Warriors and Survivors - 110

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 110

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 2021, when Omer developed an ear infection and a cough at two years of age, his parents thought of a visit to local doctor for an antibiotic. It helped for a while, but soon his symptoms were back. And this time, Omer was pale.

On persistent symptoms, father took him to his regular pediatrician who ran some blood tests and arranged for Omer to be admitted to the hospital. Not tomorrow. Right now. He was admitted, and within three hours, his parents were informed there was an 80 percent chance Omer had leukemia.

The news left the parents into a panic attack, and as per them, their world was turned upside down. Mother was so shaken that she had to be wheeled to Omer’s room in a wheelchair. Her first question was to a nurse. “Do any kids survive this?” she asked. “Oh yes,” replied the nurse, who introduced her to a fellow nurse who was a leukemia survivor. It gave mother some hope.

In next few days, Omer was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). “You never think something like this will happen to your child,” said mother. But it did, and now the fight began. While older children who are diagnosed with leukemia have an 80 percent survival rate, infants struggle to reach 50 percent survival. That’s because infant leukemia is very different from other childhood leukemias, both biologically and in how each patient respond to treatments.

Omer underwent chemotherapy treatment to wipe out his leukemia. He tolerated the first round of chemo pretty well and spent his third birthday in the hospital. The second round hit him harder, with more side effects like nausea and weight and hair loss. He developed fever and he had to be admitted in hospital several times. After the second chemotherapy round, post-chemo testing revealed that his leukemia was back, this time in Omer’s spinal fluid. It was another major trial for already turned down family. They were unbale to think any further.

In desperation, the family approached another consultant and he really brought for them a ray of hope again. Doctor said, “now a bone marrow transplant is his only option”.

“Bone Marrow Transplant” really? Was the parent’s response. There are so many prerequisites and care attached with the treatment and obviously finances are a big issue. 

A matching donor is required and lots of pre blood work needed for both donor and recipient. Bone Marrow transplant is also associated with lots of post-transplant complications so does the chemotherapy. A large number of patients are being cured all over the world with this treatment. 

Let’s pray for Omer and family. May he find a good match from siblings and may his transplant go smoothly. I may discuss Omer in my future blogs after he is done with his transplant. 

In the last couple of years since Omer’s diagnosis, the family has learned not to take life for granted. “Money means nothing,” says mother. “Material things mean nothing. I hear friends complaining about people’s bad behavior, and I just say, ‘Really? Do they matter’?

Let’s pray for complete and safe recovery for Omer, may he recover soon. Aameen. May his parents have happy and easy time with him. Aameen

Lots of prayers for Omer and his family. May all the sick children recover soon, and their diseases never come back and may they live normal, healthy life again. Aameen

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity

Warriors and Survivors - 109

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 109

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. 

Farman Ali is only 2 and half years old. He was a happy and healthy toddler, until one day his mother noticed a lump on his stomach. Parents took it as normal but in few days, Farman seemed to be in pain and his abdomen enlarged a bit. It was not something normal.  Parents took him to the hospital, after several tests and multiple visits Farman was diagnosed with Wilms tumor, a type of kidney cancer.

Wilms tumor is a rare type of kidney cancer that most commonly affects children under the age of 5. It is the most common type of kidney cancer in children, accounting for about 60% of all cases. 

The symptoms of Wilms tumor can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. Some common symptoms include:

A lump in the abdomen, Pain in the abdomen, Blood in the urine, Fever, Fatigue, and loss of appetite

If a child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for a good outcome.

The treatment for Wilms tumor typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The specific treatment plan will vary depending on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the child's age and overall health. Surgery is usually the first step in the treatment of Wilms tumor. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor as completely as possible. In some cases, the entire kidney may need to be removed. Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to kill any cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body. Radiation therapy may also be used to kill cancer cells.

Farman Ali 's parents were devastated. They didn't know what to do or how to help their son. They followed their health care provider’s advice and treatment was initiated. Farman Ali started chemotherapy right away. The treatments were tough, and Farman Ali often got sick.

One of the biggest challenges that Farman Ali and his family faced was the right nephrectomy that he had to undergo. A nephrectomy is the surgical removal of a kidney. Farman Ali 's right kidney was removed because it was the one that had the Wilms tumor. The nephrectomy was a major surgery, and Farman Ali had to stay in the hospital for several days. He was in a lot of pain, and his mother had to learn how to take care of her child’s new surgical wound.

After the surgery, Farman Ali had to go through a period of rehabilitation. He had to learn how to walk again, and he had to build up his strength.

The rehabilitation process was tough, but Farman Ali’s mother was determined to do everything for her son. She worked hard, and he eventually made a full recovery.

After many months of chemotherapy treatment, Farman Ali was finally in remission. His parents were so happy, and they couldn't wait to get back to their normal life. But family knew that things would never be the same. Farman Ali will have to survive with one kidney, and he was so young, he had a whole life ahead.

Farman Ali 's story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. With Allah’s grace and the love and support of family and friends, anything is possible.

If you are a parent of a child with cancer, please know that you are not alone. There are many people who care about you and want to help you through this difficult time. 

Let’s pray for complete and safe recovery for Farman Ali, may he recover soon. Aameen. May his parents have happy and easy time with him. Aameen

Lots of prayers for Farman Ali and his family. May all the sick children recover soon, and their diseases never come back and may they live normal, healthy life again. Aameen

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity

Warriors and Survivors - 108

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 108

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. 

Ihsan is seven years old and a very cute little champ. Ihsan loves to play with his toy cars. He’s a typical boy, except for one thing. He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Wilms tumor in November 2022—a kidney tumor that required the state-of-the-art cancer care.

Ihasn’s cancer story began when he was just 6 years old. Ihsan’s mom, said he had been a healthy child until one night when he started crying and grabbing his stomach in pain.

“He hadn’t had a bowel movement in three days, so we thought he might just be constipated,” mother said. Ihsan was given constipation treatment but in few days his abdomen enlarged. Parents had to take him to hospital.

The next week in hospital after thorough check up and scans, Ihsan had an abdominal ultrasound that confirmed he had a large mass either on his right kidney or liver. “Our doctor wanted Ihsan to have a CT scan, and referred us to Children’s hospital,” mother said.

Two days later, Ihsan was admitted in Children’s hospital and had CT done that confirmed his tumor on right kidney.  Later a biopsy confirmed Ihsan had a common type of childhood kidney cancer called Wilms tumor.  What wasn’t common was that it had already spread to lymph nodes.

Unfortunately, analysis of Ihsan’s tumor revealed more widespread, aggressive anaplastic disease. Based on the pathology, from the outset, clinicians knew Ihsan’s treatment would be more challenging. He would need both radiation and intense chemotherapy for the best chance of survival.

Ihsan has a two-month-old sister and two older brothers, ages 6 and 11. His mother stayed in hospital to be at her son’s side during treatment, while his father took care of the other three children at home with the help of family and friends.

 Ihsan’s treatment began and later his right kidney was removed. Dr. prescribed radiation therapy and chemotherapy, a powerful one-two punch reserved for the most aggressive Wilms tumor cases.

While chemotherapy was performed at Children’s hospital, Ihsan’s radiation therapy was delivered at the Inmol Medical Center, the hospital’s partner in radiation oncology. In all, Ihsan received 4 radiation treatments, and six months of chemotherapy.

“Ihsan did well with the radiation therapy, but the chemotherapy was hard on him,” mother said. Though technically he was able to return home between treatment cycles, he often ended up back in the hospital when he would have a spike of fever.

Chemotherapy also took a toll on Ihsan’s appetite and digestive system. Eventually he needed a feeding tube to be sure he received adequate nutrition. And chemotherapy affected the nerves in his legs, causing some neuropathy and pain. But overall, Ihsan fought through the treatment and its side effects.

With treatment behind him, Ihsan will continue to go to hospital regularly for follow-up appointments to complete treatment and later to be certain the cancer doesn’t return, and to monitor his kidney and heart functions, both of which could have been impacted by the radiation and chemotherapies.

Let’s pray for complete and safe recovery for Ihsan, may he recover soon. Aameen. May his parents have happy and easy time with him. Aameen

Lots of prayers for Ihsan and his family. May all the sick children recover soon, and their diseases never come back and may they live normal, healthy life again. Aameen

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity

Warriors and Survivors - 107

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 107

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. 

She is eleven years old Ayesha, suffering from Ewing Sarcoma for three years now. Writing about her makes me recall so many children in palliation and I am in tears again. It may seem weird or may be abnormal that you carry so much grief which is not directly related to you. 

Ayesha is from Sahiwal and when she first got admitted in hospital almost three years ago, she had suspected Ewing Sarcoma. Then her disease was confirmed, and her treatment began. In these last three years a lot has happened. She has been through a lot. From her leg amputation to chemotherapy, from walking independently to dependent on wheelchair, she has been a symbol of courage. 

When she used to come to ward or chemobay for her treatment, she looked so beautiful with her colorful dresses and hats that she had to wear due to her hair loss caused by chemotherapy. Now one needs courage to see her, she is in such a bad health. 

Ayesha was getting better, then suddenly in one of her follow-ups it occurred that her disease has come back. Later after some tests doctor disclosed that her disease is not treatable and that she will be on palliation.... Worst update in a patient’s life. Ayesha is in palliation waiting for her death and one needs a strong heart to see her in such a miserable condition. Beautiful Ayesha with vibrant colors is nowhere now. 

I have seen so many children waiting for their death. Whenever I see any child in palliation, it gives me a flashback of all such patients I have attended. To be a heartfelt and compassionate healthcare provider is most difficult thing.

I sometimes wish every healthcare provider could understand the loss of a child. I wish they could understand how such parents miss their children achingly. I wish every healthcare provider could understand—without going through the unimaginable—that our success in this profession isn’t defined by achieving external validation metrics but rather by our ability to care for and about our patients. 

I used to think seeing children like Ayesha would detach me from life, from myself, from my profession, from any possibility of joy. With time, it has only intensified my appreciation for being a healthcare provider and for helping others to heal. By saying that it does not mean it no longer hurts, rather it’s the past pain that drives your passion for future.

Let’s pray for some miracle for Ayesha, may she recover somehow. Aameen. May her parents have happy and easy time with her. Aameen

Lots of prayers for Ayesha and her family. May all the sick children recover soon, and their diseases never come back and may they live normal, healthy life again. Aameen

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity