A young woman was admitted to BMC, Nalerigu, Ghana with a very large, necrotic tumor (consistent with a cancer) just above her right knee. It was painful. It was crawling with maggots. She had already undergone several surgeries, but the tumor returned each time. A large lymph node was present in the groin (signifying metastasis). After considering alternatives, she requested an amputation as palliation to take away her pain. We successfully completed the amputation and her pain was much improved. I kept her in the hospital until about post-op day 10 to ensure that the stump closure was healing well. We found crutches for her and she was a pro in no time. The day before she was discharged, she had “walked” into town on her own.
She is a Mamprusi woman who amazingly understood when I spoke in Mampruli. During her time in the hospital I had several opportunities to talk with her about Jesus and to encourage her. Also, she has a daughter with the same Mampruli name as KJ – “God’s gift” or “grace.” To God be the glory for his amazing gift and the hope that we have because of his grace.