Meaza (not her real name), a 57-year old woman residing in Addis Ababa’s Yeka sub-city, faced a challenging journey battling colon cancer. Living in a small house under low socioeconomic conditions, Shebrie, a former caregiver in a kindergarten school, received her cancer diagnosis after enduring multiple tests and initially being diagnosed with a disc issue. Shebrie is unmarried and lives alone.
Her cancer diagnosis at St. Paul Hospital led to a referral to Black Lion Tertiary Hospital. After a two-month wait, Shebrie underwent chemotherapy for seven months, changing medications midway due to a lack of response. Unfortunately, a subsequent CT scan revealed no improvement, marking the beginning of her profound struggle. Experiencing severe abdominal pain, loss of appetite, vomiting,
nausea, fatigue, and stress, Shebrie, feeling weak and unable to eat, was sent home with little hope by the hospital. Fortunately, she discovered Hospice Ethiopia through acquaintances and self-referred. She candidly expressed, “I wasn’t able to get out of my bed. I was very weak. I couldn’t eat; the pain was unbearable. and because of that i had withdrawn from my social life. i was in my darkest time ”
On Hospice Ethiopia’s first visit, Nurse Kalkidan conducted a thorough assessment, adjusted pain medications, and guided their usage. Subsequent visits addressed her pain and symptoms through different medications coupled with counseling. Regular follow-ups resulted in Shebrie gaining strength and regaining a sense of vitality. The support from Hospice Ethiopia helped her accept and comprehend her situation better.
Before receiving assistance, Shebrie had withdrawn from her social life due to her pain. With the care and support from Hospice Ethiopia, she now embraces life more fully, actively participating in daily activities. She attributed her improved well-being to the medication support and counseling she received, emphasizing their ongoing impact on her life. Despite the school where she previously worked continuing to pay her salary, uncertainty about the future looms, emphasizing the need for a sustained
support system. Shebrie’s story underscores the influence of palliative care services provided by Hospice Ethiopia, which improved her physical health, enhanced her functional abilities for daily life activities, and improved her overall quality of life
