Against all odds: Shahenza’s cancer survival story

Every February 4, the world marks World Cancer Day, a moment to honour survivors, remember those lost, and renew the fight against one of the leading causes of death globally.

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For Daniel Shahenza from Eldoret, this day carries deep meaning. His journey through cancer is one of pain, resilience, and hope.

In early 2022, Shahenza began experiencing persistent, severe headaches.

Doctors initially discovered a clot in the veins supplying blood to his head and placed him on medication.

A few months later, the 38-year-old from Soy in Eldoret felt better and believed the problem had been resolved. He returned to his normal life.

But in December the same year, the headaches came back, this time more painful and stubborn.

Further tests revealed devastating news.

Shahenza was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer that affects plasma cells, a type of white blood cell.

In this condition, abnormal cells build up in the bone marrow, crowding out healthy blood cells and producing harmful proteins that lead to serious complications.

The diagnosis marked the beginning of a difficult chapter.

“I had my first chemotherapy in late January 2023, but even before that, I went through terrible moments — trauma, stigma and denial. I didn’t know what the future held,” he recalls.

At first, he struggled to accept his reality.

“Those were the longest weeks of my life. Seeing other cancer patients scared me. But after counselling, doctors encouraged me and reminded me that cancer is not a death sentence.”

A collage of Daniel Shahenza battling multiple myeloma and his transformation

He learned that acceptance was the first step toward healing.

Shahenza was scheduled for 21 chemotherapy sessions, delivered in cycles to allow his body time to recover between treatments.

“Chemo is not easy. After the third session, I started losing hair and weight. By the sixth, my weight had dropped from 55 kilograms to 44,” he says.

The physical pain was compounded by financial strain. Special diets increased his expenses, and he had to rely on friends for support. Over time, some of those he counted on drifted away.

“At first, many people come to support you. But as the journey continues, some fade away. That affected me emotionally. I felt alone and grew very thin,” he says.

There were moments when even touching his remaining hair caused pain.

The long treatment journey took a heavy toll on his mental health. But Daniel says a turning point came when he chose to keep fighting.

“I reminded myself that I am a fighter.”

Despite losing his job and facing ongoing struggles with medication costs, he refused to give up.

“I kept telling myself, ‘I am not here to die.’”

His family, a few close friends, and his church became his support system, standing with him in prayer and encouragement.

After completing the 21 chemotherapy sessions, Shahenza underwent further tests, including a bone marrow biopsy.

“The results showed the cancer cells were reducing in my bone marrow. Things were moving in the right direction,” he says.

In 2024, doctors recommended seven radiotherapy sessions. Though the treatment caused severe headaches and occasional fainting, he pressed on.

Later tests showed he was in near complete remission, meaning the cancer had responded very well to treatment, with only minute traces remaining.

He continued taking medication from March 2024 and went for bone marrow biopsies every three months to monitor progress.

Gradually, his strength returned. His weight increased from 38 to 56 kilogrammes.

Then, in December 2024, he received the news he had been praying for: he was in complete remission.

Today, Shahenza continues to watch his diet, take prescribed medication, and attend regular screenings. Doctors will monitor him for five years to ensure the cancer does not return.

If a patient remains in complete remission for five years or more, many doctors consider the cancer cured, though continued observation is essential.

Shahenza now shares a message of hope with others battling cancer:

“The strength to overcome cancer — the pain, the trauma, everything that comes with it — comes from within. What you believe inside will show on the outside.”

As the world reflects on cancer today, Shahenza hopes his journey will encourage others to seek early screening, speak openly about their struggles, and never lose hope even in the darkest moments.