Veronica Gwaze
RENOWNED singer Chief Hwenje, born Admire Sanyanga Sibanda, is currently undergoing crucial life-saving treatment in India.
The 37-year-old musician recently shared the heartbreaking news of his diagnosis with lymphoma, a type of blood cancer affecting the lymphatic and immune systems.
This condition arises when lymphocytes, a specific type of white blood cells, undergo abnormal growth and uncontrolled multiplication.
There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Chief Hwenje had silently battled the disease until The Sunday Mail Entertainment exclusively revealed his story after visiting him at his homestead in Shanyura village, Mapanzure, Zvishavane.
In India, the musician is undergoing a surgical procedure to remove the lymphomas that have spread throughout his body.
Medical experts have recommended surgery over chemotherapy, saying it is a more effective approach to stopping the progression of the disease.
Initially, the singer had planned to seek treatment in South Africa, but the Government’s intervention facilitated a swift change of plans.
Arrangements were made to expedite his travel to India, where specialised medical professionals are providing the necessary care.
In an interview from the Asian country, the musician confirmed that his treatment had since begun.
“My surgery was successful, and I am recovering well here in India. I am scheduled to return home later this week (last week),” he said.
“I am incredibly grateful for the extraordinary support I have received from the Government.
‘‘They have made this journey possible and my hope for a pain-free future has been renewed.”
Upon returning to the country, Chief Hwenje plans to retreat to his rural home to fully recover.
During this time, he intends to work on his outstanding music projects, including his upcoming album, “Chiedza chaSamere”, and several new music videos.
Originally slated for release in
December, the eight-track album was postponed to next year due to his health challenges.
On the album, which is filled with some Afro-traditional songs, the singer pours out his heart, expressing the challenges he has faced in his music career in particular and life in general.
“The past few months have been incredibly tough, filled with frequent attacks and debilitating pain that often confined me to bed,” he revealed.
“Music is my lifeblood, so I had to put on a brave face and perform, often relying on medication to manage the pain. Unfortunately, the medication did not always work, forcing me to leave the stage prematurely,” he said.
“I understand that promoters and fans were unaware of my struggles, and I am relieved that this ordeal is finally over.
“I am eager to return to the stage and perform with the same energy and passion as before.”
Chief Hwenje is a renowned artiste, who has collaborated with both secular and gospel musicians.
Beyond his own original compositions, he has also written music for other artistes, including Baba Harare (now known as King David) and Pah Chihera.
Lymphoma: Symptoms, causes and treatment
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system (the various lymph glands around the body) when abnormal white blood cells grow.
Symptoms
Lymphoma symptoms include unexplained fever, swelling of lymph glands, swollen abdomen, abnormal sweating, tiredness, loss of appetite, bruising or bleeding easily, frequent infections, cough, chest pain or problems in breathing, rash or itching, and weight loss.
Causes
Exposure to radiation and certain types of chemicals can put some people at higher risk.
Benzene and some agricultural chemicals have also been cited as causes.
People whose immune systems are suppressed, for example those infected with the Epstein-Barr virus or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can also be at increased risk of lymphoma.
Diagnosis
Tests usually used to diagnose lymphoma include:
PET scan
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan produces a three-dimensional colour image that can show whether or not the lymphoma has spread to the bone marrow.
CT scan
A computerised tomography (CT) scan using a computer and X-rays creates a detailed picture of any area inside one’s body.
MRI
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be used to check the brain and spinal cord, and establish if there is presence of lymphomas.
Blood tests
Blood tests have to be taken regularly if you are diagnosed with lymphoma to check how the cancer or its treatment is affecting blood cells in your body.
After diagnosis
After diagnosis of lymphoma, one may have a range of emotions such as anger, confusion, anxiety and distress.
There is a need to have conversations with one’s doctor and psychologists on the different treatment options available, likely outcomes, potential side effects, and risks and benefits.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of lymphoma, its stage (for example, how far it has spread around the body) and how fast it is likely to grow.
Staging
The extent of the cancer is determined by a CT scan of the abdomen and bone marrow biopsy.
A PET scan, where available, provides extra information on spread, including to bones.
A CT scan shows enlarged lymph glands, whereas a PET scan shows lymph glands that are abnormally active, metabolically, (but may not yet be swollen) and may be the more accurate test for staging.
Types of treatment
Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy (radiotherapy) and use of monoclonal antibodies.
In some cases, the disease can be treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy may be required for bulky or non-responding sites.
For patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, some can be managed with localised radiotherapy alone; or radiation therapy, combined with chemotherapy.
If the non-Hodgkin lymphoma is fast-growing, or aggressive, successful treatment usually requires starting chemotherapy immediately.
For early stage disease and advanced stages with bulky sites, “involved field radiotherapy”, which only targets the affected site, is usually required.
CHIEF HWENJE ON THE MEND . . .Musician successfully undergoes surgery in India
Veronica Gwaze
RENOWNED singer Chief Hwenje, born Admire Sanyanga Sibanda, is currently undergoing crucial life-saving treatment in India.
The 37-year-old musician recently shared the heartbreaking news of his diagnosis with lymphoma, a type of blood cancer affecting the lymphatic and immune systems.
This condition arises when lymphocytes, a specific type of white blood cells, undergo abnormal growth and uncontrolled multiplication.
There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Chief Hwenje had silently battled the disease until The Sunday Mail Entertainment exclusively revealed his story after visiting him at his homestead in Shanyura village, Mapanzure, Zvishavane.
In India, the musician is undergoing a surgical procedure to remove the lymphomas that have spread throughout his body.
Medical experts have recommended surgery over chemotherapy, saying it is a more effective approach to stopping the progression of the disease.
Initially, the singer had planned to seek treatment in South Africa, but the Government’s intervention facilitated a swift change of plans.
Arrangements were made to expedite his travel to India, where specialised medical professionals are providing the necessary care.
In an interview from the Asian country, the musician confirmed that his treatment had since begun.
“My surgery was successful, and I am recovering well here in India. I am scheduled to return home later this week (last week),” he said.
“I am incredibly grateful for the extraordinary support I have received from the Government.
‘‘They have made this journey possible and my hope for a pain-free future has been renewed.”
Upon returning to the country, Chief Hwenje plans to retreat to his rural home to fully recover.
During this time, he intends to work on his outstanding music projects, including his upcoming album, “Chiedza chaSamere”, and several new music videos.
Originally slated for release in
December, the eight-track album was postponed to next year due to his health challenges.
On the album, which is filled with some Afro-traditional songs, the singer pours out his heart, expressing the challenges he has faced in his music career in particular and life in general.
“The past few months have been incredibly tough, filled with frequent attacks and debilitating pain that often confined me to bed,” he revealed.
“Music is my lifeblood, so I had to put on a brave face and perform, often relying on medication to manage the pain. Unfortunately, the medication did not always work, forcing me to leave the stage prematurely,” he said.
“I understand that promoters and fans were unaware of my struggles, and I am relieved that this ordeal is finally over.
“I am eager to return to the stage and perform with the same energy and passion as before.”
Chief Hwenje is a renowned artiste, who has collaborated with both secular and gospel musicians.
Beyond his own original compositions, he has also written music for other artistes, including Baba Harare (now known as King David) and Pah Chihera.
Lymphoma: Symptoms, causes and treatment
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system (the various lymph glands around the body) when abnormal white blood cells grow.
Symptoms
Lymphoma symptoms include unexplained fever, swelling of lymph glands, swollen abdomen, abnormal sweating, tiredness, loss of appetite, bruising or bleeding easily, frequent infections, cough, chest pain or problems in breathing, rash or itching, and weight loss.
Causes
Exposure to radiation and certain types of chemicals can put some people at higher risk.
Benzene and some agricultural chemicals have also been cited as causes.
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People whose immune systems are suppressed, for example those infected with the Epstein-Barr virus or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can also be at increased risk of lymphoma.
Diagnosis
Tests usually used to diagnose lymphoma include:
PET scan
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan produces a three-dimensional colour image that can show whether or not the lymphoma has spread to the bone marrow.
CT scan
A computerised tomography (CT) scan using a computer and X-rays creates a detailed picture of any area inside one’s body.
MRI
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be used to check the brain and spinal cord, and establish if there is presence of lymphomas.
Blood tests
Blood tests have to be taken regularly if you are diagnosed with lymphoma to check how the cancer or its treatment is affecting blood cells in your body.
After diagnosis
After diagnosis of lymphoma, one may have a range of emotions such as anger, confusion, anxiety and distress.
There is a need to have conversations with one’s doctor and psychologists on the different treatment options available, likely outcomes, potential side effects, and risks and benefits.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of lymphoma, its stage (for example, how far it has spread around the body) and how fast it is likely to grow.
Staging
The extent of the cancer is determined by a CT scan of the abdomen and bone marrow biopsy.
A PET scan, where available, provides extra information on spread, including to bones.
A CT scan shows enlarged lymph glands, whereas a PET scan shows lymph glands that are abnormally active, metabolically, (but may not yet be swollen) and may be the more accurate test for staging.
Types of treatment
Treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy (radiotherapy) and use of monoclonal antibodies.
In some cases, the disease can be treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy may be required for bulky or non-responding sites.
For patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, some can be managed with localised radiotherapy alone; or radiation therapy, combined with chemotherapy.
If the non-Hodgkin lymphoma is fast-growing, or aggressive, successful treatment usually requires starting chemotherapy immediately.
For early stage disease and advanced stages with bulky sites, “involved field radiotherapy”, which only targets the affected site, is usually required.
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