Warriors and Survivors

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog #08

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.

In continuation to previous blog about our kind donors and philanthropists, there are some people who keep supporting oncology patients, but the list of philanthropists will be incomplete without mentioning our “Baji Farida” who has dedicated herself for these withering flowers. She has been serving these pure souls for more than eleven years. Sitting among these patients in oncology ward she is committed to bringing ease for the affected families. She is performing many wonderful jobs simultaneously.  She supplies cooked meals which she cooks herself daily to provide fresh, healthy, and hygienic food to patients. Such a passion is seen rarely. Baji also provides medicines that can’t be purchased regularly and manages to search and distribute as per need. She has also set up a play area for these kids, which has a collection of many interesting toys and games for children’s attraction. Children can play around and enjoy toys and games and can also read story books.

Moreover, in order to entertain and keep the children active, she manages to celebrate special days with kids like Independence day, Cancer day, and Eids, prepares and distributes Eid gifts to patients on every Eid. There are several other things she is managing on her own and with the help of other donors. Children love her and like to play in playing area, they also love to talk with their Baji. I shall continue to take up details of her services and her dedication to the cause in later blog.

Our today’s warrior is 12 years old Maheen. Around a year ago, Maheen got slight fever that soon settled with medicines but she also had pain in arm which was not relieved by any means. On checkup, a boil was revealed on her arm. The boil got better with treatment.

After some time, she had cough with difficulty in breathing. Upon examination, pulmonary edema was ruled out. After further investigations and biopsy, “Metastatic Ewing sarcoma” was diagnosed and she was sent to Lahore for treatment. (Ewing sarcoma is a type of cancer that may be a bone sarcoma (tumor) or a soft-tissue sarcoma with swelling and pain at the site of the tumor, fever, and a bone fracture. The most common areas where it begins are the legs, foot, pelvis, and chest wall. It can be localized and metastatic (spreading) as well).  According to the American Cancer Society, the overall five-year survival rate for localized Ewing sarcoma is 70 percent. Patients with metastatic disease have a five-year survival rate of 15 percent to 30 percent). In our part of the world survival is less.

Maheen is the only sister of three younger brothers. Her father is a driver by profession and this simple family belongs to Jhang. She loves to chat with Baji and plays with dolls and talks like a grown-up girl. Her six chemotherapy cycles have been completed so far, now she is waiting for her turn for radiation to treat her metastatic disease.

Bearing chemotherapy and its side effects is not easy for Maheen. She does not like chemotherapy but is coping bravely with it. She is not able to eat anything due to nausea and has become quite lean, but still she understands her treatment and is hopeful about cure.

Maheen always talks about her home and family, as she misses her brothers and home. Her only activity is playing with dolls or watching cartoons. Her bright eyes have hope for life, hope to follow her dreams. She wants to be a doctor and help patients.

Let’s pray that she is able to defeat her metastatic disease and follow her dream to be a doctor. Aameen.

 

Note: names have been changed to protect identity.