NO. OF DAYS CARED FOR : 191

Aged 70 years, Krishnakumari was a very poor widow and a destitute. She was the priestess in a temple, after her husband who was the temple priest died a while back. They had no children. They had looked after many a needy person in their lifetime and as a result, the entire community is shared the burden of looking after her during this traumatic period of her life. She lives in a room provided by a family free of cost. Others bear all the expenses for travel, medicine, food etc.

About two years back, Krishnakumari noticed a small ulcer in the inner part of her left cheek. She consulted a doctor who suspected that it was cancerous and referred her to a cancer hospital. Her teeth were extracted and radiation given but to no avail. She was taken to another private radiation centre for treatment and her condition seemed to improve. By this time though, the ulcer had opened as a fistula to the outer cheek. She was referred to DEAN Foundation with advanced cancer of the left cheek on 1 March 2007 . She had swelling of the left part of her face, discharge from the mouth and ulcers. She was unable to open her mouth, speak or eat and drink. She was in excruciating pain. The DEAN Foundation team visited her and a detailed history was taken. She was then thoroughly examined. There were three ulcers on her left cheek of which one had dead yellow tissue. Saliva and pus were dripping from these ulcers. The left cheek and left eye were swollen and inflamed. The nurses cleaned and dressed the ulcers and the doctor gave her morphine tablets for pain relief along with other supportive drugs. This gave her pain relief enabling her to cope with the ravages of the disease . She was under the care of DEAN Foundation for 191 days. Patients like Mrs. Krishnakumari are taken care of by DEAN Foundation with financial support from individuals, Corporates and Trusts. Every bit of financial aid that comes in, makes a world of difference.

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