Kathy Ann Devenish, 41, a mother of nine, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer condition has taken a turn for the worst, however, she remains fighting and determined to see that her children are comfortable and their needs met.
Almost one month ago, on September 9 the T&T Guardian highlighted “Christmas came early” for her and her children when six complete strangers, came together to build her a new home as they were moved by the dilapidated and unsanitary conditions she and her children were living in.
On Wednesday when the Guardian Media visited her at her Orange Field Road home she relaxing in her new home that was constructed by six members of the Wyaby Bible Way church in Carapichaima.
But, Devenish explained that whilst she is happy and comfortable with her surroundings, she is deeply concerned about her deteriorating health.
Last Friday, Devenish fell ill and had to be taken to the hospital but the news she got there she certainly wasn’t prepared for.
“The doctor told me that more lumps were discovered on the left side of my neck. They wanted to ward me but I begged them not to because I have no one to see about my children. I came home Saturday morning and was taken back to the hospital on Sunday...again they wanted to keep me but I said my children only have me to see about them. I promised to go to another health institution on Monday, which I did, “ Devenish said.
She added that she is in excruciating pain and has to take doses of morphine in an attempt to get rid of the discomforting pain that leaves her sleepless almost every night.
Yet a resilient Devenish fights every day to care for her children ages 24 to 30-months-old.
“We are happy in our new home and grateful for what we have but I still need things like an extension for a third bedroom so I can have girls and boys separate and also I need another bed and wardrobes as most of our clothes were destroyed during the recent heavy rains.”
In the latter half of 2017, while breastfeeding her last son, Jelani, Devenish felt a lump to her right breast. She became concerned and went to the Freeport Health Centre to check it out and was allegedly told that the lump may have been her “breastmilk getting lumpy.” She brought it to their attention on several occasions and was allegedly given the same prognosis.
As the lump grew bigger, her stepmother decided to take her to a health mobile unit where she got a pap smear done. Her worst nightmare became a reality for Devenish, after joining the clinic at the San Fernando General Hospital, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The cancer then spread to her two kidneys and lungs.
Three months ago, during a visit by a member of the Wyaby Bible Way church, the member grew concerned with her living conditions as she cared for seven of her nine children.
This opened the door for some much-needed assistance for Devenish.
Having completed 15 chemotherapy sessions and radiation and now on chemo tablets at home, Devenish said her wish is for God to continue to give her the health and strength to see her children grow into adults.
She wants them to be well educated, have jobs and children of their own.
