi reveals that she keeps a gratitude log to stay positive. 'I'm maintaining a gratitude log now and trying not to lose sight of what's important and what's not,' she says. Her patients have taught her to enjoy the present moment and not take life for granted.
As for her personal life, Dr. Mutebi enjoys reading, slam poetry, and theatre. She is also taking flying lessons, a dream she had since medical school. 'The reason I got into med school was because I wanted to be a flying doctor,' she explains. 'Now I'm finally in the right head space and saving space and hopefully that can be a reality.'
When asked about her last meal on earth, Dr. Mutebi chooses a salmon from Five Sense restaurant at Galana Plaza, accompanied by a tiramisu. She would enjoy it on a beach while watching a sunset.
