Warriors and Survivors - 126

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 126

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. 

Abu Bakar was 4 years old when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. His mother shares his story.

“Abu Bakar was 4 years old and he had been healthy and happy child until when he first started having constant chest infections, sore limbs, weight loss and feeling generally lethargic. After a couple of courses of antibiotics, the doctor told it was suspected sepsis. We took him to ER and his bloodwork was done; we were advised the diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. This was heartbreaking day and our lives changed drastically since the day.

His treatment was started in Children’s hospital and first course was induction. After induction he was moved to treatment regimen C which was more intense chemotherapy than predicted. I felt sick as other parents told me their child was on treatment regimen A. 

Abu Bakar had 2 seizures which was so scary. After his first seizure he was admitted to the ICU due to the methotrexate in the lumbar puncture procedure. He got settled in few days and his chemotherapy started again. 

Abu Bakar is now in maintenance cycle 4 and he  will finish his treatment in  December 2024 - we cannot wait for this day!

Things have changed so much for us as a family. Abu Bakar is so used to the hospital, which is sad. I don't think he remembers much of his life before all his treatment.

Sometimes he goes to school when he is well enough but it's hard for him as he misses so much time. His elder sisters have coped incredibly and played a positive role in managing this crucial time. 

For me having a cancer child is a life changing situation that nobody should ever be in.

All my relatives and everyone asks how we do it. I think if Abu Bakar can do it, then so can we!”

Prayers for Abu Bakar’s smooth treatment and early recovery. Many prayers for his parents who are going through a very difficult time.  

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.