Read an update about Dennis by clicking here…
In April 2008, Lucy made a visit to the state hospital in Lira, here she met Dennis.
Dennis Odongo is 7 years old; he has an older brother of 14 years and three sisters, each of 5, 3 and 1 years old. His father died in 2007 and his second brother died in 2000.
In February 2007, Dennis developed a growth on the side of his face. 1 year later his mother took him to see a traditional healer who cut the lump open, drained it and stuffed it with herbs. This caused the rapid growth and aggravation that led to Dennis’ decline in health and admission into Lira state hospital.
On the day of Lucy’s visit, Dennis had been in the hospital for 3 weeks; he had only seen a doctor once (on admission) and was having no medical treatment. He had been prescribed antibiotic drugs on day 1 but these were too expensive for his family to buy for him. He had also been advised to have a diagnostic x-ray, which again his family was unable to afford.
Dennis was referred to Hope Ward in Kampala where he was accepted for treatment. His cousin Jimmy, 13, came out of schooling to accompany him to the hospital as his primary carer, his mother being to sick to travel herself.
On his arrival at International Hospital Kampala, a biopsy of the growth was taken which tested negative for cancer. Unconvinced, the doctors performed a second biopsy, which this time indicated that the tumor was cancerous. Unfortunately, the second biopsy caused further aggravation and the tumor quadrupled in size, becoming almost the size of Dennis’ head.
Dennis is now having chemotherapy along with strong steroids. Consequently the tumor has halved in size, he is no longer in pain, is eating well and smiling again.
If Dennis had stayed in Lira, he would not have received the treatment he needed and would have most certainly died. Through the care of Hope Ward, Dennis has been given the best chance of survival.
Ha, you’d never guess it but Dennis has made an amazing transformation! After the surgery, he had more chemo and the tumor is ready for the second de-bulking surgery; it’s fantastic that it is so soon. He may need radiotherapy but is happy about how he is feeling now, mindless of the side effects of the chemo. Today, I gave him a puzzle and a teddy… he laughed so much, it made everyone else in the room laugh too. He has completly filled the colouring book that Jenny gave him and it has become his prized possession. How nice it is to see just how much he and Jimmy, his cousin, treasure every single gift they are given, including this course of treatment.
He will probably stay in Hope ward until September. I will send Jimmy home for a few weeks after Dennis’s operation, which is on the 16th of July. The commitment he has shown for caring for Dennis is amazing. They are both such a pleasure to meet.
Thank you everyone.
It’s amazing
Dear Steven,
Thank-you for this update about how this gift was used- it really is a wonderful work that the hope ward is doing. I met Dr. Moses Galukande, one of the surgeons at IHK at a conference here in Canada- as always, a small world. I will keep this fantastic work in my thoughts and prayers.
Very best, Tim