When his wife was bedridden, following a breast cancer surgery three years ago, Deo Narayan Singh, 73, had to step up. He attended to house chores including cooking for his family.
Even after the surgery, while they lived in Labasa with a relative, he dressed this wife’s scars until her condition improved. For Usha Kumari, 58, having a supportive husband during her hour of need was a blessing that any woman would wish for.
The couple, who have three children and live in Navudi, Seaqaqa, have joined the newly formed Northern Breast Cancer Survivors in Labasa.
“I am so blessed to have such a husband because living with breast cancer is not easy, it makes one frightened and that happened to me,” Usha said.
“In 2020, we’d usually go for clinics at the Seaqaqa Health Centre and I felt little lumps, smaller than the size of green peas, under my armpit.
“I told my husband and he told me to inform the doctors which I did and I got referred to Labasa Hospital for further examination.”
This referral involved a medical process to remove the lumps from her armpit and for further testing in Suva. Usha said the results returned six months later.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“I was frightened. I didn’t know what to do and I was lost but I thank God for my husband who supported me throughout until today,” she said.
“Without him, I wouldn’t have reached this far and be strong and healthy.”
Looking after his wife at an old age didn’t bother Deo at all. He took on the burden with love.
“That was a vow I took upon myself when I promised to get married to her until death so I honoured and lived up to it,” he said. “It wasn’t easy but I chose to be strong because my wife needed me.
“I cooked the food, cleaned the house, did our laundry, fed her and looked after her day and night.
“I believe this is how we should support our loved ones who suffer from breast cancer.”
The cane farmer said he reduced the hours he spent working on the farm so that he could have more time with his wife. This he said was essential so she could enjoy a good rest and recover well.
“I didn’t mind changing the dressing. The smell was not easy and I had to measure the amount of discharge from the wound but it was nothing to me,” Deo said.
“Measuring the discharge was done three times a day and I did this for one week until the doctors were happy with her recovery and allowed us to return to Seaqaqa.
“I believe if I can do this for my wife, other men can do the same too. It’s all about the love we have for them.”
The Singhs’ farm sits about four kilometres from the main road and they have worked together to harvest and clean up the cane farm.
“Now that she’s fit and well we both go out to the farm to work and because I’m 73 now, I sometimes can’t walk long distance so I use the horse.
“It’s all about working together and helping each other.”
