Warriors and Survivors - 137

 Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 137

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. 

Both parents weren’t initially worried when their usually happy, and healthy, 6-year-old son complained about pain in his leg. But then it began waking him at night and their parental instincts went on high alert. When Ahsan began limping and was in nearly constant discomfort, both parents started looking for help.

For seven months, they took their son from one doctor to another, from Lahore to Islamabad, but there was no definitive diagnosis. Meanwhile, Ahsan’s health worsened. “He was rapidly losing weight, was always very tired, stopped attending school, stopped eating and was in constant, unbearable pain,” his mother said.

Finally, doctors re-evaluated the boy’s condition and referred him to an oncology specialist. A biopsy confirmed what the parents had feared all along: cancer—specifically, Ewing sarcoma. Tests showed a tumor had affected Ahsan’s right hip and thigh bone. Ahsan eventually began chemotherapy, but by then his health had significantly deteriorated. 

Ahsan’s parents went to children’s hospital and doctors there offered Ahsan’s treatment. 

In December 2022—11 months after initially seeking treatment for their son—the family went to children’s hospital Lahore. After reviewing his records, oncologist, said the team here could offer surgery and further treatment. They gave some hope that he can be treated. 

Ahsan was immediately admitted to Children’s hospital, and chemotherapy was restarted as the health experts assessed his condition. In January 2023, surgeons removed Ahsan’s tumor. He had surgery, followed by more chemotherapy and a unique radiation treatment. By July, his cancer was gone.  Ahsan headed home in August, but he’ll be returning every three months for the first year, and then continue follow-up for many years to come. Doctor will check regularly to ensure his cancer hasn’t recurred.

“Ahsan’s case has been challenging because of the aggressiveness of his tumor and the extensive surgery he required, but he did remarkably well.

His parents said, “Ahsan was getting stronger every day and they will forever be grateful not only to the medical professionals, but to the numerous friends they made. Children hospital will always feel like a second home”.

Prayers for Ahsan’s complete recovery and smooth life ahead. The poor child is fighting the battle again. 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.