Warriors and Survivors - 177

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 177

 

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. 

Zaisha had just turned three  when she became unwell, two months before the diagnosis of Pre-B ALL (Leukemia). It became apparent that she had red spots all over her body and she became very weak.  Parents taking her to hospital frequently and finally, within few days, a biopsy was undertaken. Then, they heard the unthinkable news. They family had a feeling that their entire world had collapsed, end of their family lives. 

It took them almost two or three days to come back to their senses and think and plan what to do and how to do it. So, after discussion from family physician, parents took Zaisha to Children’s hospital Lahore. Zaisha and family belong to a town Tandliawala. The medical pathway seemed straightforward at first glance. After a series of tests again Zaisha was put on the chemotherapy plan. This involved nine rounds of chemotherapy with planned reviews (scans) every three rounds and a probable operation (resection) after the first scan.

After one rounds of chemotherapy, Zaisha went for first scan. The feedback was limited but worrying – apparently, no change. This was first wake-up call. They received only very vague updates from the hospital. Shrinking the tumor was crucial for planning the resection. Unsatisfied, they sought a private review. Within a few days, they had a detailed review of the imaging, which showed that the tumor was indeed shrinking – this was the news they needed to hear.

Zaisha’s chemotherapy is still going on, she has due 6 more chemotherapy rounds and it is a lot for a three-year-old weak child. Her mother is continuously by her side and father’s heart is with her little daughter. Elder children are worried and restless with the frequent travelling and absence of their parents from house. 

We pray that Zaisha be able to receive her complete treatment in best of her health and she recovers smoothly. 

Lots of prayers for young Zaisha and her family, May Allah make their future easy and may she recover smoothly and quickly. 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.