Friday, June 2, 2023

Warriors and Survivors - 111

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 111



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. 



Farah was a happy and healthy 12-year-old girl until she started having fever and diarrhea. She had high grade fever for six days in the first episode. After few days she had again intermittent fever with body rash, and she was tired and run down. Her mother took her to hospital where she was treated and advised some diagnostic tests to know the exact cause of her frequent symptoms.  

After initial tests, the family was counselled about higher chances that their daughter might be suffering from blood cancer. To confirm and to know exact stage and cancer type, she needed some more confirmatory tests. Later she was diagnosed with ALL (Acute lymphocytic leukemia). 

Her parents were again counselled for the duration, mode and complexity of treatment and the family had no other option accept agreeing for chemotherapy despite all the side effects and concerns. 

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood. It causes the body to produce too many white blood cells, which can crowd out the healthy cells. This can lead to a number of problems, including fever, infection, and anemia.

Farah's diagnosis was a devastating blow to her family. Her parents were heartbroken, and her brother was scared. They didn't know how they were going to bear the treatment, or how they were going to take care of her while she was sick.

The entire family was stressed and exhausted by Farah's illness. They were worried about her health, and they were also worried about how they were going to cope with this. But they never gave up hope. They knew that Farah was a fighter, and they were determined to help her get better.

Farah was immediately admitted to the hospital and started chemotherapy. She had to have chemotherapy every week for months. During her treatment, Farah had to spend a lot of time in the hospital. She missed her friends and her school. She also had to deal with the side effects of her treatment, which made her feel sick and tired all the time. Farah's older brother, Omar, was also very supportive. He would visit her in the hospital, and he would bring her favorite books and food. He also made sure to tell her funny stories to make her laugh.

Farah's recovery was long and difficult, but she never gave up. She had been admitted in ICU due to her neutropenia and related issues. She fought hard, and she eventually went into remission. She is now back in school and spending time with her friends again and looking forward to starting high school in the fall.

Farah's story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope. With the support of her family and friends, Farah was able to overcome her leukemia and get back to her life.

Let’s pray for complete and safe recovery of Farah, may she recover completely and stay healthy. Aameen. May her parents have happy and easy time with her. Aameen

Lots of prayers for Farah 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



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