Warriors and Survivors - Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf Blog Post # 05

I am Rukh Yusuf, Clinical Pharmacist, also specialized in Total Parenteral Nutrition and Bone Marrow Transplant. I have been working in 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.

Zia is 12 years old boy who used to be a lively child, loved to play around, and making everyone happy. He had lots of dreams for his future. Last year in July, Zia had nose bleeding, which was taken as normal. After some days, he had another episode of nosebleed. As it was still of minor concern, so his parents did not bother much. Soon there was a bad smell in his nose and throat alongwith nasal bleeding. It was unusual, so it became worrisome for both Zia and his family. His parents decided for a checkup. The local physician in Narowal treated him, but could not ease his symptoms.On doctor’s advice, Zia had to go for CT scan, which appeared normal.

Life was simple, happy and full of bright dreams for Zia until one day he had major nose bleed. Seeing his history, the doctor referred Zia to Lahore. After many diagnostic tests in a public hospital in Lahore, it was revealed that lively Zia had tumor in his head (Nasopharyngeal carcinoma NPC). To no surprise, it was tragic news for Zia and his family. He is a brave and smart boy but this terrifying news dimmed his liveliness.

His treatment started, doctors said he had to go for surgery to resect tumor to survive. It was the hardest decision his parents had to make to send their lively child for such a difficult surgery. No one can imagine how much Zia and his little heart were afraid of head surgery. But surgery was mandatory and Zia went through it somehow.  By Almighty’s grace successful surgery was done and treatment continued.

Chemotherapy also has its effects and Zia is a brave child who patiently bore this painful treatment. Four courses of chemo have been done so far. It seems Zia’s brightness has faded; one who knew him before diagnosis could easily identify the difference. He is now fearful and silent child who is not sure about his future. The disease has changed his perspective toward life at such a young age.

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a rare type of head and neck cancer. It starts in upper part of throat, behind nose, the nasopharynx.It is also called nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Exact causes of nasopharyngeal cancer are unknown. However, NPC has been strongly linked to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).Although everyone who had EBV would not have NPC. The risk for NPC increases with diet rich in salt-cured fish and meat. Tobacco and alcohol may also increase risk, although their link to NPC is not clear. Some scientists believe that chemicals in these things further damage the DNA in cells.

The cancer is most common in southern China and south East Asia, Other parts of Asia, North Africa, Alaska and Canada, Chinese and among immigrant groups in the U.S.

Symptoms may vary and differ in different people include Lump in neck (most common), Blurry or double vision, ear infections that recur, Face pain or numbness, headache, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or a feeling of fullness in the ear, Difficulty in opening the mouth, nosebleeds, stuffy nose, sore throat.  etc. Such symptoms are more likely to occur with many other diseases and health conditions that are far less serious than nasopharyngeal cancer.

Imaging tests can help spot nasopharyngeal cancer or determine if it has spread. Imaging tests may includeChest X-ray ,CT scan, MRI, Ultrasound of the neck, blood tests, EBV testing, nasopharyngoscopy and biopsy.

Nasopharyngeal cancer is staged from Stage 0 (the earliest stage) to Stage IV (the most advanced stage). The lower the number, the less the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment will depend on many things, including location and Stage of the tumor and overall health of child. Treatment may include radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy and palliation therapy.

About Zia, He is a student of grade five. Zia belongs to a landlord family but still son’s disease has caused financial and other issues as it is not smooth to live and travel outstation for longer periods of time. Zia has three siblings, and he was born after 9 years of prayers of his parents. One can feel his parent’s agony, seeing their beloved child fighting battle against cancer. Zia is not much hopeful with his future, his shining bright eyes do not shine like before, as they carry fear of uncertainty in them. Brave heart’s treatment is continued.  Zia is waiting for radiation after chemo with little hope he is left with.

We all pray for him. May Allah cure Zia and may he return safely to his home town soon. Aameen

 

Note: Name has been changed to protect identity