In April 2020, amidst the Covid-19 outbreak, Marie Goreth Uwimana received devastating news. She had discovered a mass in her left breast, which had been causing her concern. Despite her worries, she made the decision to book an appointment with an oncologist.
Despite her extreme fear of the worst outcome, she remained confident that regardless of the situation, early detection of any illness offered a chance for recovery.
Following a biopsy at Butaro Hospital, Burera District on April 27, 2020, it was confirmed through the results that she had breast cancer. She was then recommended to commence chemotherapy without delay.
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"On hearing the dreadful news, it seemed like my life was crumbling, and my world coming to an end. I cried my eyes out. I ruminated on the way forward. Truthfully, a lot was running through my mind,” the 37-year-old teacher said.
Although her husband was scared and traumatised by her condition and imagined the worst, he provided all the necessary support. For instance, he dedicated most of his time to researching her condition in order to find the required treatments and solutions, Uwimana emphasised.
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"Though it was a period of sorrow, and figuring out how to bounce back, my husband was by my side throughout. This period even strengthened our relationship, we grew closer.”
The doctors recommended that Uwimana undergo a mastectomy, which involved the complete removal of her left breast. The surgery was successfully performed at Rwanda Military Hospital, Kanombe in December 2021. Since 2020, she has been going to the hospital every three weeks for treatment.
Uwimana expressed gratitude to her doctors, who supported her throughout her treatment, providing both physical and emotional comfort. They reassured her that life was still meaningful and reminded her that she had their support — and that she wasn’t alone.
"The doctors became my friends, took me through the essence of chemotherapy, and advised me that the treatment would help me survive. I felt I was in good hands whenever I had an appointment for treatment,” she said. After the surgery, she was diagnosed cancer-free.
"Everyone should be an ambassador”
In a worldwide campaign to increase awareness of breast cancer, and raise funds for research, prevention, treatment, and support for those impacted by the illness, October has been designated as the ‘Pink Month’. It occurs annually from October 1 to 31, with the goal of promoting early detection and encouraging women to undergo regular screenings.
In line with this, Uwimana explained that when fighting cancer, having a support system is crucial because chemotherapy side effects can leave one feeling shattered and with diminished self-confidence. As an illustration, she shared that she experienced hair loss and skin discoloration. She also mentioned that it is devastating to witness your body transform every day.
Uwimana also mentioned that cancer not only leaves one emotionally drained, but also financially burdened due to the high cost of treatment.
"Breast cancer survivors need to eat a balanced diet to live a healthy life. Family members also require counselling on the necessary care to offer a breast cancer patient.”
After her recovery, she felt uneasy about moving with just one breast. However, her close friend introduced her to Philippa Kibugu-Decuir, the founder of Breast Cancer Initiative East Africa (BCIEA). Kibugu-Decuir provided her with a breast replacement made from clothing called insimburangingo in Kinyarwanda.
Being part of BCIEA, a non-profit organisation focused on raising awareness about breast cancer and providing support to individuals affected by the disease in East Africa, has enabled her and other breast cancer survivors to support each other, share breast cancer information, and raise awareness about the disease.
She is happy now that she has returned to her normal life. Not only has her hair grown, but her confidence has too.
Uwimana urges women and men, especially from the age of 30 and above, to go for a medical checkup as early detection saves lives.
"Everyone must wake up and play the part of an ambassador, and spread awareness of how deadly cancer is,” she said.
Uwimana is a teacher at Nemba Technical Secondary School in Gakenke District where she teaches biology and chemistry, from Senior Four to Senior Six.
She pursued a course in Crop Production at the High Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry (ISAE) Busogo and graduated in September 2012. She started teaching in 2015.
Uwimana sees her teaching career as a way to contribute to the advancement of education, fostering diligent children for future prospects. As a mother of four, she even gave birth to her fourth child while undergoing chemotherapy.