Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 196
I am Rukh Yusuf, Clinical Pharmacist, also specialized in Total Parenteral Nutrition and Bone Marrow Transplant. I have been working in the Pediatric Oncology unit of a public hospital for several years. The mission of this blog is to bring to you the real-life stories of child patients suffering from cancer. Cancer is still a difficult disease to handle and treat. However, when it strikes the children, some so young that they cannot even speak, their agony is beyond expression and words. Let us pray especially for children suffering from cancer for early and complete remission. May Allah shower His Merciful Blessings upon them. Aameen.
Mohid's Journey: A Story of Strength and Hope
Mohid, an 11-year-old boy who loves to play cricket and dream about becoming an engineer one day. He has a heart full of dreams. Life was normal and happy when suddenly everything changed for Mohid and his family when he was diagnosed with leukemia. This blog tells the story of how Mohid and his family navigated through this challenging time, facing fears and uncertainties together.
The Diagnosis
It all began with a few months of fatigue. Mohid often felt tired after playing cricket, which was unusual for his energy and passion. When his mother took him to the doctor, they thought it might be a simple case of anemia or maybe just growing pains. However, after a series of tests, they received the heartbreaking news: Mohid had leukemia.
Mohid’s heart sank. “Leukemia? Why me?” was the thought running through his mind. For a boy who had just started middle school, the words felt heavy and hard to grasp. His mother, Aisha, held back tears but reassured him, “We will fight this together, Mohid, just like superheroes!”
The Family's Fear
The word "cancer" hung in the air like a dark cloud. It wasn’t just Mohid who felt the weight of this diagnosis; his entire family was affected. His father, Rizwan, felt a rush of fear and helplessness. “What will happen to my son? How can we afford treatment?” he worried daily. Rizwan worked hard as a mechanic, but the thought of medical bills piling up gnawed at him.
Aisha, on the other hand, devoted her days to researching leukemia and its treatment options. She made numerous phone calls to specialists, desperate to understand every detail about the condition. Still, all the information didn't alter her growing anxiety. She was terrified of the future and the possibility of losing Mohid.
Treatment Begins
Once they met with the oncologist, Mohid’s treatment journey began. It included chemotherapy, a mix of medications. The first time Mohid sat in the hospital chair for treatment, fear washed over him. “Will it hurt? Will I lose my hair?” he silently thought.
But as the first session started, he realized that it wasn't just about getting medicine. There were nurses who laughed with him, soothing anxiety by playing games and showing him how to use the tablets they had in the waiting area. With every treatment, he focused on the fun parts—like counting down the minutes until he could play video games afterward or reading comics.
The Emotional Toll
While Mohid was brave, the emotional toll on the family was significant. His younger sister, Jiya, often asked, “Is Bhai going to be okay?” She didn’t understand fully but sensed the change in their daily lives. They had to cut back on outings and activities. For a child, seeing their world shrink can be confusing and hard. To cope, Aisha ensured they had family movie nights every Friday, even if it meant watching the same movie over and over again. They created new traditions, trying hard to keep smiles alive, despite the backdrop of Mohid's illness.
Financial Struggles
As treatments continued, the financial burden also loomed large. Rizwan took extra shifts, often coming home exhausted, but he knew he had to provide for his family. Aisha started a small online store, selling handmade crafts to help with expenses. Neighbors and friends rallied to support them, organizing fundraisers that eased some of the financial stress.
Each day, they became more innovative about budgeting—saving on groceries, cutting back on non-essentials. It taught them the value of community and love. Despite their financial struggles, they had each other, and that was their greatest wealth.
Hope for the Future
With months of treatment and sacrifices behind them, Mohid slowly began to feel better. The doctor’s updates started coming with more positive news. “Your blood counts are improving,” the doctor told him one day, and for the first time in a while, Mohid felt a flicker of hope.
Though the journey was far from over, the resilience of Mohid, combined with his family’s continuous support, created a bond stronger than before. They understood that life would continue to throw challenges their way, but together, they were ready to face them.
Conclusion
Mohid’s story, while filled with challenges, also shines a light on resilience, hope, and the strength found in family. As he continues his journey, he dreams not just of being a doctor anymore but of helping other children like him. Encouraged by his experience, he wants to become a beacon of hope for others facing tough battles.
In the end, it’s not just about fighting cancer; it is about winning for life.
Prayers for young Mohid and his family, May Allah grant him smooth recovery. Aameen
Lots of prayers for all sick children to recover quickly and never experience their illnesses again. May they lead happy and healthy lives once more. Aameen.