Chronicle Editor
Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu, [email protected]
THE 58-year-old man from Inyathi, Bubi District, who lived with a heavy lump on his back for 43 years has been discharged after successful surgery, courtesy of Operation of Hope, which continues to do free surgeries at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo.
What began as a small, inconspicuous growth had gradually ballooned into a monstrous mass, larger than Mr Calvin Dube’s head, weighing about 5kgs, looming ominously over him like a dark cloud.
The lump, though benign, was a source of constant agony for the man as its weight bore down on him, compromising his mobility and causing excruciating pain with every movement.
Simple tasks like bending down to tie his shoelaces or reaching for a cup on a high shelf became monumental challenges, leaving him helpless and frustrated.
With the physical burden lifted, Mr Dube said it felt like a weight had also been lifted from his soul. He stood a little taller, walked a little lighter and faced the world with new-found confidence.
“I am happy and happier that I am leaving this hospital without that lump, which had been a burden for more than 40 years.
“I am grateful for the surgery and I know my family will be shocked because we never thought this lump could be removed. I praise God for Operation of Hope and Mpilo for granting me a normal life again,” said Mr Dube.
“I had accepted that this lump was part of me and had taught myself to carefully tuck it into my shirts and wear a jacket always just to avoid questions from curious neighbours and strangers.
“Now, I will be free to wear what I could not wear for the past 43 years and I know my wife would be the happiest as she was worried this lump would one day lead to my death.”
Mr Dube was one of the few lipoma patients who got free surgeries at Mpilo last week as the organisation continues bringing smiles to scores of children born with cleft lip and palate.
Lipomas are slow-growing and usually harmless. Rarely, they can be cancerous and some people have more than one.
Lipomas are just under the skin and move easily when pressure is applied. They commonly occur in the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms and thighs.
Mpilo public relations officer, Matron Norma Mabhena said Dube’s operation was successfully done on Thursday and that he was discharged after monitoring as he was responding well.
“Last week, the visiting team from the Operation of Hope managed to conduct 50 surgeries mainly children with cleft lip. Mr Dube was one of the few lucky ones who got the life-changing opportunity although the organisation is here for children.
“On Sunday, as previously communicated, we did another screening and already 20 surgeries are in line for this week,” said Matron Mabhena.
“The team has also advised that those deserving surgery who have cleft lip and palate can still come through and get all the help.
“The programme is indeed helping many families deal with birth defects and we know that at the end of the week, many babies will be smiling.”
Online Reporter