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.