Clutching at a straw (reviewed)

 The story below was originally written on April 20th, 2010. The subject matter, Aisha Abdullahi whose affected breast is shown in the picture below HAS PASSED AWAY! She never made it just like her sister before her. The help she sought so desperately NEVER came.

By Ismail M. Kabir

Once a law student at the Bayero University Kano, Aisha Abdullahi, 28, will pass for a dazzling young lady; an ambitious and creative woman whose vision in life is now being threatened by a dreaded ailment; breast lump.

Pic showing the affected spot. Photo by EbiraView

She was full of life and hoped to be a successful business woman after years of trading with her late mum. In 2001 during the 2nd year of her schooling, Aishat had a fatal accident while traveling from her school (BUK) to Jos, Plateau state. The tragic experience led to the loss of her memory and was subsequently advised to quit schooling.

Following her recovery two years later, she began facing life with a renewed vision and aspiration when her elder sister, Mrs. Bilkisu Okiki Muhammed encountered a mysterious cockroach bite in 2003 that opened another sad chapter in Aisha’s life. She was treated at the General Hospital, Okene and that ends it.

Late Aisha narrated this story to me: Late Mrs. Bilkisu, then a Nurse with Special Hospital, Obangede Kogi state was fondly called ‘Save life’ due to her commitment to work. She was adored by patients and colleagues alike until what started as a mere bite turned into a lump on her left breast.

Two years later, Bilikisu (now late) noticed a lump developing from the bite spot which later turned out to be a tumour. She reported back to the hospital but this time, an operation was conducted, the tumor extracted but owing to inadequate equipment and poor professional handling, the tumor was not cultured but was rather thrown out.

 Three months later, the case re-occurred attracting a second operation conducted at the Federal medical centre, Lokoja where the affected (left) breast was fully removed. Since no Radiotherapy was in place at the time, she was later referred to Zaria for Chemotherapy. From Zaria, Mrs. Bilikisu was referred back to the National Hospital, Abuja where she was exorbitantly billed.

Case worsened due to non-affordability of the bill. Landed property owned by her family was sold to raise fund; yet, the patient was finally referred to Apollo Hospital in India where she eventually passed away.

NOW, AISHA has followed her sister to the great beyond, through same illness..... Hopefully, we shall one day have a sensitive and responsive government that caters for its people, AMEN.

All related photos coming shortly.. keep a date.