Warriors and Survivors - 128

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 128

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. 

Shortly after his third birthday, Zain’s parents began to notice significant swelling on the right side of Zain’s head. Their worries began growing after they realized that Zain was more tired than usual, presenting signs of difficulty in breathing, and struggling to complete everyday activities.

To their worry, at that point, Zain’s parents decided to take Zain to the local physician as the poor family belonged to a small town Daska. The physician referred Zain to tertiary care hospital as Zain needed thorough investigations. His parents took him to Children’s hospital where several blood tests and scans would soon determine their family's journey for the next several years. Anxiously awaiting the blood test results, the parents received a call from laboratory advising them to take Zain to the emergency department at Children’s Hospital immediately. At that point, they began to realize this was something serious.

Zain’s parents will never forget the last week of school, when they picked him up and took him to the emergency department at s Children’s Hospital for further testing, where more blood work, an x-ray and other imaging were performed. That day, parents received the news that no parent should ever have to hear – “your child has leukemia.”

Zain was diagnosed with Pre B acute lymphocytic leukemia. He was immediately admitted and placed under the care of pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorder department, where he began his treatment plan.

Now more than three months since his diagnosis and start of treatment, Zain is doing well so far. Zain and his parents have a long way to go. It is really a long and arduous journey for a poor family like Zain’s. 

As for Zain, unaware of what is happening to him, he is enjoying life like every kid should. He recently became a big brother, welcoming his little sister to the world. Zain and his family also accepted the new life while full of everyday challenges. Prayers that they may be able to handle these challenges to Zain’s recovery. 

Prayers for Zain’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.