NAIROBI, Kenya — At just 23 years old, Eunice Mwende Mutiso heard the life-altering words: “You have breast cancer.” That was in 2016. Now, nearly a decade later, Mwende is a mother, a survivor, and a woman still navigating the relentless challenges of metastatic breast cancer in a country where access to care is far from guaranteed.
A Diagnosis That Came Without Warning
Mwende’s journey began with a routine checkup—there were no symptoms, no family history. She was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer, an early form of the disease, and immediately underwent a mastectomy. Her treatment between 2016 and 2019 included chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
But while her body fought the disease, Mwende was also enduring a deep emotional struggle.
“The side effects were terrible,” she said. “Hot flashes, joint pain, brain fog, fatigue. And I was diagnosed with major depression. Losing my breast at 23 was devastating.”
To regain a sense of balance and confidence, she quickly turned to prosthetics.
“Just two weeks after surgery, I bought a prosthetic breast and specially made bras. I couldn’t stand the imbalance—not just physically, but emotionally.”
Finding Self-Love Amid Pain
Healing came slowly—both physically and emotionally. Mwende eventually found a renewed sense of self-worth.
“I had to learn to love the new me,” she said. “I redefined what beauty meant. One breast, two breasts, or none—you’re still beautiful. I always say, I can buy another breast, but I can’t buy my life back.”
The Return of Cancer—and the Cost of Survival
In 2022, financial hardship forced Mwende to pause her treatment. Without private insurance, she had to pay entirely out of pocket, a reality for many cancer patients in Kenya.
By September 2023, her worst fear was realized: the cancer had returned. This time, it was stage IV breast cancer, with metastasis to her lungs.
“I found a lump near my scar and swollen lymph nodes in my neck. The tests confirmed the cancer was back—this time incurable, but manageable.”
She began another round of chemotherapy and targeted therapy with intravenous Herceptin, administered every three weeks. The side effects worsened: swollen feet, bleeding nail beds, severe fatigue, and recurrent depression.
Then, an unexpected twist.
Pregnancy in the Midst of Cancer
Just before her latest treatment resumed, Mwende discovered she was pregnant. Against a backdrop of uncertainty, she paused treatment to give her baby the safest chance.
“Throughout my pregnancy, my oncologist and gynecologist monitored me and the baby closely. I didn’t receive any treatment—just observation.”
She later gave birth to a healthy child. Now, as a new mother, she is preparing to resume treatment. But the challenges haven’t stopped.
Systemic Barriers: A Lack of Diagnostic Tools
Today, Mwende is waiting for a critical PET scan—used to monitor the progression of her cancer—but the tracer required (FDG) is in short supply. Only one hospital in Kenya currently has it.
“I’ve been waiting for months,” she said. “PET scans guide treatment decisions. Without them, we’re left in limbo. Most public hospitals can’t even offer them.”
This lack of access to diagnostics adds a heavy burden to already overwhelmed patients.
Fighting More Than Just Cancer
Mwende’s story is one of dual battles: the physical fight against cancer and the financial strain of treatment. She has paused therapy multiple times due to high costs.
“Without good insurance, you’re forced to choose—postpone or stop treatment altogether.”
She continues to undergo scans and blood tests when she can afford them, holding onto the goal of progression-free survival, also known as NED (No Evidence of Disease).
Living Fully, Despite It All
Though her battle continues, Mwende remains a voice of strength and hope.
“At stage 4, cancer is incurable. But life is still amazing. It’s still full of beauty. It’s still full of hope.”
Today, she shares her story to break the silence, dismantle stigma, and advocate for better access to care—especially for young women navigating breast cancer in low-resource settings.
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