After a life-saving procedure, a woman who lost her eye describes how people treat her
More Info: Facebook/Rhiana Powell/ New York Post
Rhiana Powell, a 34-year-old Perth resident who underwent surgery with Australian brain specialist Charlie Teo in 2017, lost her left eye. An aggressive tumour enlarging between her brain and optic nerve required surgery to remove. However, Ms Powell has experienced cruel and unexpected treatment from strangers since the operation.
Ms Powell claims that some people purposefully shun her because of her appearance and treat her like a “savage animal” and a “freak.” Children at least have an openness to learning, whereas adults are far more cruel. As people cover their eyes and move away from her, she feels like a character from a nightmare horror film.
Some others even go so far as to take pictures of her on their phones without her consent, which causes her great distress. Ms Powell is not a zoo animal, so nobody needs to take pictures of her without her permission.
Ms Powell had long sensed something was “off” with her body before learning she had terminal brain cancer in 2016. She had a slight smile on her left cheek. Occasionally felt a peculiar numbness that progressively worsened until it seemed like an electric shock.
Ms Powell was only given three months to live after the doctors finally identified the tumour. Surgeons declined to perform the procedure because of the tumour’s delicate placement and the likelihood that anything could go wrong. Dr Teo, a controversial surgeon prohibited from operating in Australia, was the only one who agreed to proceed with the risky treatment. He has a reputation for undertaking dangerous missions that others won’t.
Ms Powell raised the $150,000 needed for the procedure through crowdfunding. Although the surgery saved her life, it also had significant side effects. Because of ear and mouth leakage caused by cerebral fluid, Ms Powell cannot lay flat. She also experiences excruciating headaches due to a hole in the membrane encasing her brain and spinal cord.
The change in Ms Powell’s appearance is likewise complex. Regarding her confidence, certain situations are more difficult than others. She still enjoys dressing and getting enthusiastic about her hair and cosmetics. Since it makes her feel more at ease in public, she typically refers to this as a mask.
Ms Powell admitted that despite her difficulties, her romantic life hadn’t been overly hindered by them. She has been having fun and meeting guys.
The experience of Ms Powell serves as a warning that people with a different appearances shouldn’t be avoided or treated like zoo animals. No matter how someone looks, treating them with respect and dignity is crucial. We must show more empathy and understanding for people who have experienced horrific events.
