Diagnosed of cancer thrice, this young Nigerian woman isn’t about to give in
Debby Osarere Idiagbonya’s story reads like a scene from a horror movie. Debbie who was working as a medical laboratory technician before her ordeal is a breast cancer survivor who has been through the throes of breast cancer and came out a victor .This courageous damsel came to the public glare years back when she was being diagnosed with cancer and money was raised for her via the social media by well-meaning Nigerians. Losing her dad, her personal health challenges and other life’s storms hasn’t stolen Debby’s optimism and fighting spirit. Debby was successfully cured of the breast cancer in 2013, but because it had spread too far before the identification, it spread to her liver. With the liver under severe medical check, she soon discovered that the cancer has been discovered in her bones.
The beginning of her story
I discovered I had a lump in my left breast on 24th of May, 2011 and I went for screening at The National Cancer Prevention Institute Ishaja road. From the screening centre, I was advised to go for sonography which I did on 26th of May, 2011. When I got there, I was asked to go for Fine Needle Aspiration for cytology. My fine needle aspiration for cytology said my breast mass and lymph nodes are negative for malignant. I had my first surgery 13th June 2011 and my 2nd surgery 16th November 2011 then I took my lump for histopathology investigation on 24th November and the investigation reported I had invasive ductal carcinoma this was on 5th Dec 2011.
Reaction to breast cancer diagnosis
When I was diagnosed with full blown cancer, it was like the whole world was crashing on me. I wondered where the help would come from. My father whom I had hoped would support me financially had stroke before I went for the second surgery to remove lumps on my left chest. My friends and other close relations had to rally round to raise the fund for surgery at the time. I was sacked from work after my first surgery. I appreciate Nigerians who learnt about my predicament on the social media and rose to my aid. They were so good to me and I cannot thank them enough.
Raising the money via social media
I needed N6m for the breast cancer surgery, which was to be conducted at the Maryland Teaching Hospital, Baltimore, United States. My friend, Michellina Jonathan and a couple of friends spearheaded the social media campaign tagged #SaveDebbie. They used BBM, Twitter and sent messages to popular bloggers to help spread the word about my health. She posted my pictures and my scanned medical documents on the BBM and Twitter and Facebook. She also contacted bloggers like Linda Ikeji, Ladun Liadi, Olori Supergal and some others about it .Initially the responses from people wasn’t encouraging. They thought it was a scam and insulted me on the various sites.
Celebrity support
Ruggedman and Ice Prince shot a video clip about my plight and posted it online. Ruggedman also connected us with people who donated to the cause. Ruggedman’s photograph with me which captured his sad mood when he visited me at home, really helped in raising the funds .It was used on the social media together with the video clip and it helped dispel rumors that the fund appeal was a lie. Celebrities such as Davido, Solid Star, Mo’cheedah, Halima Abubakar and Don Jazzy donated to my cause.
Reaction to liver and bone cancer diagnosis
Three weeks after I had my double bilateral mastectomies in October 2013 my doctor said the cancer had spread to my pelvic and spinal cord, eight months after (June 2014) I was diagnosed with liver cancer when I tried to do a breast reconstruction, At first I thought i was free from one deadly attack and now the cancer spread. Well, like the doctors would say, I had a metastatic breast stage IV cancer. I told myself my battle with cancer has just begun. I just focused on being positive believing God is going to make everything work out for my good. Always smile and dance when you hear bad news. My medical team (doctors) was trying to console me by saying: “First, we have good news and bad news, which one do you want to hear first”? All I said was I’m used to good news, but I will listen to the bad news first. My oncologist said “I’m happy your chemotherapy is working for your liver but sorry the cancer came back to your bones”. I have been fighting since Dec, 12 2011. God will never leave me. I have survived breast cancer stage IV, I’m surviving liver cancer so how much bones? I’ve survived it before and I will survive it again. I will never lose my fighting spirit.
Tempted to give up on life
Through all these health challenges I have never been tempted to give up on life. I just keep staying focused and optimistic believing in the healing power of God. God has been my sustainer.
What keeps her going?
God keeps me going and the stories of survivors I have met .I have had the opportunity of listening to the challenging stories of survivors and positive minded people around me. This has been my glimmer of hope as I can’t work because i am on a double treatment; I’m having both radiation and chemotherapy together right now.
Spiritual transformation
The health challenges have enhanced my faith in God. I used to think I wasn’t ready for something super challenging. I never thought I will be diagnosed with life threatening diseases especially when it’s not in my family. I find myself becoming stronger in my hope to defeat cancer.
Advise to individuals battling health challenges
I will advise individuals battling health challenges to keep their hopes alive. You may have been challenged, hurt, delayed but remember you’re still alive. You have cancer, it doesn’t need to affect your spirit .You should live like a victor to cancer and not like a victim. Always remember that those that sow in tears shall reap with songs of joy.
The ‘New’ Debby
My outlook to life has changed and also my spiritual life, through it all, these challenges has strengthen my resolve to live life and live it to the full
Being a woman of rubies
My definition of a woman of rubies is a damsel who doesn’t fit into stereotypes .I am pleased being myself. I have a great self-esteem and confidence which makes me willing to seek out and accept challenges. I want to inspire people with my story. This is what being a woman of rubies should be about. It should be about you overcoming adversity and using your story to inspire others.
This story was first published on women of rubies’ website with the headline, “Through all these health challenges I have never been tempted to give up on life” – Debby Idiagbonya.
