Mombasa Man’s Remarkable Recovery After Life-Saving Brain Tumor Surgery at Tophill Hospital

A story of survival, hope, and recovery is unfolding in Mombasa as Newton Maghanga, a man who was diagnosed with a dangerous brain tumor, reflects on a life-changing medical journey that began more than a year ago. Through a series of misdiagnoses, medical interventions, and ultimately life-saving surgery, Maghanga has made a miraculous recovery, thanks to the expertise of a dedicated medical team at Tophill Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya.

Maghanga, a resident of Mombasa, first noticed troubling symptoms in 2023. It all began one morning when he woke up to find himself feeling dizzy and unbalanced. Initially, he thought it was just a minor issue that would pass, but the dizziness soon became more frequent and debilitating. As his symptoms worsened, he sought medical attention. His friends rushed him to a local hospital where, after a quick consultation, doctors diagnosed him with diabetes—a conclusion that later turned out to be wrong.

Despite being prescribed medication for diabetes, Maghanga’s condition did not improve. The dizziness continued to strike, and he found it increasingly difficult to carry out his daily activities, including his job. Frustrated and desperate for answers, he sought further medical help at a government hospital, where one doctor took a keen interest in his symptoms. He explained to the doctor that not only was he experiencing dizziness, but his eyes were also starting to move towards the center. After a thorough discussion and a series of questions, the doctor recommended that Maghanga undergo a CT scan to get a clearer picture of what was happening inside his head.

The CT scan results were a shocking revelation: Maghanga had a large brain tumor. A subsequent visit to Coast General Hospital confirmed the diagnosis, and doctors informed him that the tumor was not cancerous but needed to be removed urgently. Although the doctors initially gave him a one-month window to schedule surgery, further scans, including an MRI, showed that the tumor was much larger and posed a more immediate threat to his health.

“This is serious,” the doctor told Maghanga after reviewing the MRI results. “I can give you a month, but you need to go to Eldoret for surgery. The tumor is growing rapidly, and it’s pressing on critical areas of your brain.”

This was a turning point in Newton’s journey. He was told that the surgery would be highly complicated, but he had no choice. He would need to trust in the medical professionals to help him through what lay ahead.

A Family Connection Opens the Door to Treatment

At this point, Newton’s family played a crucial role in getting him the care he so desperately needed. One of his uncles, who had attended school with Dr. Florentius Koech, a renowned surgeon at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, reached out to his old friend to see if he could help. After getting in touch with Dr. Koech’s team, Newton was referred to Eldoret, though he did not know what to expect. He traveled there with his family, uncertain of the outcome but determined to get the surgery that could save his life.

Upon arriving in Eldoret, Newton was introduced to Dr. Koech and his team. But to his surprise, Dr. Koech was not prepared to wait. “Newton, are you ready for surgery today?” he asked. The question came as a shock to Newton and his family, who had not been mentally prepared for such an immediate decision. Despite their anxiety, they trusted Dr. Koech’s expertise and agreed to proceed.

The following day, Newton underwent a full evaluation, during which Dr. Koech reviewed his MRI scans. He reassured Newton and his family, saying, “All will be well. We have the best equipment and the right expertise. This surgery will be complex, but we will do everything we can to ensure a positive outcome.”

A Long and Difficult Surgery

The surgery took more than ten hours—an incredibly long and complex procedure. The tumor was located deep within the brain, near sensitive areas that control critical functions such as balance, vision, and speech. Removing the tumor was a delicate operation, and the medical team worked meticulously to ensure that they did not damage surrounding tissues.

Newton’s family waited anxiously throughout the surgery. “We were terrified, especially since the surgery was taking so long,” said Rachel Mwadime, Newton’s wife. “We had never been through something like this before, but we had faith in the doctors. And when we finally got the news that the surgery was a success, we were overwhelmed with gratitude.”

After the surgery, Newton was placed in the ICU for five days for close monitoring and recovery. The medical team was on hand to ensure he was stable, and over the next few days, Newton’s condition gradually improved. His family remained by his side, supporting him during this difficult time.

The Road to Recovery

Recovery after such a complex surgery was not easy. For the first few weeks, Newton struggled with memory loss and severe weakness. He had difficulty walking, and at times he could not even remember his own date of birth. In addition to physical challenges, he also faced psychological hurdles as he tried to process the traumatic experience of having undergone such a significant procedure.

But despite these early setbacks, Newton’s recovery began to show progress. “I couldn’t walk properly at first, and I couldn’t remember some basic things,” Newton recalled. “But with the support of my family and the doctors, I started improving. Slowly, but surely, my memory returned, and I was able to start walking again. It was a long journey, but I’m so grateful for the medical care I received.”

Newton was discharged after two weeks in the hospital and returned home to Mombasa, where he continued his recovery with follow-up appointments and therapy. Over the course of the next several months, he regained his strength and independence. He was able to walk without assistance, eat normally, and even resume his daily routines. As he continued with therapy, he became more confident in his ability to live a full, active life again.

A Year Later: Full Recovery

One year later, Newton visited Tophill Hospital for a follow-up review. He met with Dr. Koech, who was thrilled to see the remarkable progress Newton had made. The medical report from the MRI taken after the surgery showed that the tumor had been completely removed, and Newton’s recovery was on track.

“It’s amazing to see Newton today,” Dr. Koech said. “When he first came to us, he could barely walk or talk, and now he’s back to living a normal life. This is a rare and complicated case, but seeing patients like Newton makes our work so rewarding.”

For Newton and his family, the journey has been nothing short of miraculous. “I can’t thank Dr. Koech and the team at Tophill Hospital enough,” said Rachel. “When we came here, we were scared, not knowing what would happen. But now Newton is healthy, and I believe it’s because of the excellent care he received here. We’ll forever be grateful for the doctors who helped him.”

Newton echoed his wife’s sentiments: “It’s been a long and difficult road, but I’m thankful to God, to the doctors, and to my family. I’m back to my normal life now, and I have no words to express how grateful I am for this second chance.”

Tophill Hospital: A Place of Healing and Compassion

One of the standout aspects of Newton’s experience at Tophill Hospital was the compassionate care he received throughout the entire process. From the moment he arrived at the hospital, he was treated with kindness and respect. The doctors, nurses, and even the hospital staff were all dedicated to ensuring his well-being, not just as a patient, but as a person.

“Tophill Hospital is a special place,” Newton said. “They don’t look at money first—they care about your health. They treated me like I was family, and that made all the difference. I came here thinking I might not survive, but now I’m able to live a full life. I thank God for leading me here.”

Dr. Koech added, “At Tophill, we prioritize patient care above all else. We are committed to using the best technology and expertise to provide high-quality medical treatment. Newton’s case is one that will stay with us for a long time, as it’s a reminder of the life-changing impact we can have when we work together to save lives.”

As Newton continues his recovery journey and returns to his normal activities in Mombasa, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of timely medical care, the role of family support, and the profound difference that skilled healthcare professionals can make in someone’s life. His miraculous recovery is not just a testament to modern medicine but also to the faith and resilience that guided him through the toughest moments of his life.