Warriors and Survivors - 173

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 173

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. 

Nadia was a normal healthy child until seven years of her life when she began to complain about having back pains. Just in a few days, she was not able to run and play with her friends in school, or even walk at times. She was upset at this and informed her elder sister. When her mother came to know, she decided it was time to visit an orthopedic. So, soon she visited orthopedic with young Nadia. After several blood tests and an MRI, it was determined that Nadia had not any bone related disease, rather she was suffering with leukemia and associated symptoms with it.  Like every parent and child affected by cancer, the family was devastated but they took no time to decide about treatment. 

Nadia was referred to Children’s hospital for treatment and her treatment initiated, it was another phase of trials and challenges. The family was informed about the duration and details of treatment and also the hospital visits frequency. The family was informed that she may need hospital admission and stay if needed, and it will all depend on how well she tolerates the treatment and how well they obey the treatment guidelines. Nadia was worried about the hospital stay and admission. She was hesitant to stay at hospital.

Soon her chemotherapy sessions were initiated and she had to spend some time in hospital for her chemotherapy. Initially she did not need to stay in hospital for longer and she was happy with it. 

Later she got an infection, and had to be admitted in hospital for few days for treatment. Initially, it was a big challenge for Nadia and her mother but soon she adjusted herself and made some friends. When Nadia saw other younger children admitted, she forgot her pain and discomfort. 

After young Nadia was in remission, that meant her chemotherapy was working and she was responding well to treatment. But she needed regular follow up, check-ups and tests to ensure the disease did not return or progress. 

 

Today, Nadia is a happy, curious and charismatic girl who enjoys reading and writing. She wants to write a book for children who have or had leukemia.

Cancer is a difficult disease, a monster that behaves differently with every patient. The key is to follow treatment guidelines and instructions with a healthy lifestyle. 

Lots of prayers for young Nadia and family, May Allah make their future easy and may her disease never come back. 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.