Warriors and Survivors - 124

 Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 124

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. 

Shazia was diagnosed with acute Embryonal RMS(Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma) at the age of three. Her mother shares her story.  

“Shazia was previously good and well with no medical problems until developing a limp just days before her second birthday. Within days, she was unable to bear any weight. It was unclear what the problem was because her blood tests were clear, and she had no other symptoms. Eventually, she had an MRI scan which discovered lesions through all the major bones in her body.”

The family was told that she had cancer – type yet to be determined.

The diagnosis was not straightforward, and leukemia was originally ruled out because her blood and first bone marrow tests were clear. On 10 February 2021, a biopsy of one of the lesions in her leg led to a diagnosis of Embryonal RMS and later her treatment began.

Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) is a type of Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). RMS is a fast-growing tumor that typically effects children under 6 years of age. ERMS usually occurs in the head and neck, bladder, vagina, or in around prostate and testicles. 

The prognosis for ERMS depends on the tumor’s size, location, staging and child’s age. In general, ERMS has a more favorable outcome. Two subtypes of ERMS, botryoid and spindle cell rhabdomyosarcomas, have a better prognosis than the more common conventional form. 

Treatments for ERMS often include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Most cases of ERMS respond well to intensive treatment. A smaller percentage of low-risk children can do very well with markedly reduced therapy. The overall survival rate for children with RMS is about 70%. For those with intermediate risk, the five-year survival rate goes down to about 50 to 70 %. 

Back to Shazia and her ERMS treatment,  Shazia was unable to walk for some time due to complications of treatment - her symptoms were not typical. She was treated for six months at Children's Hospital and has been in remission for a few months.

She is fit, well and strong, able to do park runs and play. She is happy and looks like not afraid to hospital and follow ups. She has started school and she try to write her experience at hospital. 

She's incredible in fighting the disease at such a young age.  

Let’s do special prayers for Shazia’s smooth and successful treatment. Many sincere prayers for her successful treatment. Aameen.

Please join me in praying for health and recovery of Shazia. May she recover soon. 

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

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity