The Herald reported last week that Anell van der Watt noticed that her stomach was swollen around July this year. From the 12th, the swelling increased rapidly. After visits to several doctors, it was found that she had a growth the size of a fully-grown baby on her ovaries.
As the family did not have medical aid, they asked the community to help them raise the R75,000 needed for the operation. Anell had to undergo surgery urgently due to the threat of the growth pressing on her organs,
According to Mrs Antionette de Wet, Anell’s sister, doctors at Potchefstroom Mediclinic successfully removed the nine-kg tumour last Friday. Luckily, the growth had not attached itself to any organs, which would have complicated the surgery. The doctors say she will make a full recovery.
“Although my sister had some pain afterwards, she said it was much less than before the ope- ration,” says De Wet.
Annell recuperated so well that she was discharged from the hospital on Sunday. The matric record examination roster allows her to recuperate this week.
“She wants to continue with her record exam on Monday and only has to redo two tests,” says her sister. “We want to thank the whole community from the bottom of our hearts for the funds for Anell’s operation. Thanks to all the churches, businesses and other people who supported us every step of the way to make the operation possible. Thanks to the many people who gave things for raffles to raise money,” says De Wet. Although the doctors sent the tumour they extracted from Anell for analysis, the family is hopeful that there will not be further problems. The doctor has only sceduled a follow-up visit for 30 September. The family also thanks Dr Julian Jacobson, Dr Etienne Thomas, Hoërskool Carletonville, Potchefstroom Mediclinic and the councillor, Devin Nieuwenhuizen. “We will never again be too proud to ask for help, as we learnt that someone is always prepared to assist,” she says.
The tumour that the doctors removed from Anell’s ovaries.
