Warriors and Survivors - 115

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 115

I am Rukh Yusuf, Clinical Pharmacist, also specialized in Total Parenteral Nutrition and Bone Marrow Transplant. I have been working in the 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. 

 

Zain is 12 years old healthy-looking male child. He was doing well and was a confident child until he was ten. One fine morning he woke up with a fever and later he developed neck swelling. But with symptomatic treatment, he was better within a couple of days. 

A few days later, he again developed fever and this time it took a week for him to settle down. Later the fever was frequent, and his parents were worried. 

They took him to the hospital as they were done with the local physicians and Zain’s condition was alarming. He was immediately admitted after his history and diagnostic workup for him initiated. Within a couple of days, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. “Nothing worst than news for a parent that their child got cancer at the blooming age.”

Zain’s treatment started and the brave child received chemotherapy bravely, playing and smiling all the time with other children and he never let his parents realize that he was fighting a great battle. 

Zain had to discontinue his school for two years to get his treatment done. He was not allowed to go to school as his immunity most of the time was too low to expose him even to a normal environment. He had to be at home or hospital. Restrictions for a ten-year-old male child in itself were a nightmare, Zain had not only these restrictions but also a horrible disease and chemotherapy, but the brave guy faced it valiantly.

He completed his treatment with the utmost efforts of his parents, and he was doing well when one day poor family received the worst news of their lives. Zain’s disease had come back. Zain was in relapse and this time the disease was more severe. 

Zain who had started dreaming about his normal life and school and his friends has been admitted again. Who knows how long his treatment will take. 

Please join me in praying for the complete and safe recovery of Zain. May he fully recover and remain in good health. Let's also pray for his parents to have a happy and easy time with him. Amen.

Lots of prayers for Zain and his family, and for all sick children to recover quickly and never experience their illnesses again. May they lead happy and healthy lives once more. Amen.

 

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity