Mariam Muza living with monstrous growth

(Warning: Graphic content)

Mariam Muza (31) is living in hell.
A mass on the right side of her face has steadily grown since it started as small pimple last January.
“I was at home when I first felt it.
“It looked like a pimple and was a bit itchy.
“I went to the clinic and they gave me some tablets to take, but that didn’t help and by March, it had started bleeding periodically,” says Mariam.
Since then, the mass has become painful and Mariam says she now struggles to eat and see out of her right eye.
The loss of independence is a bitter pill to swallow for Mariam who used to work as a domestic worker.
Getting treatment for the mass has been a long and trying journey.

She has been to Far East Rand Hospital (FERH) and says they only gave her painkillers.
Phumza Ntuthuka, communications officer at FERH, confirmed Mariam had been to the hospital and was treated for a skin condition. “On discharge the patient was given treatment to be used at home.
“The patient has been referred to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and her appointment date is March 4,” says Phumza.
However, Mariam says she is not feeling optimistic about her chances at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital.
“When I was there in January, I was told I must pay R110 000 otherwise they will not help me.
“I struggled to even pay the R110 for a scan that day, let alone so much money.
“Ever since I got this thing on my face, I cannot work, I struggle to even bath myself and I now suffer from headaches every day,” says Mariam.
Mariam went on to say she is scared that March 4 is too far away given how quickly the mass has grown on her face. “When I go to hospital, I might not be helped on that day.
“Previously, I was booked for surgery on January 16 at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, but nothing happened because the theatre was fully booked that day.
“What if it happens again?” asks Mariam.
For her brothers Chris and Worship Muza, it has been painful seeing their sister suffer like this. “I don’t know how to help her.
“I offered to take her in, but I’m struggling financially myself and I don’t know how to help her,” says Chris. The siblings are now praying for a miracle.
Mariam says: “I need help before I lose my face and my life.”
Charlotte Maxeke Hospital says they are investigating Mariam’s case and will respond when they have all the information.