Warriors and Survivors - 34

 Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 34

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.

Today I am happy after meeting a very lively and obedient child, Muskan. She is now 16 years old, and she is just admitted in first year in college. She passed her 10^th grade with good marks recently.  She looks quite younger than her age.

The Family belongs to Chakwal basically but living in Lahore since few years. Three years ago, when she was thirteen years old, there was a swelling in her neck. The parents consulted the doctor and he started treatment of Goiter.

Despite treatment and all the care, her swelling did not reduce, and she was having body pain and fever as well. The doctor referred her to tertiary care children hospital. She needed biopsy and more tests for complete diagnosis. She was diagnosed as Hodgkins Lymphoma of mixed cellularity in late 2018.

It was not usual news for the family. This news meant that the whole family was going to suffer for next few years in many ways. Her father was rickshaw driver in Chakwal, and he had five kids including youngest twins. Muskan is the eldest. For a father who is on daily wages with five kids, the very thought of going outstation for cancer treatment of his eldest daughter was painful. Finally, the family had to go through it.

To their good luck, the family met our very well known Baji Farida. She advised the family to shift to Lahore and supported them. Muskan’s father started driving rickshaw in Lahore and Muskan’s treatment began in children’s hospital. Baji Farida supported the family in many ways, she hired rickshaw services of Muskan’s father and helped in children’s schooling as well. For an outsider, it all was a great help.

Muskan went through Hodgkin’s treatment for three years, from 2018 to march 2021. Many people helped them throughout. She has recovered from disease Alhamdulillah and she is on regular follow up these days. I met her during her follow up visit and I am delighted to see her healthy and happy. 

Muskan says, “it was not easy for all of us”. “Only treatment itself was too painful for me”, she said. The family’s suffering was another issue. But Allah has His ways, He helped the family a lot.

Today Masha Allah Muskan has recovered from her disease, and she is studying further in a college in Lahore. She has dreams for higher education and wants to be a banker. Her other younger siblings are also school going. Her cancer has changed the family’s life altogether, but the change has proved good so far. We pray that Muskan remains healthy and happy forever. May her disease never come back and may she fulfill her dreams of her life and family. Aameen.

Philanthropists and social workers are blessings for any society. There are many people around us who need help and support. We can change many lives if we work sincerely.

 

We pray health, happiness, and success of Muskan and all suffering children. Aameen

 

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity.