Warriors and Survivors -147

 Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 147

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. 

Tahir and his family were out in an indoor play area when his mother noticed Tahir was getting tired. The following day, Tahir had tiny red spots on his thighs. Mother was unsure but when she noticed spot weren’t going away so she took him to hospital. That evening his blood came back as abnormal. Family never thought this could happen. Later, Tahir was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. The news shocked the family. Tahir had only just turned two years old.

The first part of his two-year treatment plan was very intense, a lot of different chemotherapy. However, Tahir was doing well. Since start of the treatment, Tahir has reacted well to most of the chemotherapy he has been on. 

The only time which was unexpected was when Tahir lost the use of his legs. He had to be carried everywhere which was horrible to see. After a few months of physiotherapy and having his lower legs in casts, Tahir eventually learnt how to walk again. But not just walking, running everywhere he goes

In March of 2023, Tahir entered the maintenance stage where they could start living new normal family life. Tahir has gone back to nursery, making new friends. He has been incredible during this very difficult time, and he really is a superhero. The first-time family went home after the diagnosis was like a bad dream. Starting new normal was and still is extremely scary. The maintenance stage does come with its downsides and family still is going into hospital when Tahir gets a fever, which is every few months and can be rather frustrating. However, every day he wakes up with a smile and has so much energy.

Tahir is still under treatment, and he needs lots of support and prayers to get over this.  

Prayers for Tahir’s healthy life always. Lots of prayers for his parents and 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.