Nwachukwu Ozioko, known as Vast from Nigerian music duo Bracket, shared his harrowing journey battling lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, in 2013.
In a recent interview on the AFRIMMA Podcast, Vast opened up about his health struggles, highlighting the financial burden of his treatment on himself and his support system.
“It was a period I’ll never forget. My team showed incredible solidarity by pooling resources to fund my treatment when usually everyone takes their share of earnings. They all came together to support me,” Vast shared.
Reflecting on his treatment, Vast revealed the challenging process he underwent, including signing a waiver to absolve the medical team of liability in case of complications.
He recounted, “Cancer wasn’t the biggest challenge, it was the treatment itself. The procedures were grueling, starting with interventions on my spine that I can’t even recall clearly. I had to formally agree that they wouldn’t be held responsible for any adverse outcomes.
“I came close to losing my life during treatment. I experienced severe blood loss that impacted my heart, necessitating a blood transfusion.
“I was so emaciated that my ribs were visible, and the financial strain was immense.”
Regarding his diagnosis, Vast shared the frustrating journey of multiple inconclusive tests until a nurse recommended an ultrasound that revealed the cancerous growth, later confirmed in the UK.
“Despite numerous tests, the issue remained unidentified until a nurse suggested an ultrasound that unveiled the spreading growth. Only in the UK was it proven to be cancerous,” Vast recounted, adding that he is now cancer-free.
Adding further context to the diagnosis, the other half of Bracket, Smash, expressed shock at the findings considering Vast’s healthy lifestyle.
Smash discussed the ordeal of delayed diagnosis, with doctors struggling to pinpoint the ailment, leading to a three-month delay and even sending blood samples to South Africa without conclusive results.
He recalled, “As Vast’s health deteriorated without a clear diagnosis, we sought help from a prominent hospital in Victoria Island, Lagos. Despite tests, his condition remained a mystery.
“After sending samples abroad and waiting months with no answers, we had to take proactive steps, moving towards seeking treatment outside the country.”
