Cancer could've been detected sooner: lost kidney victim
A Durban man whose kidney was lost by St Augustine's Hospital says the delay has led to him being diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer, the cancer has now also spread to his lymphatic system and liver.
Derrick Rodgers had the cancerous organ removed at the facility so that tests could be conducted to determine the type and extent of his cancer.
The 56-year-old has told Newswatch that if the organ had not been misplaced, he would have known his diagnosis sooner.
Rodgers says due to the severity of the cancer, chemotherapy and radiation will not help and all his oncologist can do is try to control the spread of the cancer with some medication.
"It's two months later and I'm finding out now that I've got cancer and it's at that stage. If I had known when the histology had been done, after the op we would have progressed onto treatment and maybe stop the further growth," he said.
Rodgers plans to take legal action and his lawyer is in contact with the hospital.
"On few occasions they've written to my attorney and said they'll help but nothing has been forthcoming and seems like a delaying tactic. That's the way I feel.
"I'm in a hell of a state now because I don't know if my medical expenses are going to be covered by my medical aid," he said.
Meanwhile St Augustine's says lawyers for both Rodgers and the facility are in talks.
(File photo)