Warriors and Survivors -167

Warriors and Survivors - Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 167

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. 

Mudassira was a bright and cheerful five-and-a-half-year-old girl who brought joy to everyone around her. She loved to play in the garden, and roam around the house. Mudassira's parents, loved to see her child thriving.

One day, Mudassira’s liveliness began to fade. She became unusually tired, preferring to rest rather than play her favorite games. The mother noticed Mudassira rubbing her leg and wincing in pain. Concerned, she asked her daughter what was wrong. Mudassira replied softly, “It hurts, Mama.” Thinking it might be a minor injury or growing pains, mother tried not to worry too much.

However, the next day, Mudassira’s condition seemed to worsen. She was reluctant to get out of bed and had developed small bruises on her arms and legs. She also had a low-grade fever that wouldn’t go away. Alarmed, her parents decided to take her to their family doctor.

The doctor performed a physical examination and recommended some blood tests. Seeing results, doctor had a concerned look on his face. “I’d like to run a few more tests,” he said, trying to stay calm. The family was referred to a larger hospital, where Mudassira underwent a series of tests over the next few days.

Finally, the doctors called parents into a quiet room. “Mudassira was diagnosed with Pre B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL),” one of the doctors explained gently. The mother felt her heart drop, and tears filled her eyes. She knew leukemia was serious, but she didn’t understand much about it. The doctors explained that Pre B ALL is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells, which are vital for fighting infections.

The doctors recommended starting treatment immediately. Mudassira needed chemotherapy to combat the cancer cells in her body. The first day at the hospital was overwhelming for Mudassira and her family. The sight of needles and medical equipment frightened her, and she clung to her mother, crying. The parents did their best to comfort her, seeing your child in cancer unit is tough.

Chemotherapy hit hard on Mudassira. The drugs made her feel nauseous and weak, and she often had no appetite. She lost her beautiful, curly hair, which was a difficult adjustment for a little girl who loved to play dress-up and wear pretty headbands. Mother wrapped a colorful scarf around Mudassira’s head and told her she looked like a princess, trying to make her smile.

Mudassira’s treatment journey is going on with ups and downs. Some days she felt well enough to play and color in her favorite books, but other days she is too tired to even get out of bed. The chemotherapy affected her immune system, making her more susceptible to infections, so she has to be very careful.

Her parents are still learning to navigate this new reality, finding strength in each other and their love for Mudassira. They are spending hours at the hospital, talking to doctors, learning about her condition, and doing everything they can do to support their daughter. It is a challenging phase of their life, seeing your heart on a bed in cancer units with so many drips attached, requires a big heart. 

Despite the hardships, there are moments of joy and hope. Mudassira sometimes talks to other children undergoing treatment at the hospital. They sit together in the playroom, share toys and stories. These friendships are source of comfort to Mudassira and other children, reminding her that she was not alone in her fight.

So far, the chemotherapy is working, and the number of cancer cells in her body are decreasing. Her parents having a sigh of relief after a long desperation. While they know there is still a long road ahead, there is still a ray of hope that one day their precious daughter will be able to resume her normal life.

Mudassira is continuing her treatment reminding us that even in the face of the most challenging circumstances, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Lots of prayers for young Mudassira, May Allah make it easy for her and her parents. Aameen

May this difficult time pass smoothly, and she comes out of this disease with success. Aameen

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 -166

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 166

 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 little Eman was five years old, she was just like any other child her age. She loved playing in the park, enjoyed painting with her fingers. Life for Eman was full of laughter and adventures. But everything changed when Eman’s parents noticed something unusual—a small, painless lump on her neck that didn’t go away.

At first, Eman’s parents thought it might be just a swollen gland from a cold. But as weeks went by, the lump grew bigger, and Eman started to feel more tired than usual. She also had unexplained fevers and night sweats. Concerned, her parents took her to see the doctor.

After several tests, including a biopsy, the doctor sat down with Eman’s parents and explained that she had Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. It was a shocking and scary diagnosis for her family. They had never expected their lively little girl to face something so serious.

The family was overwhelmed... They wanted to know what caused the cancer, how it could be treated, and most importantly, what the future held for their daughter. The doctor explained that Hodgkin’s lymphoma in children is rare but usually treatable, especially if caught early. He outlined a treatment plan that included chemotherapy and possibly radiation therapy.

