Tlotlang’s Story
Tlotlang was born around noon on Tuesday, July 26, 2017, weighing just 1.9 kg and was very small. Due to low blood sugar, he was immediately transferred him to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. After about three days in the hospital, we were able to take him home as he was doing well. Tlotlang grew up full of energy and full of life, just like any child his age.
However, on December 16, 2019, he injured his leg after slipping in the bath. Although there was no fracture, the doctor placed his leg in a cast as a precaution. The cast was removed. We were shocked when he began to limp due to pain. By January 2020, he had stopped walking altogether, was experiencing nosebleeds, and had a fever. We returned to the doctor, who thought it was still from the initial injury. But we soon realised there was more to it. We then decided to take him to a physiotherapist, who gave him a massage and advised us to visit an orthopaedic specialist.
On February 15, 2020, we drove from Lichtenburg, North West, to see the orthopaedic specialist. After examining Tlotlang, the specialist confirmed that there was nothing wrong with his bones. He recommended that we consult Dr. Tshenkeng, a paediatrician. That very day, Dr. Tshenkeng admitted Tlotlang to Life Ancron Hospital in Klerksdorp. During that time, we were both required to take a COVID-19 test. We didn’t have any clothes, toiletries, or supplies with us, as we had assumed we’d be going back home shortly.
Despite the growing fear inside me, I convinced myself it wasn’t as serious as it seemed. Numerous tests were conducted, all of which came back negative. But then the doctor informed us that our son would be tested for cancer. At first, it didn’t make sense. It was incomprehensible.
I am crying as I write this because I can still remember the heartbreak on February 17, 2020, when the test results confirmed that Tlotlang had blood cancer. I was unable to control myself and forgot about social distancing, and turned to the nearest person, the doctor for comfort. As I cried uncontrollably, I thought of my spouse and our long, challenging journey we had to conceive Tlotlang.
On February 18, 2020, we were transported by ambulance to Donald Gordan Hospital in Johannesburg. Amidst the difficult situation, I leaned into prayer, and as the Bible commands, I prayed continuously. Even though words escaped me, I found comfort in the words of King Jehoshaphat, who said, “I do not have power or might, but my eyes are upon Thee” (II Chronicles 20:12).
On my birthday, February 19, 2020, we faced the incredibly difficult task of taking Tlotlang into the operating theatre for a lumbar puncture. Tlotlang was diagnosed with acute lymphoid leukaemia, a form of cancer, but fortunately, no other parts of his body were affected. Dr. Bennete Kate, the paediatric oncologist, informed us that over 70% of his cancer had spread. Tlotlang began immediate treatment, including physiotherapy and chemotherapy.
The Social Worker at Donald Gordon, Mam Chantell, who provided counselling through the hospital, was a great support to us. Many organizations arrived to offer encouragement and assistance. By the end of March 2020, Tlotlang was discharged from l. While his legs were stable, he still couldn’t walk. During our hospital stay, Tlotlang, a drummer, would often say he would recover by playing the drums. Every day, he would drum away in the hospital.
On April 2, 2020, while we were at church, he played his little drum set as usual. Then, to our amazement, he got up and started walking as though it were his first time.
Tlotlang continued chemotherapy for more than two years, and the treatment proved successful. When he wasn’t in the hospital, we stayed at the CHOC House during his chemotherapy weeks. It would have been very difficult for us to travel from Lichtenburg to Johannesburg every week and also find accommodation, but CHOC made everything much easier for us. Mama Phindy and her team welcomed us with open arms, and we truly felt at home.
By the mercies and grace of God, Tlotlang was declared cancer-free on April 12, 2024. The Morutse family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the doctors, nurses, hospital staff, and NGOs who played a role in our son’s cancer journey. A special thank you to Dr. Kate Bennette, Mam Chantelle, and Mama Phindile for their love, kindness, and unwavering support. May the Lord bless and reward you all. Above all, we thank the Almighty God for permanently healing our son.
