A man with a 10kg lump at the back of his neck, who was
seeking an operation to remove it has said he is afraid to go under the knife
while the Covid-19 pandemic ravages the world.
Mr Kenneth Dube says he wants to wait until the virus
subsides in the country.
Dube has been living with this giant lipoma the majority of
his 73-year-old life. A lipoma, is a fatty lump most often situated between the
skin and underlying muscle layer. They commonly occur in the neck, shoulders,
back, abdomen, arms and thighs.
The lump has got him ridicule in his home area of Insuza in
Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe. Villagers who have lived with him for years have
given him a nickname uBhundu (in reference to the giant lipoma).
Four years ago, at St Luke’s Hospital, doctors said the
lipoma weighed around 8,4kg and Mr Dube estimates it could be around 10kg now.
Following the publication of his plight in the Chronicle
last month, Mr Dube said a doctor last month looked at him at St Luke’s
Hospital to assess if they could help him.
“I was called by the doctor at St Luke’s who said that I
can be helped. I returned to my home to think about it and that is how I came
up with the decision. People want to help me but I think it’s best to do it
after lockdown is reduced,” he said.
Mr Dube has not had a decent night sleep in years as he has
to grapple with positioning the lump all night long.
When Mr Dube turns his back the enormous lump glaringly
hangs out for all and sundry to see. Sneers of disgust greet him when people
see him. Villagers who have lived with him for years have given him a nickname
uBhundu (in reference to the giant lipoma).
When he speaks about the nickname, his voice quivers in
hurt as he relates that it makes him feel like an outcast.
Although he appreciates help from people, Mr Dube said he
was not at ease with having the lump removed during the pandemic.
“My heart isn’t at ease. During this time of Covid-19,
anything can happen. I want my family to come and freely see me in the hospital
and also after I get operated on to remove this, when I’m not in fear,” said Mr
Dube.
He said perhaps when the scourge subsides, he would
consider going under the knife.
“When this Covid-19 scourge subsides because by the look of
things, the infections are increasing. When lockdown measures are eased, I
think I can go to the hospital. This is the only time I think I can go under
the knife. I think I have put this on hold and not act out of desperation,”
said Mr Dube. Chronicle
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