KOTA KINABALU - A 19-month-old child, Daneen Auni Riksi, has been diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer.
Daneen, who was receiving treatment at the Sabah Women's and Children's Hospital (HWKKS) here, set to undergo chemotherapy soon.
Her mother Fallarystia Sintom, 25, expressed her shock and sadness upon learning that her youngest child had been diagnosed with cancer.
"I never expected this because ovarian cancer is rarely heard of at such a young age; it is usually diagnosed in those over 40 or after menstruation starts.
"The doctors were investigating my child's case since it was quite rare.
"When I was informed, I was heartbroken because my child was still so young and had already had her right ovary removed," she said when contacted by Sinar on Wednesday.
When asked how the cancer was initially detected, Fallarystia clarified that her child had been experiencing abdominal bloating and constipation since August.
"My child was uncomfortable, and since she couldn't speak yet, she only cried when she was in pain. Her stomach was bloated, and she had difficulty with her bowel movements.
"She also became less active than before and only wanted to be carried.
"We started seeking medical attention at Kota Marudu Hospital, but her condition could not be diagnosed there.
"Then one day, her blood count dropped dramatically, leading to her referral to HWKKS on Sept 28, where growth and bleeding were finally detected.
"To remove the 13.50-centimetre tumour, she needed immediate surgery. It was only after the surgery last Wednesday that the doctors confirmed she had ovarian cancer," she said.
When asked about her hopes for recovery, Fallarystia said she relied on God and the efforts of the hospital.
"For now, my child is in the recovery phase after the surgery to remove the tumour. After that, she can begin chemotherapy.
"The doctors advised that there is medication for her illness, meaning chemotherapy. As long as there is medication, there is hope, and I also pray for my child's healing," she said.
Fallarystia said that she faced challenges travelling to the hospital due to limited transportation while her husband worked at the Kudat Fire and Rescue Department.
"I lived in Kampung Mangin in Kota Marudu, which was about 15 kilometres away, and my husband worked in Kudat.
"So each time we went to the hospital, I stayed at my in-laws' house in Pekan Goshen to be nearer to the hospital.
"However, since being admitted to the ward at HWKKS, it had been quite difficult to travel back and forth from Kota Kinabalu to Kota Marudu," she said.
Meanwhile, Riksi Tahir, 25, a firefighter at BBP Kudat, acknowledged feeling overwhelmed by the costs they would face.
"So far, the hospital had not provided an estimate for the costs, including the surgery that had already been performed and the chemotherapy treatment.
"I'm also working in Kudat and could not always visit and be by the side of my child and wife, who were now at the hospital in Kota Kinabalu," he said.
Meanwhile, her husband, Riksi Tahir, 25, acknowledged feeling overwhelmed by the costs they will face.
"So far, the hospital has not provided an estimate for the costs, including the surgery already performed and the chemotherapy treatment.
"I'm also working in Kudat and cannot always visit and be by the side of my child and wife, who is now at the hospital in Kota Kinabalu," he said.
In light of this, Riksi is appealing for donations from the public to help alleviate their family's financial burden.
"This donation is to assist with the medical expenses for my child who is battling stage three ovarian cancer.
"We hope this contribution can at least help ease the financial burden on our small family," he said.
Donations can be channelled to his account at Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) 1200241000113103, or individuals can contact him at 010-7644532 or his wife Fallarystia at 010-2608905.