Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 118
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.
Shaheen is only 10 years old feeble girl. My heart melts whenever I see her. She looks so innocent, and this chronic disease has left her in a tragic situation. In early March 2023, Shaheen was diagnosed with Pre-B-ALL. She belongs to Afghanistan and when doctors there could not treat her, they referred Shaheen to Children's hospital Lahore for further treatment.
When she first arrived at Children’s hospital, she was suffering from high temperature with severe bodyaches. Parents have language barrier as well and it was a big challenge for them to explain the history and her condition.
Her treatment was initiated immediately, as she was already diagnosed in Afghanistan, though she was too weak to bear all these chemotherapy and treatment.
Each treatment phase was too challenging for Shaheen, she experienced severe nausea, hair loss, and weakness. However, her spirits remained high. Treating clinicians and nurses were too kind to Shaheen and her family. She is such an innocent child who is in a terrible situation, so everyone loves to take care for her.
After the initial treatment, she was discharged at the end of March 2023. She was prescribed with some medications and was asked to come for chemotherapy session after a week. In April 2023 she was put on consolidation chemotherapy.
In May 2023, her follow up reports showed that she was at high-risk Pre-B ALL. She was also suffering from high fever, severe vomiting and body aches. Her consolidation regime was continued.
No doubt the treatment journey was difficult for the family, but Allah has blessed some kindhearted souls around all of us, these kind people always try to make others easy. Shaheen is in the hands of some very caring clinicians and healthcare staff who are taking care of her.
In June, Shaheen had a fungal infection which caused additional complications. Her parents were worried for their daughter’s life and reached out to her oncologist, who assured them that they would face this new challenge together. She is in intensive care unit these days, it’s not easy to look at her in such a fragile condition.
Alhamdulillah, fever is getting better, and her vitals are stable. Hopefully, she will be discharged in the next week. Shaheen will have to keep coming to hospital for her chemotherapy sessions. Battle is going on....
Please join me in praying for the complete and safe recovery of Shaheen. May she fully recover and remain in good health. Let's also pray for her parents to have a happy and easy time with her. Ameen.
Lots of prayers for Shaheen and her family, and for all sick children to recover quickly and never experience their illnesses again. May they lead happy and healthy lives once more. Ameen.
Note: Names have been changed to protect identity
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