Warriors and Survivors - 134

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 134 

 

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.  

 

When Muhammad Ahsan was eight years old, his mother’s instinct led to a diagnosis that no parent wishes to hear: ALL (Acute Leukemia).  

In her own words, Muhammad Ahsan’s mother shares the story of her son’s diagnosis and the journey to treatment.  

There is no possible way to prepare yourself to hear the words “I am sorry to tell you, but your son has cancer of the blood”.   Those words came from a complete stranger.  This doctor was in our life for a total of 5 minutes.  I had never seen her before.  I have never seen her since.  But those words completely changed the trajectory of our lives in an instant and introduced us to a life that no child, no parent should ever endure. 

Time stopped, but time also became an expedited blur – which doesn’t make sense. But your child having cancer doesn’t make sense. 

At first, Muhammad Ahsan had on and off fever since a month and then he developed pallor for a week, later he had petechiae on his arms. Soon his jaw dropped, and he was unable to speak properly. Without wasting time, his parents took him to Children hospital, and this was the horrible day of the start of this critical era for their family. Within next few days Muhammad Ahsan got his final diagnosis of B-Cell ALL. Muhammad Ahsan was admitted in cancer unit of Children’s hospital on 1st Nov 2022.  

His mother shared, “we were told at the time that your child’s B-Cell ALL has a 90% cure rate.  Muhammad Ahsan responded quite well at every stage. They were all confident that Ahsan would leave this horrible stage behind.  Muhammad Ahsan would go on to enjoy childhood as it was meant to be enjoyed”. 

His treatment is continued, Family is excited to return to a “normal” life with a “normal” schedule and “normal” family problems that people take for granted on a daily basis. 

Hospital, IV alarms, endless waiting for appointments, hospital admissions, finger pokes, blood infections, spinal taps, daily chemo, radiation, constant nausea was a sharp contrast to the children outside playing in the park behind our house, riding their bikes and playing with friends.    

Ahsan is a happy-go-lucky child with this incredible sense of humor.  Every smile – every laughter – every hug has been a gift that can never truly be expressed.  Things most people take for granted with their children are cherished to a level that is inexplicable.  We pray for the permanent cure of his disease.  

Prayers for Muhammad Ahsan’s recovery and smooth life ahead. 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.