Yoseph, aged 36, lives alone and is an Orthodox Christian. He used to work as a guard and a driver on a compound but he had to abandon his career in driving as was unable to turn his head. He went to the Black Lion Hospital in Addis Adaba with a lump in his neck and was diagnosed with a nasopharyngeal cancer which had spread locally. He received only 2 cycles of chemotherapy as he was unable to pay for any further treatment. At his visit from Nurse Kalkidan, he had an ongoing odorous discharging sinus and a huge mass on the left side of his neck with secondary spread to the skin as far down as his clavicle (collar bone).
Although living alone, Yoseph has significant physical and psychological support form a network of nearby friends. His son lives with his mother and some contact remains with the patient. His voice is hoarse (probably due to vocal-chord paralysis) but interestingly he complains of no pain and the only treatment at present is herbal. Nurse Kalkidan advised him to reconsider further cancer treatment (radiotherapy might be of benefit). Apart from daily topical metronidazole which has controlled the odour, he has not been prescribed any other treatment or medication (except herbal treatment).
Hospice Ethiopia’s nurses will provide ongoing psychological support.
Hospice Ethiopia UK 