Warriors and Survivors - 179

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 179

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. 

Imagine a parent waking up one day and noticing that their child, full of energy and laughter just weeks ago, has become tired, pale, and prone to bruises. This is often the first sign for many parents that something is wrong. For Sarah, a lively 6-year-old who loved playing with dolls and spending time with her friends, life changed drastically when she was diagnosed with leukemia.

Leukemia, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, can strike suddenly and without warning. Sarah’s parents were devastated when the doctor delivered the diagnosis. What started as unexplained bruises and frequent fevers had turned into something they never expected—a life-threatening illness.

Leukemia can be overwhelming for adults to comprehend, let alone a 6-year-old child. Sarah was confused by her sudden trips to the hospital and the many unfamiliar faces of doctors and nurses. She didn’t understand why her energy seemed to vanish overnight or why she had to stop going to school and playing with her friends.

One of the biggest challenges Sarah faced was the rigorous treatment regimen. Chemotherapy, a common treatment for leukemia, was an entirely new experience for her young body. Her parents tried to explain that the medicine would help her feel better, but the side effects were tough. Sarah's hair began to fall out, and she felt sick and nauseated after her treatments. She didn’t understand why the medicine that was supposed to heal her made her feel so weak.

Sarah’s once-constant energy was drained, and there were days she could barely get out of bed. This drastic change in her routine was hard for her to handle. For a child who loved running around and exploring the world, being confined to hospital beds and staying indoors felt like a cruel punishment.

Emotionally, Sarah’s journey was just as challenging. At 6 years old, children can’t fully grasp the concept of life-threatening diseases, but they do know that something is very wrong. Sarah became frustrated and sad, missing her school and friends. She would often ask her parents, "Why can't I go play outside?" or "Why do I have to be in the hospital so much?" It broke her parents' hearts to try to explain this to her in a way that wouldn’t frighten her even more.

There were moments of fear, too. Sarah saw other children in the cancer ward, some better, some worse. It was confusing and scary for her to see children with similar illnesses going through painful treatments or not making it out of the hospital. Every day was an emotional rollercoaster for Sarah and her family, with good days filled with hope and bad days filled with uncertainty and fear.

For Sarah, every day is a battle, but she fights bravely. We pray that Sarah be able to receive her complete treatment in the best of her health and that she recovers smoothly. We pray that warriors win soon. Aameen

Lots of prayers for young Sarah  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.