Warriors and Survivors - 130

 Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 130

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. 

Laila had already been a warrior even before her birth, due to complications before she was born. When she came into the world, her family was grateful to have her in their lives.

One night during an ordinary nappy change at bedtime, her mother found blood in her nappy and she was frightened and knew right away something was wrong. From that day everything changed. Doctors found a 7cm Rhabdomyosarcoma in the vagina and she was immediately in the hands of specialists, and they had to make life changing decisions about her fertility and after many tests and difficult decisions they were ready to start the first of nine rounds of chemotherapy.

Only the families and members of staff actually know what that’s like to be with a cancer patient. While asking so many questions to doctor, the mother also asked, ‘is this disease terminal?’ To even ask this question is unthinkable as a parent. 

Laila’s big sister is eight and loves her baby sister. It was incredibly hard for her because she could not see Laila when she was in hospital because of infection risks. The parents would take turns to be in the hospital overnight and be at home, so the elder sister only had one parent around at one time. A few times between chemotherapy rounds, Laila became unwell and had to go back into hospital. This was very upsetting for an eight year old child. 

It was great news that after seven months, Laila was officially declared in remission. The family started to return to a ‘normal’ family life. Until Laila gets her immunity fully restored, her family needs to be extra careful. 

However, Laila is not out of the woods, she is still having regular scans and monitoring. This will go on probably for the rest of her life. But that’s a comfort, so the parents know where their child stands. The parents are grateful to all the wonderful hospital staff they met during this experience. All the charities, support from their family, friends and even strangers who helped them really made a difference. Laila is just adorable and makes everyone laugh every day. Especially when both sisters get up to mischief.

Prayers for Laila’s smooth life ahead. Many prayers for her parents who went 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.