The family’s world turned upside down. Suddenly, hospital visits, tests, and treatments became a regular part of their lives. Eman and her parents had to learn a lot about medical terms and treatment options. They also had to explain to Eman, in a way she could understand, why she had to take medicine that might make her feel worse before she felt better.

Eman’s treatment began with chemotherapy, a type of medicine that kills cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be tough on the body, and for a little girl like her, it meant feeling tired, losing her appetite, and sometimes feeling sick to her stomach. She also lost her hair, which was hard for her to understand and accept.

The treatment process was long and tiring. Eman couldn’t go to school or play with her friends as much as she used to. She missed her classroom and her playmates. Her parents tried to keep life as normal as possible, arranging for her friends to visit and play when she felt up to it. They also made time for her to do her favorite activities at home, like painting and playing.

But there were days when it was really tough. Some days, Eman didn’t have the energy to get out of bed. Other days, she felt sad and confused about why she had to go through all these difficult experiences. Her parents were there every step of the way, offering hugs, comfort, and stories to lift her spirits.

Eman’s journey was not just about doctors and treatments. It was also about the incredible support from the community around her. Friends and neighbors brought meals and offered prayers. Her school organized a special day where classmates made drawings and cards for her, which brightened her hospital room and her spirits.

After several months of treatment, Eman’s doctors had good news. The chemotherapy was working, and the cancer was shrinking. The doctor said she might not need radiation therapy after all. This was a huge relief for Eman and her family. They knew the journey wasn’t over, but they had crossed a significant milestone.

Eman still had to undergo follow-up tests and more chemotherapy sessions. 

As Eman continued her treatment, she gradually started feeling better. Her energy levels improved, and she began to eat and play more. The lump on her neck became smaller until it finally disappeared. Her parents, still cautious but hopeful, began to look forward to a time when Eman’s life would no longer revolve around hospital visits.

The journey with Hodgkin’s lymphoma taught Eman’s family a lot about resilience and the importance of support. They learned to appreciate the small victories and to stay hopeful even during the toughest times. Eman’s bravery and her family’s unwavering support became a beacon of strength and hope for others facing similar challenges.

Eman’s story is one of courage and determination. At just five years old, she faced a battle many adults would find daunting. With the love and support of her family, friends, and community, she tackled each challenge head-on. Today, as Eman continues her recovery, she’s a shining example of the power of hope and the human spirit’s incredible ability to overcome adversity. Her journey reminds us that even in the darkest times, there is always a path to light and healing.

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 - 165

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 165

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. 

At seven years old, most kids are busy with school, playing outside, and enjoying time with friends. For Maha, a cheerful girl who loves drawing and playing with her pets, life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. This is the story of her journey through illness, treatment, and a hopeful recovery.

Maha's parents noticed that she was more tired than usual, had a persistent cough, and was losing weight. Concerned, they took her to their family doctor. After several tests, the doctor delivered the news: Maha had Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system.

Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymph nodes and can spread to other parts of the body. It is rare in children but is considered one of the more treatable cancers. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Maha’s parents learned about the disease to better understand what lay ahead.

Maha’s treatment included chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells, and radiation therapy, which uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. This treatment plan meant frequent trips to the hospital, where Maha received her treatments from a team of caring doctors and nurses.

Despite the treatments making Maha feel tired and sometimes sick, she stayed positive. Her family and friends supported her, sending her drawings and messages of encouragement. Her parents kept her spirits high by reading her favorite books and playing games with her during hospital visits.

Life during treatment was different for Maha. She couldn’t go to school every day, so her teachers sent homework home and classmates sent her letters to keep her connected. Maha missed playing outside and being with her friends, but she stayed in touch through video calls.

Maha’s parents also had to adjust. They took turns taking time off work to care for her and balanced their other responsibilities at home. They were thankful for the help from family and friends who pitched in with meals and other support.

Support from others was crucial for Maha and her family. They connected with other families going through similar experiences, which helped them feel less alone. They also found comfort in the kindness of their community, like when Maha’s school organized a small event to show their support and raise funds for her treatment.

