Answered Prayer: 63-Year-Old Woman Gets New Lease of Life After Surgeons Remove Massive 18cm Tumor at Wamalwa Kijana Hospital

A 63-year-old woman from Trans Nzoia County is celebrating a new lease of life after a team of specialist surgeons at Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital successfully removed a massive 18-centimetre tumor that had left her in excruciating pain and hopelessness for years.

Josephine Nasimiyu, who had sought treatment in several health facilities without success, emotionally recounted her long and painful journey as she recovered in her hospital bed following the life-saving surgery conducted on Thursday.

“I had almost given up and told my family to help me seek divine intervention since the tumors had turned into confusion to various medical experts who had been left with no more ways of alleviating my long-time pain,” Nasimiyu said.

Overcome with emotion, she shed tears of joy as she pointed to the area that had previously been severely swollen, expressing disbelief that the tumor had finally been removed.

Nasimiyu, who had developed a large swelling on one side of her face and neck, described the successful operation as an answered prayer and praised the medical team and hospital management for their compassion and commitment.

“I am grateful to the doctors, nurses and the hospital administration for the cooperation, love and support that saved my life,” she said.

According to Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Jedidah Wamalwa, the patient’s family was unable to meet the financial cost of the complex procedure, prompting the hospital to grant her a full waiver covering diagnostic tests and surgery.

“Nasimiyu’s family comes from a humble background and was unable to raise even a cent for treatment. As the hospital administration, we stepped in and granted a waiver as part of Governor George Natembeya’s commitment to providing affordable, accessible and quality healthcare to all residents regardless of their economic status,” said Dr. Wamalwa.

The operation was led by oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Jonathan Kiprop alongside a multidisciplinary team of physicians, medical officers and nurses.

Dr. Kiprop revealed that the tumor originated from the salivary gland and extended from the parotid region into the neck, measuring approximately 18 centimetres.

“When we assessed the patient, we found a very large mass that required highly specialized surgical intervention. She had visited several facilities seeking help and had completely lost hope before arriving at our hospital,” he explained.

He described the surgery as one of the most complex procedures undertaken by the hospital’s surgical team, requiring advanced techniques and careful coordination to ensure the patient’s safety and successful recovery.

Hospital Board Chairman Professor Ferdinand Nang’ole hailed the successful procedure as a reflection of the institution’s growing capacity to handle highly specialized medical cases.

Prof. Nang’ole, who is also the President of the Kenya Plastic Surgery Society and Chief Editor of the Pan-African Journal of Plastic Surgery, noted that complex tumors often require a multidisciplinary approach involving specialists from different fields.

“On behalf of the hospital board, I wish to thank Governor George Natembeya for creating an enabling environment that has supported successful tumor removals and numerous other complex surgeries. His administration has increased oncology staffing and supported specialized healthcare services,” he said.

Trans Nzoia Chief Officer for Health and Sanitation Dr. Judith Simiyu commended the county government’s continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, personnel and equipment, saying the successful surgery highlighted the hospital’s growing reputation as a referral center for specialized treatment.

“The hospital continues to perform increasingly sophisticated procedures, strengthening its role as a major referral facility serving patients from Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, West Pokot and neighbouring counties,” she said.

Hospital Board Vice Chairman Ronald Griffins Wasilwa said the county government’s support had helped decentralize specialized healthcare services, enabling residents to access life-saving treatment closer to home rather than travelling to major cities or abroad.

He also challenged politicians to avoid exploiting vulnerable patients for publicity.

“Leaders should not use patients’ suffering for personal political gain. Instead, they should work together to expand surgical oncology services and improve access to quality healthcare,” Wasilwa stated.

Hospital Administrator Rose Wepukhulu Wangila said the successful operation demonstrated the facility’s growing expertise, modern equipment and skilled workforce capable of handling complex medical conditions.

She encouraged residents suffering from serious illnesses not to lose hope or remain at home but to seek medical attention at the referral hospital.

The successful removal of the giant tumor marks yet another milestone for Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital as it continues to expand specialized healthcare services and offer renewed hope to patients battling life-threatening conditions across the region.