For 28- year- old Georgina Vakatawa from Valelevu, Nasinu, a delicate mediastinal mass resection meant not just survival, but a chance to return to her children with renewed strength and hope.
Georgina Vakatawa life changed dramatically in 2023 when she was diagnosed with the mediastinal mass, a large tumor growing dangerously close to her lungs, heart and major blood vessels.
A mediastinal mass is a growth located in the mediastinum, the space between the lungs that houses the heart, major blood vessels, and other vital structures.
Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent cough, or pressure in the chest. Treatment often involves surgery, which can be complex due to the tumor’s proximity to vital organs and vessels.
At first, Georgina underwent chemotherapy and doctors recommended that she travel India for the surgery. Determined to fight for her life, she travelled all the way to India, but to her heartbreak, the operation could not be performed there at the hospital she went to.
Left without options, Georgina returned home to Fiji, where she continued to live in constant pain, relying on oral medications that offered little relief.
‘’It was very difficult,’’ she recalled. ‘’I have two small children, and not knowing if I would ever get the treatment I needed was heartbreaking’’.
Despite the struggles, Georgina held on to hope. That hope turned into reality when one of her doctors in Suva referred her to Dr Sanjeev Khulbey, a highly respected Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon at PSH Hospitals. After carefully reviewing her case, Dr Khulbey determined that surgery could finally be done right here in Fiji.
Georgina underwent the operation she had been waiting for. The mass, which had been pressing against vital structures in her chest, was successfully removed after hours of delicate work in the operating theatre by Dr Sanjeev Khulbey and the Cardio Thoracic team of PSH Hospitals.
“Going in, I thought I would be scared but the doctors and nurses spoke to me with so much encouragement that I felt calm and confident. I didn’t feel afraid at all,’’ Georgina said.
Today, Georgina is recovering well. The constant pain that once consumed her life has eased, and she is finally able to focus on her future and on raising her two young children without the heavy shadow of illness hanging over her.
With tears of gratitude, she thanked Dr Khulbey and his cardiac team for giving her a second chance.
“Thank you for making what once felt impossible, possible. You didn’t just heal me, you gave my family hope again,’’ she said.
“This was a very complex case because the tumor was pressing on the heart and major blood vessels. It required precision and care, but we are pleased with the outcome and optimistic about Georgina,’’ said Dr Khulbey.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer and the Founder of PSH Hospitals Mr Parvish Kumar says
“Stories like Georgina’s reflect why we continue to bring world-class expertise to Fiji. Patients no longer need to travel overseas for highly specialized surgeries; they can receive safe and advanced care right here at home.” PSH Hospitals is not only paying to catch up with more developed foreign hospitals but now raising the global bar for advanced medical treatment, available right here in Fiji now.
Today, PSH Hospitals stands as the leading super-specialty hospital in Fiji and the Pacific, recognized for delivering advanced, specialized care to patients with compassion and expertise. For more information or bookings, email us at cardiology@psh.com.fj or call us on 892 2241.
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