Warriors and Survivors - 78

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 78

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 did not want to write this story out of grief but still I am writing it to show our young warrior’s bravery and strength, and to keep him in remembrance.

This story is about Shahzad; I still feel upset while writing about him and recalling his memories, but he was too brave and must be recalled and remembered.

Shahzad belonged to a small village near Pattoki, He was only 12 years old when he was first admitted in Children’s hospital. His father was usually sick, and his uncle used to take care of him who he had his small shop in the village. Shahzad’s mother used to bring Shahzad for his treatment to Lahore. Shahzad was mature enough to understand the importance of chemotherapy, so he was going through it without complaining. Shahzad bore every difficulty associated with long troublesome treatment valiantly.

After two and half year’s treatment, Alhamdulillah, he was fine. His results were good, and he was allowed to go home, and he only needed periodic follow ups. Shahzad and his family were very happy, he had lots of plan and dreams for his future healthy life. The life he had forgotten about was looking bright ahead.

Shahzad continued his studies in his town, he was a brilliant student and loved by all his family and teachers. He was doing great in his studies. He did his matriculation and then Intermediate. It was happy time for him when he was about to go for admission for his graduate studies.

He used to do photography with his phone camera, and he had an Instagram page too for his photography skills and many of his pictures were amazing. He also used to play football and once when he came to hospital for follow up, he met us and told us that sometimes it was difficult for him to play as he was short of breath and got tired easily. He said that his heart rate went up high up while playing. I was afraid those were not a good sign.

Doctors sent his all tests necessary for follow up. In just two days his relapse was conformed. It was the saddest news he could ever had. Even more annoying than first time he had this diagnosis.

He came by himself for follow up. He was running all by himself for his tests and meeting doctors. Shahzad was worried about his treatment and treatment success. He asked almost every doctor involved that if he was going to be cured.

I am heartbroken while writing it, A young lad who had to see the world, who still had to work on his dreams and worked hard for the future of his family was worried about his life and all alone.

He met me two weeks ago, he composed himself Infront of me, he only asked me once that “Will I be cured now”?

As he was 17 now, so his treatment was not allowed in Children’s hospital and he had to run for other options as well, but he could not get admission in any of the hospitals due to his disease state and due to lack of facilities in other public hospitals.

His mother had also come, she was depressed and had decided to sell their house and go to Rawalpindi for his treatment, but Shahzad had decided to overcome this crisis. Only after a week we heard the news of his death and we were speechless, we were not able to see each other.

No one knew that 17 years old apparently healthy kid would die silently like this. May be if would he gotten treatment from some place, he could live more. Maybe he could not bear refusal of his treatment.

Here is link of documentary about him produced by some of his friend. Need a strong heart to see 

https://youtu.be/hVd3fjG15XA

He was a bright child, always prominent in hospital events, we can’t forget him. His Instagram page is silent now. I am still crying for him and many other children like him. I wish to meet all of them someday and see how they are living in peace with Allah without any pain and suffering. I wish to see them pain free.

We need more cancer centers not only for children but also for adults with world class treatment facilities. So that no other Shahzad could ever die because of refusal of treatment or lack of facilities.

Prayers for the ease of Shahzad and his family. May Allah ease and cure all patients and cancer warriors.

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity