Warriors and Survivors - 36

 

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog #36

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.

I am extremely sad after meeting Thirteen years old Rehan today. He is such a brave heart and a true warrior. Rehan is fighting his battle against cancerfor more than two years. And it seems now thatit’s very difficult for him to win this battle.

Two and half years ago, 11 years old Rehan got abdominal pain.It was a usual pain and settled after some time. But in the next few days, abdominal pain was routine. Soon he got intermittent fever too. Parents took him to local physician who prescribed him few medicines. Rehan did not get better. Upon follow up, poor child was referred to pediatric hospital.

Rehan had to undergo few tests and soon it revealed that his abdominal pain is not usual. He had to go for many investigations later. Heart breaking news of Cancer was given to his parents. Poor parents who belong to small town Pattoki, about 80km from Lahore, could hardly listen the news that their Child is having Adenocarcinoma of colon.

Rehan’s chemotherapy was started.Having chemo was very difficult for Rehan, but being a brave child he  completed two courses. Rehan was losing weight and it was not a favourable condition for his surgery. Poor child continued fighting with his will power.

After six chemotherapy cycles,Rehan went for surgery. He got a successful surgery and his treatment continued once again. He had to undergo radiation therapy as well. All of these therapeutic modes are frightening for an 11 yearsold child. But Allah has bestowed special courage to Rehan that he was able to face all such treatment phases.

Rehan belongs to a poor family of Pattoki. He has a younger brother and a sister. His father is on daily wages, and it is the biggest trial for him. Adult male child is considered father’s right hand in our society, but it is hard luck of an industrious father that his right hand got such a horrific disease.

Chemotherapy was started again for Rehan. He completed further six cycles. Bearing a single chemotherapy is worst experience a child can have. This brave heart received twelve chemotherapy cycles. He has been on Oral immunotherapy as well.

So far, he is not getting any better. His disease has spread again and hold your heart to know that poor child is on Palliation now.

He is in extreme pain and on narcotic pain-relieving medications. I adjusted his Patch today to give him some relief. But his pain is still there. He has lost considerable weight, but he speaks bravely.

I am in pain since I met him and his mother. We as humans are not able to do much except our small efforts but Allah has given us the power of prayer. We can pray for Rehan, we can pray for some miracle that would save his life.

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

I pray for healthy and smooth recovery of all our warriors, May Allah heal them. Aameen

 

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity.