By I must make it clear that there is no record of any family member, either from her side or mine, who has ever suffered from such an ailment. Not a single one, from all our enquiries. After going before God to report the monster, I asked what she had been applying or using since the discovery. She presented several items to me—some were expensive ointments from pharmacies meant to tackle boils, skin infections and similar conditions. I later learnt that, without my knowledge, she had embarked on several dry fasts.
As advised, she had also excused herself from suspected causal or aggravating agents such as starch, sugar, farinaceous foods, condiments, and the like. She opted instead for garlic, ginger and various natural substitutes. As I joined her in the long night battle, she mentioned soursop as one of the items recommended. A flurry of prescriptions—both food and medicinal—flooded our ears and phones.
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I combed the nooks and crannies of Ibadan during our Easter 2023 Go-A-Fishing programme in search of anything helpful. I informed my spiritual father in Lagos by phone. He did not only pay an immediate visit, he swung into action, insisting that we waste no time in doing the right thing. He made calls to Abuja and Lagos, seeking urgent and appropriate advice.
A son in the Lord, also residing in Lagos, recommended a pharmacognosist—a young Ekiti man based in Ibadan. When we met the herbal medicine practitioner, he was all mouth. With his sugar-coated tongue, he promised to join the battle against the monster, all things being equal. His bill, however, was over N200,000 for a start, even after much pleading.
One thing that upset me about the young, somewhat garrulous herbal practitioner was the way he was screaming “CANCER!” without courtesy and almost within earshot of passers-by. It was sickening. Was it entirely his fault? Perhaps not. He said the medicine would come in three instalments, and he fulfilled the first batch in April 2023.
Meanwhile, before even considering the herbal option, we had approached one of our senior pastors, who doubles as a medical consultant at UCH and the medical director of a Christian private hospital in Ibadan. Conveniently, he also hails from my wife’s village in Ekiti. Our trust in him—to offer the best guidance under God and medical science—was absolute.
After examining her, he looked grave, though he brightened the atmosphere with prayers and gentle encouragement. He then suggested we proceed with surgery, followed by chemotherapy and other necessary treatments. Deep within, I knew we were entering a long night whose dawn only God could determine. He promised to get back to us within a few days, having made a fruitless call to his colleagues who specialise in oncology. Truth be told, he was a very busy man with several responsibilities. While waiting for his call, we had to continue to see alternative help on our own.
Pray! May trouble greater than you never come your way. There are many merchants out there who would swear by their father’s grave that they can cure the ailment. What they truly covet is your hard-earned money.
We contacted a lady based in Abuja who claims to guide patients on their diet. To begin with, she shamelessly demanded a payment of N150,000 before she could start with us. When we asked whether the cost would cover the items, she said no! Ha! So, the N150,000 was for online consultation alone.
Of course, my wife had fallen for several of them before I came into the picture. She had already spent a small fortune. She genuinely desired to live for God and for us.
Did we go to UCH?
To be continued…
Ebenezer writes from Warri, Delta State, to mark the one-year immemorial of his wife, Princess Denise Yetunde Adurokiya, who passed on 26 November 2024.
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