14 Dec 2022

Ms Cynthia Matoteng of Chanoga, who is battling salivary gland cancer, has appealed to the community for proper shelter.

Salivary gland cancer is a rare disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the salivary glands and being exposed to certain types of radiation may increase the risk of the disease.

The 36-year-old woman owns a plot, but is currently staying with her grandmother because she cannot afford to construct a house due to the severity of her health condition.

She has developed a big lump in her jaw and says she experiences pain on her cheek and neck and has trouble swallowing as a result of salivary gland tumours.

Ms Matoteng revealed in an interview that her condition was a hindrance to a dignified life that she led before she was diagnosed with the disease. 

The disease, she said, had left her vulnerable to head and body pains as she went through several surgeries.

She revealed that she used to work in a hair salon in Kasane, but was forced to quit her job because of the condition and now she was struggling to survive. 

She said doctors had recommended that she stay in a stable environment as her health condition had affected her movement.

“My doctors have recommended a proper house with ablution inside because I cannot walk fast to an outdoor toilet. 

They said I need to remain stably housed, but currently I am economically challenged to afford a proper house, hence I am appealing to the business community and the public at large for help,” she said.

Ms Matoteng said engaging social workers did not help much as they could only provide her with a monthly food ration.

She said she was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 after battling with a small and unusual wound in her cheek which took her to different hospitals for tests.

She recalled that the wound started in 2013, but during that time, it came and disappeared and recurred after being treated. 

Ms Matoteng said after some months, the wound started growing and the pain became unbearable, leading to a battery of tests being done, but nothing came of it. Ms Matoteng said it was only in 2018 that one doctor realised that it was a salivary gland cancer, but the cancer had already reached a critical stage.

Meanwhile, Ms Pekena Matoteng attested that her sister’s condition was worrisome as it had negatively affected her life, as she had become too weak to do anything nor walk properly. 

She said her sister survived on liquid foods because she struggled with swallowing. 

Ms Matoteng said her sister also experienced weight loss and problems with speech because of the numbness in part of her face.

She struggles the most with being heard as her tongue no longer functions properly.

“I plead with the public to respond positively to her plea and make her dream a reality. 

She is desperately in need of a proper shelter that can give her a dignified life amidst her condition,” she added. ENDS