Beginning Treatment

P1000365 We have spent a decent amount of time at the Kenya Cancer Center which is affiliated with the MP Shah Hospital this week.  And it’s been a blessing.  It’s also stirred a little of my heart…and truth be told more than a little.  Yesterday, as I stood with A. Ketty in the hallway of the radiotherapy area.  My heart did a little pause as I looked up and saw signs noting that there were two rooms for radiation treatment.  I hadn’t realized that this one facility had two radiation machines.  I saw and I technically didn’t have to ask… but I did.  The tech confirmed that there were, in fact, two machines.  TWO.  That’s Bili in Luganda.  Deux in French.  And Dos in Spanish.  You might be wondering why this made me pause.  I paused because the one and only radiation machine in Uganda is not working.  The pause was the flesh against the faith.  The rawness of the reality.  The reality of the many who are not receiving treatment right now and the reality of God’s graciousness in paving the way for Aunt Ketty to come here.  And the equally important reality that God is good and He is sovereign.  His goodness does not change because there is or there is not a working machine in Uganda.  Does it pull at my emotions?  Yes.  Does it make me pray for the many needing treatment?  Yes.  Am I choosing to rest in His goodness?  Yes, with His help I am.  He IS good.  And so I smile a smile that doesn’t want to leave my face as I stand beside my sister Ketty.  He’s got her.  However that looks, He’s got her.  And for right now, His having her includes radiation and chemotherapy… and a keen awareness of HIS presence.  And so A. Ketty got on that machine yesterday afternoon.

P1000360And as I left her with the attendant, I found myself smiling and not being able to stop.  A. Ketty was receiving treatment!   She was on the machine! I started texting everyone….and as I did the smile only grew.  I saw people looking at me… and I didn’t care.  A. Ketty was receiving treatment! I am still smiling about it even now as I type.  Just as I know many all over are.

 

 

 
P1000368And the agenda for today was chemo.  And so we went in early and after a short while, we were welcomed to the chemotherapy suite.  And within a short while, her chemo journey began.  She was given pre medications, fluids, and ultimately her first round of chemo.  She did great!   She was on a drip for a little over 6 hours.  Her nurse was Irene and it was clear that she absolutely loved what she did.  She was warm, engaging, and encouraging.  It was amazing! Once it was all finished, A. Ketty walked herself to her second round of radiation… and walked herself out.  I just woke her up a short while ago for some medications.  She is resting well and will God-willing sleep through the night.  In the meantime, I thank God that He’s got her.  He’s got Ketty Okoth safely in the palm of His hands. And He has good for her.  P1000374

Kimberly White, nurse at Kasana Children’s Centre

Zephaniah 3:17
“The Lord your God is in your midst a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by His love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”

 

Thank you to so many who have responded with prayers and financial support. The road ahead continues to be a long journey for Aunt Ketty and her family. If you feel led to financially support her cancer treatment, please visit the donation page and designate your gift to the “Ketty Okoth Cancer Fund.” Thank you for walking this journey as a community.