Warriors and Survivors - 145

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 145

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. 

Noor Fatima was a normal, healthy baby. In January 2023, Noor Fatima’s mom, felt a lump near her 02-year-old’s right shoulder. At first, the pediatrician thought it might be a muscle knot. But when the lump was still there two weeks later, the doctor recommended that Noor Fatima see a specialist at Children’s Hospital and referred the family to hospital. 

Over the next two weeks, Noor Fatima underwent a series of imaging tests so clinicians could get a clearer picture of the lump. After the tests, a pediatric oncologist with expertise in the care of children with solid tumors, came to talk with family. Dr. said it was likely the mass in Noor Fatima’s back was a form of cancer. An MRI showed the mass was close to her spine; just how close would be a factor in whether surgery would be an option to remove it or not.

Noor Fatima’s parents were in shock. In just a couple of weeks, Noor Fatima had gone from being an apparently healthy baby to a child with life-threatening cancer. 

The doctor explained to the parents that although she appeared to have a less aggressive form of rhabdomyosarcoma, the mass was very close to her spine and surgery may not be able to remove all of the cancerous tissue. Instead, she recommended starting treatment with chemotherapy.

Three days after her birthday, she received first treatment at children’s hospital. “It was rough,” said mother. “Noor Fatima got very sick. But the nursing staff was wonderful with her. It was amazing how quickly I had confidence in them.”

After three months, Noor Fatima had a series of tests to gauge the effectiveness of the treatment: an MRI and a CT scan, all in one day. The images showed that despite treatment, the mass had grown. It was time to switch gears.

The parents met with the doctors, to discuss adjusting Noor’s treatment plan. The doctors proposed switching to a higher protocol of chemotherapy — a stronger combination of drugs — combined with sessions of radiation therapy.

After one dose of the new chemotherapy regimen, which would go on for 52 weeks, Noor began radiation treatment.

The treatment was powerful, and she developed significant burns on her skin and in her throat in the path of the focused radiation beams.

An important ray of hope came in November. Scans done after the inflammation from the radiation treatment had subsided showed the mass was not active. It was still there, but it was just a clump of dead tissue.

Even with that good news, the chemotherapy treatment continued as doctors wanted to be certain Noor’s cancer was eliminated. But treatment was taking its toll on Noor. The drugs used in the second protocol were more powerful, and the side effects were more intense.

After a particularly intense week of chemotherapy, Noor  was sick for weeks. Tests showed elevated liver enzymes in her blood which could have been caused by a reaction to chemotherapy medication. The medical team did not want to risk permanent damage to her liver, so his chemotherapy treatment ended early. Scans two weeks later showed no signs of active disease.

Though she has completed her treatment, but Noor will return to hospital for scans every three months, and her parents are in touch with doctors with any questions or concerns they have between appointments.

Prayers for Noor Fatima’s healthy life always. Lots of prayers for her parents and her whole family who are fighting this battle together.  

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.

Warriors and Survivors - 144

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 144

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. 

Cancer in any age is a horrible news. Having a cancer in just two years age is devastating. This child’s story is stated by his mother who no doubt is a brave educated lady.

“As a parent, hearing the words "your child has cancer" is one of the most devastating things you can ever hear. Our world was shattered when our 2.5-year-old son was diagnosed with Pre B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).” Mother said.

It all started with flu-like symptoms that wouldn't go away. They took Abdul Rehman to his pediatrician, thinking it was just a virus. But when his bruises didn't improve, they knew something was wrong. A trip to the emergency room revealed that his white blood cell count was through the roof.

The next morning, they were in the oncologist's office, hearing the words that no parent ever wants to hear. Their sweet little boy had cancer.

The early days of treatment were a blur. Endless hospital visits, needle pricks, and medications. Watching Abdul Rehman go from an active, energetic toddler to a bald, tired, and sick child was heartbreaking.

“But we found strength in our son's resilience. Despite the pain and discomfort, he still smiled, played, and sang. He taught us to cherish every moment, even in the darkest times”, Mother said.

As they navigated the ups and downs of treatment, they learned to appreciate the small victories. A good blood test result, a successful round of chemo, a smile on Abdul Rehman’s face.

“We also learned to cherish the little things, like the sound of his laughter, the feel of his tiny hand in ours, and the way he would snuggle into our laps. We realized that life is precious and can change in an instant”, mother said.

