Seventeen-year-old Maliyah Hobbs received devastating news when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer typically found in elderly men – and it was already at stage 4. Maliyah expressed her initial fear upon hearing the diagnosis, stating, “I thought I was going to die. When they said stage 4, I knew it was serious. Then, they told me the chemotherapy would leave me infertile, and it crushed me. I had always dreamed of being a mum.” She first noticed something was wrong when she started rapidly losing weight and experienced various symptoms like severe abdominal pain, bladder pain, constipation, and night sweats. However, obtaining a correct diagnosis proved to be a challenge.
Maliyah faced difficulties with doctors in her hometown not being able to pinpoint her condition. She recounted how she had to push for a referral, which led her to a gynaecologist who made a crucial discovery. The gynaecologist wasted no time in conducting tests and advised Maliyah to seek immediate treatment at a hospital. Despite initially being dismissed after a scan revealed concerning results, a second opinion from a more experienced radiologist raised suspicions of ovarian cancer. A subsequent biopsy confirmed Maliyah’s diagnosis and initiated her journey into battling the disease.
Initially treated for ovarian cancer with intensive chemotherapy, Maliyah’s treatment plan took a surprising turn when it was discovered that she had peritoneal mesothelioma, an exceptionally rare cancer associated with asbestos exposure. This revelation shook Maliyah, as she had unwittingly used a baby powder product linked to asbestos contamination for years. The switch to treat this different cancer type posed a new challenge for Maliyah, who endured gruelling effects from the treatments. Her health took a severe downturn, leading her to make a bold decision regarding her treatment.
Deciding to explore alternative treatment options, Maliyah advocated for herself and inquired about a targeted therapy involving an ALK inhibitor. This decision proved to be pivotal as she received positive news of her cancer being eradicated after starting this new treatment. Despite the triumph over cancer, Maliyah’s battle is far from over as she prepares for further aggressive surgeries to prevent the cancer’s recurrence. Maliyah bravely revealed the emotional toll the journey has taken on her, especially the realization that she would not be able to fulfil her dream of having children.
Throughout her ordeal, Maliyah leaned on her unwavering faith and the unyielding support of her loved ones to navigate the challenges she faced. She credited her family, particularly her mother, for their constant presence and care during her treatment. Now, as a cancer survivor, Maliyah is determined to embrace each moment with gratitude and a renewed perspective on life’s fragility. Her message of resilience and hope serves as an inspiration to others facing similar battles, reminding them to hold onto optimism in the face of adversity.