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A Journey of Resilience and Reflection
Prof Mark Mwandosya, a seasoned politician, has shared an intimate account of his year-long battle with multiple myeloma in his newly released memoir, Living with Cancer: Diaries of a Multiple Myeloma Patient. The book, published by Mkuki na Nyota Publishers Ltd, chronicles his treatment journey in India between June 17, 2011, and July 14, 2012. It offers a deeply personal and detailed narrative of his fight for survival and recovery.
The memoir was officially launched on July 29 in Dar es Salaam, where it received widespread recognition. The event was attended by high-profile figures, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, who praised the publication as an essential educational tool for cancer patients, caregivers, medical students, and healthcare professionals.
Personal Struggles and Medical Challenges
At the launch, Prof Mwandosya reflected on the stages of his medical journey, sharing his story through a series of photographs taken by his wife, Lucy Mwandosya, during his time in the hospital. “I was still working and felt physically fine when doctors discovered something was wrong,” he recalled. “After undergoing several tests, it was found that my sixth vertebra was crumbling. As you can see in this image,” he said while pointing to a photo, “there’s a visible gap where my bones were literally grinding away. That’s when surgery was performed.”
Following the procedure, Prof Mwandosya began his cancer treatment, which included intensive chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant — a process he described as both physically and emotionally draining. “I was given a high dose of chemotherapy to try and kill off the cancerous cells. The doctors warned me I would lose all my hair. One of them even joked that they had plenty of Indian wigs I could wear,” he said, prompting laughter from the audience.
Despite the challenges, Prof Mwandosya emphasized the unwavering support from his family throughout his journey. “This is not the end. The fight continues, but I am in a stable condition now,” he added.
Recognition and Impact
Dr Doto Biteko commended Prof Mwandosya for his courage in sharing such a deeply personal account with the public. “You could have written about your journey from Permanent Secretary to Cabinet Minister and people would have read it. You could have written about a successful marriage and it would have drawn readers,” he said. “But instead, you chose to share a raw and personal story to educate and inspire the public. For that, we are sincerely grateful.”
Dr Biteko highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding cancer in Tanzania, noting that around 45,000 Tanzanians are diagnosed with cancer every year, with approximately 30,000 deaths attributed to the disease annually. He cited cervical cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, oesophageal cancer, and colorectal cancer as the most common forms of the disease in the country. “This diary is a powerful lesson for all of us. You have turned your private life into a public message of hope and awareness. Congratulations,” he said.
Educational Value for Medical Professionals
Dr Clara Chamba, Head of the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), described the memoir as a valuable resource for medical professionals, students, and patients alike. “Prof Mwandosya’s story offers comfort to others facing similar challenges. He has laid everything bare, from his diagnosis to treatment and recovery,” she said.
She added that the book is not only about survival, but also about reflection, compassion, and taking action—providing both inspiration and practical lessons to readers across the board. Through his candid storytelling, Prof Mwandosya has created a powerful message that resonates beyond the pages of his memoir, offering hope and guidance to those navigating their own battles with illness.
