Foundation aids tumour sufferer
A 50-year-old woman who suffers from a large stomach tumour sought help yesterday from the Pavena Foundation for Children and Women after she was unable to afford to pay for medical expenses.
Prapan Suetrong yesterday took Malee Khamsinla, his emaciated wife who relies on a wheelchair as she is now unable to walk, to the foundation in Pathum Thani province.
They submitted a petition to foundation chairwoman Pavena Hongsakul, seeking help from the foundation after they can no longer afford to pay medical bills.
Mr Prapan said his wife developed the tumour inside her stomach six years ago while she was working as a hairdresser.
At that time, Ms Malee was not aware of her illness and thought she was overweight.
However, Ms Malee decided to see a doctor after the tumour continued to grow alarmingly.
Her doctor said her tumour was caused by cancer.
She was required to undergo chemotherapy as a means of treatment.
Ms Malee was later transferred to another hospital where she could receive treatment under the universal health coverage scheme.
Nevertheless, doctors at the latest hospital said her tumour was benign, not malignant.
Upon hearing this news, she did not return to hospital.
She also believed herbal medicine could cure her condition as she could continue to eat and work normally.
However, instead of getting smaller, the tumour grew bigger so she was unable to walk and suffered from bedsores.
Ms Malee was taken to a hospital on April 30 after she suffered from a severe stomachache.
Doctors said an operation was required but the surgery would have a major effect on her internal organs.
The family was unable to afford the medical bills so they decided to seek help from the foundation.
Ms Pavena yesterday contacted AVM Santi Srisermpok, director of Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital where Ms Malee was scheduled to meet doctors there next Tuesday.