Warriors and Survivors -42

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 42

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.

 

When I first saw Laiba in oncology unit, I thought she was a doctor sitting and chatting with patients. She was looking so well dressed, with sunshades on her head and a purse on her shoulders. She has a composed personality. No one can say that she is a cancer patient after meeting her.

Laiba is fourteen years old and a student of 9^th grade. She is a brilliant student and has always scored high in exams. She belongs to Haroonabad and has only one younger brother. Her mother is single parent and she does sewing to support her family.

Laiba was doing very well few months ago. She developed left shoulder pain that became severe gradually. Initially, her mother thought it was due to studies stress and Laiba took vitamins and supplements for some time. When the pain got worse, the family consulted a doctor in Haroonabad. Doctor referred her to hospital when she did not improve after couple of visits.

In the district hospital, Laiba had to go for few diagnostics tests and seeing reports doctor referred her to children hospital. Laiba was first admitted to medical unit and later shifted to oncology unit.

In Children hospital, after a series of investigations Laiba was diagnosed as case of Ewing Sarcoma. Laiba and her mother both brave ladies hardly engulfed the news of cancer diagnosis. Treatment had to be started immediately so her mother left her only son with her sister and shifted to children’s hospital for Laiba’s treatment.

They are at their best in fighting with disease and spreading word of hope among others. So far two courses of chemotherapy have been completed and she is admitted for the third course. Laiba is hopeful with the treatment and her overall health. Her mother is also doing her best for the health of her only daughter but cancer is difficult to deal with for both patient and attendant and I believe it is also difficult for caregivers or health care providers.

The Single mother is fighting the battle of her beloved only daughter leaving behind her dearest only son and she has to travel and live in another city for a month. Family is not financially stable as well. But most important is to keep spirits high and hopes alive.

 

Let’s pray for ease of Laiba and for her family. May Allah miraculously help them. Aameen

I pray for healthy and smooth recovery of all our warriors, and healthy life for all our survivors May Allah bless them health always. Aameen

 

Note: Names and pictures have been changed to protect identity