- Betty Bayo sadly died at KNH, having been ailing from blood cancer, which was discovered at its last stage
- Her doctor, who spoke at Blue Springs Hotel on Thika Road, shared how they treated her from the beginning to the end
- While explaining, he shared how they arrived at chemotherapy as the next course of action and why KNH was their best option but unfortunately, it did not work, and she passed away
- This week, AAR has also come under fire for allegedly refusing to treat Betty until KSh 260,000 was paid. However, they have since commented on the issue, with the doctor defending them as well
Nairobi Kenya: Dr. Nderitu Wangui, the physician who was treating the late Betty Bayo, has shared why it was difficult to diagnose and treat the acute myeloid leukemiah condition that killed her.
Source: Facebook
Acute Myeloid Leukaemia is a very aggressive blood cancer, and Nderitu said that by the time a patient starts experiencing symptoms such as headaches and fatigue, it is already in its last stage; bone marrow failure.
“I received a call from Ken Ngaruiya, and he told me that he needed a blood appeal. Initially, we needed three pints. After the first transfusion, things seemed okay,” said Nderitu.
“At this point, we didn’t have a diagnosis, so she was discharged,” he added.
Where was Betty’s blood going?
Later that night, Betty’s condition worsened, and she was taken to AAR, where friends raised money for her treatment.
At this point, Nderitu defended AAR, saying their doctors did their best to treat Betty.
“We sat down and began asking each other, Where was Betty’s blood going? We explored all possibilities, and the blood bank assured us that we would receive nine pints of platelets,” he said.
“To make one dose of platelets, we needed six liters of blood. It reached a point where the blood bank could not sustain the process, so we had to bring in donors. Their blood was cleaned, and we infused it into Betty,” he explained.
The doctors had to conduct a complicated test, and they could only get the results by morning. At 3 a.m, Nderitu was called and informed that they were dealing with blood cancer.
With this type of cancer, no matter how many platelets they infused into Betty, the bone marrow was not producing anything. Her body had already entered an autoimmune state and was attacking itself.
Betty had to be isolated to build immunity for chemotherapy because her immunity had dropped too low. If chemotherapy were induced at that point, it would have worsened her condition.
“At AAR, we could not induce chemotherapy due to procedural limitations. Our best option was Kenyatta National Hospital said the doctor.
“We handed the patient over to the hospital, and they received her very well. I also want to thank the political class, who ensured a smooth transition, as this was crucial due to the KSh 65 million involved,” he added.
Source: Instagram
How can Kenyans get help against blood cancer
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Aziza Hussein urged Kenyans to prioritise routine testing whenever possible.
“So much can be done with early diagnosis, so we should prioritize that. I know it can be challenging with competing priorities, but let’s try as much as possible because management is far less expensive in the earlier stages,” she said.
How did Kenyans react to the story?
@Pnwt6kw:
“Very professional doctor with great advice.”
@milcahgathoni5961:
“We gave platetes too to a relative.”
@margaretwanjiku3621:
“Friends, it is very difficult to be treated well in Kenyan hospitals without money. Medical care is expensive, and medical insurance is a great help. Prioritise it for you and your family after shelter and food. Register a group of colleagues or friends and get a common group medical insurance at comfortable group rates. Educate yourselves on various health conditions. Rest in peace Betty.
@MissJackie254:
“Now well understood!”
@nancyn5778:
“How is making someone wait to come up with the money doing their best?”
@marywambui5903:
“Death is crude and leaves everyone desperate but the bitter truth to christians is……. death is inevitable. Actually the doc said Kenyatta Hospital has the best. God’s Mercy to the believer may Betty RIP and perpetual light shine upon her eternally.”
@carolinekara7603:
“How was he her doctor yet she got diagnosed the last minute? A personal Dr is the one who walk’s with a patient from the beginning to the end and knows the whole history.”
Betty’s friends arrived too late for blood donation
Another story revealed that at some point, Betty’s friends wanted to go and donate some blood for her, and while they were on their way, she learned that their friend was dead.
Betty’s friends had made arrangements to donate some for her and even had a WhatsApp group, but sadly, it was too late.
Kenyans who also heard the story later wished they ahd a chancel to share some blood with as well.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
