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Diagnosed with stage two renal cancer two years ago, a Lagos-based business analyst, Ayo-Owolawi Oluwafemi, overcame the initial shock to brace himself for a battle of survival against all odds. He shares with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI the profound impact of the health condition on his life and the financial strain it has imposed on him and his family
Could you please provide insights into your personal experience?
My name is Ayo-Owolawi Oluwafemi. I am 30 years old and a native of Ile-Ife, Osun State. I believe it started back around March 2022. I first noticed symptoms of blood, bleeding, and passing out. I spent a few months in the hospital then. That was when I was diagnosed with renal cancer.
How did you feel when the doctor told you that you had renal cancer?
When the doctor told me I had renal cancer, I was shocked. I felt many strong emotions all at once. I felt devastated. It was hard to believe what I was hearing. I felt scared and worried about what would happen next. I was sad for myself and my family. Fear and worry filled my mind. I was afraid of the unknown and worried about the future. I thought about how this news would affect my loved ones, and it made me even sadder. I didn’t want them to suffer or feel helpless. I had many questions running through my head. I wondered about my treatment options, how my life would change, and if I could beat the cancer. Even though I felt scared, I also knew that finding answers was the first step to facing this challenge.
What happened next after the doctor broke the news?
After the doctor broke the news, I started getting treatments in the hospital. Because of money problems, we could only do what we could afford. Unfortunately, my condition worsened over time, and recently I had to go back to the hospital. We did some new tests, and it was confirmed that the cancer had progressed to stage two. This is why I am now asking for help. I need funds to continue my treatments. Any support, whether financial help, spiritual support, or any other kind of assistance, would make a big difference.
So, how long have you been in the hospital?
I’ve been in and out of the hospital since 2022. It started with occasional visits, but my condition has gotten much worse over time. This year, things have become especially difficult. From January to March 2024, my health took a significant turn for the worse. I found myself spending more and more time in the hospital. The changes in my body have been drastic and hard to accept. When I look at myself now, I can hardly believe how much I have changed. My appearance has altered so much that I barely recognise myself. The cancer has turned me into a skeleton. Comparing my old pictures to how I look now makes me feel very sad. It’s like looking at a different person. The person I saw in those old photos was healthy and full of life, while now, I feel frail and sick. This transformation is not just physical but emotional as well. Each hospital visit reminds me of how serious my condition is, and it’s a constant battle to stay hopeful. Seeing the impact of the illness on my body is a stark reminder of the tough road ahead, making the emotional toll just as heavy as the physical one.
Before all of this happened, what were you doing for a living?
I was working as a business analyst in Lagos.
What position are you in your family, and what are your siblings and parents doing about the situation?
I’m the last child, and my mum is very supportive, including my siblings and friends. Everyone showed me their support, and before the situation got extremely worse, we had been managing it ourselves previously because of finances. But right now, everyone is drained financially. It is not an easy situation; it is very tough right now. My family and friends have tried so much. I’m seeking help. It’s just my mum alone. My dad passed away 24 years ago.
How many siblings do you have?
I have three other siblings.
Which hospital are you currently in?
Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) is my primary hospital, but we’ve been advised to go to a specialist whose area is centred on cancer treatments.
So, how long have you been in LASUTH?
I have been in and out of LASUTH since February 2024.
What are the doctors saying?
So, at this point, they have advised me to move to a specialist hospital. I have an appointment with them to get the estimate done. The rough estimate they initially gave was around N12m. That’s what I’m working with. I think when I get to the hospital, I’ll have the full breakdown and estimated cost. But I was just working with the N12m initial estimate from last week.
So, how do you feel about the situation?
Looking at my old self and my new self is one realisation that I’m still trying to deal with because I’ve never imagined myself having to come out to ask people for help like this. I’m private. I do my things on my own. I don’t love to bother people. I’ve never imagined I would have to come out asking for help. This situation is something I really can’t imagine. The realisation of seeing myself in this state has not been really good. It’s not good at all.
How has your perspective on life changed since you were diagnosed?
It has changed a lot because my lifestyle has changed. I could barely go out before I started visiting the hospital. I am always indoors, always lying down receiving treatments. This condition has changed who I am. I can’t function properly. My family has to be with me 24/7.
What about your colleagues at work?
They’ve reached out to me. They have supported me morally and financially when they can. But we all know how the economy is. This condition has made me jobless because I stopped working in 2023.
How do you sustain a sense of optimism while undergoing treatment for your condition?
Sincerely speaking, I must say that it is tough, but I try to maintain hope. I don’t even know how I’m doing it. I just need to hold on to the hope that it will all get better. That’s what I’m counting on.
What school did you graduate from?
I finished from Obafemi Awolowo University, where I studied Economics Education. I graduated in 2014/2015.
What are things you miss about your old self?
I miss being healthy and full of energy. I used to be able to do things without getting tired easily, like going for long walks, spending time with friends, and enjoying hobbies. I miss having a normal routine without constant doctor visits and treatments
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