After months of treatment, Maha’s doctors had good news: her cancer was in remission, which meant it was no longer detectable. Maha’s family was overjoyed. Though she would need regular check-ups to ensure the cancer didn’t come back, Maha could start to get back to her normal life.

They celebrated this milestone with a simple family gathering. Maha, with her big smile, spent the day drawing pictures of the things she loved, like her pets and the outdoors.

Maha’s journey with Hodgkin's lymphoma was tough, but it showed her family the importance of staying hopeful and supporting each other. Today, Maha is back to doing what she loves—drawing and playing with her friends. Her story is a reminder that even in difficult times, with care and support, there is always hope for a brighter future.

Maha’s experience has brought her family closer and shown them the strength that comes from facing challenges together. While the road ahead will have its own set of follow-up appointments and cautious steps, Maha’s joyful return to her favorite activities is a testament to her resilience and the power of hope.

Maha’s story is an example of how a family can face a serious illness with courage and support. By staying positive and leaning on each other, they were able to navigate a difficult time and came out stronger. For Maha, each day now is a chance to enjoy her childhood and look forward to a healthy future.

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 - 164

 Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 164

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. 

Meet Atif Khan, a vibrant fourteen-year-old boy with dreams as vast as horizon. Known for his infectious smile, Atif has always been the heart and soul of his family and friends. He is a typical teenager with a love for sports, a passion for science, and an ambition to make a mark in the world. However, his life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with cancer.

It all began with a persistent fatigue that seemed unusual for someone so active. Atif’s parents initially attributed it to his busy schedule, filled with school, soccer practice, and hanging out with friends. However, as the days passed, his condition worsened. Concerned, his parents took him to the doctor, hoping for a simple explanation. After a series of tests, the devastating news came: Atif had cancer.

The diagnosis marked the beginning of a challenging journey. Hospital visits, chemotherapy sessions, and endless tests became a new reality for Atif. The treatment was intense, with side effects that were hard to bear. He experienced nausea, fatigue, and hair loss, which took a toll on his spirit. The chemotherapy sessions, though necessary, were exhausting and often left him feeling weak and drained.

Despite the physical and emotional toll, Atif faced this new challenge with the same courage and determination he showed on the soccer field. His parents were his pillars of strength, ensuring he never felt alone. They stayed by his side through every treatment, providing comfort and encouragement. His friends also played a crucial role, visiting him in the hospital and keeping his spirits up with their jokes and stories.

Cancer brought with it a host of fears. Atif worried about missing out on school, losing his hair, and falling behind in cricket. The prospect of being away from his normal life and routine was daunting. However, his biggest fear was the uncertainty of the future. Would he be able to beat this disease? What would life be like after treatment?

Despite these fears, Atif found strength in the support of his family, friends, and medical team. His parents were his biggest cheerleaders, ensuring he never felt alone. His friends rallied around him, visiting him in the hospital and keeping him in the loop with school activities. The medical team provided not just treatment, but also reassurance and hope, helping Atif to stay positive.

Atif also discovered inner strengths he never knew he had. He learned to be patient and resilient, facing each day with determination. He developed a deeper appreciation for life, cherishing the moments he spent with loved ones. This journey, though difficult, taught him the value of perseverance and the power of hope.

Even amidst his battle with cancer, Atif never stopped dreaming. He spoke passionately about becoming a doctor, inspired by the care and dedication of his medical team. His experience gave him a new perspective on life and a desire to help others. He wanted to make a difference, to be the person who could offer hope and healing to those in need.

Atif's love for soccer also remained strong. He dreamed of the day he would be back on the field, playing with his friends and scoring goals. The thought of returning to his favorite sport kept him motivated during the toughest times. He often talked about the matches he would play once he was better.

His academic aspirations didn't wane either. Atif continued to stay engaged with his studies, even from the hospital. He attended virtual classes and worked on assignments whenever he felt well enough. His teachers and classmates supported him, ensuring he didn't fall behind.  Supported by his family, friends, and medical team, Atif continues to fight with a smile on his face and dreams in his heart. 

Prayers for Atif’s complete recovery and healthy life. May he recover quickly, and his disease never comes back. 

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.