The brave lady said, “The road ahead is long, but they're determined to fight alongside their little warrior. “We'll hold his hand through the pain and celebrate with him through the triumphs. We'll be there for every hospital visit, every medication, and every sleepless night.” 

“We'll also be there for every milestone, every smile, and every moment of joy. We'll cherish every second we have with him and make memories that will last a lifetime.” She added.

“Our story is just beginning, but we know that with love, hope, and medical care, we'll get through this together. We'll take it one day at a time, one treatment at a time, and one smile at a time. We've learned that life is unpredictable, but we're determined to make the most of every moment. We'll hold on to hope and never lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel.

Our son's diagnosis has taught us to appreciate the little things, to cherish every second, and to never take life for granted. We've been humbled by the outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and strangers.

We know that we're not alone in this journey. There are countless families who have walked this path before us and many who will follow after us. We draw strength from their stories, their courage, and their resilience. As we navigate the ups and downs of treatment, we'll continue to hold on to hope, love, and each other. We'll celebrate every small victory and milestone along the way.

And when the day comes that our son rings the bell signaling the end of treatment, we'll rejoice with tears of joy, gratitude, and relief. We'll hug him tight and whisper in his ear, "You did it, little one! You fought the good fight, and you won!"

Until then, we'll take it one day at a time, surrounded by love, hope, and the unwavering belief that our little warrior will conquer this beast called cancer.

Prayers for Abdul Rehman’s treatment success and complete recovery. Lots of prayers for his parents and her whole family who are fighting this battle together.  

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.

Warriors and Survivors - 143

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 143

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. 

Sania is only ten years old with the biggest tragedy for any child of her age. Couple of months ago, she started having abdominal pain. Then, one day Sania woke up struggling to breathe and her abdomen was swollen. The pain gradually increased with abdominal distension. Her parents realized something was seriously wrong with Sania, so they took their beloved daughter for through checkup. Upon initial checkup, The GP sent her to A&E, where a chest X-ray revealed a large mass. She was then sent for a CT scan, which showed she almost certainly had some kind of cancer in her abdomen.

She was referred to oncology unit and there the family got the worst news of their life i.e., Sania had cancer. 

She was admitted and began a high dose of steroids. A biopsy was performed. The doctors thought it was probably lymphoma, perhaps thymoma and a small chance it was a mediastinal germ cell tumor. It was a germ cell tumor. The biopsy only found germinoma, but later on, the blood reports would show it was a mixed tumor.

Yes, the ten years old girl was suffering with germ cell tumor (GCT). With time, the tumor increased in size and so was her abdomen. For a girl of her age, it was an unbearable emotional trauma along with all the suffering of getting sick and being admitted in hospital.

It’s been two months now that Sania’s treatment has started, and she is doing well so far. She still has to undergo surgery after chemotherapy and it’s a long way to go. 

She had one round of Etoposide and Carboplatin chemotherapy, then four rounds of BEP. In March 2024 she has to undergo surgery to remove the tumor. 

Her parents are very brave, and they are determined for the complete treatment of their daughter. 

Prayers for Sania’s treatment success and complete recovery. Lots of prayers for her parents and her whole family who are fighting this battle together.  

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.

Warriors and Survivors - 142

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 142

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. 

Aisha was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in April 2020. She knew something was wrong when she developed sores on her tongue, was very weak, and started to bleed from her nose and mouth. Aisha started treatment within couple of days, and gradually started feeling better and stronger. At first, she didn’t have an appetite, but it returned. 

Today, almost three years later, she remains cancer-free. The journey was not easy and smooth, but it was worth taking the risk for.  Aisha’s treatment lasted about six months, shorter than other kids diagnosed with AML.  She and her family had to go through lots of pain, disappointment and rough days. Some days, they felt Aisha may no longer be able to bear the disease and its treatment and some days she seemed very well. Aisha, though a little young girl, had a great will power all through her treatment duration. She remained strong and hopeful for a healthier better future.  

AML is one of the childhood blood cancers (leukemia) that are very difficult to cure. It is very difficult for most of the children to bear treatment toxicities and side effects of the therapy. Most of the patients only receive end-of-life care for children with AML. However, some lucky patients get timely, accurate diagnosis and treatment. 

When asked what she would say to other kids with cancer, Aisha didn’t hesitate in her response. She said, “Take them to the hospital. Get them good treatment like me. Show them much love and take care of them so they will get well like me.”

No doubt proper treatment, love and care lead to miracles. 

Prayers for Aisha’s smooth life ahead. Many prayers for his parents who had been 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.