Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 188
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.
Northern Pakistan, land of brave people has many real-life stories that are worth sharing for because of the courageous lessons and heartfelt tales. 14-year-old Saba admitted in palliative care belongs to northern Pakistan a land of beauty. For the past few years, Saba has been battling leukemia, a challenging form of cancer that has taken a tremendous toll on her young body, her family, and her dreams. As her story unfolds, we witness a brave girl and her family, facing reality with grace and acceptance, despite the pain and hardships.
When Saba was first diagnosed with leukemia, her family was hopeful. They sought treatment in local hospitals and traveled to larger cities for specialized care. The doctors were attentive, and Saba bravely endured the harsh side effects of chemotherapy, her family supporting her every step of the way. But as time went on, the hope they initially felt began to dwindle. The treatments that were supposed to bring Saba back to health seemed to be failing. The family's resources became strained under the weight of the medical costs, travel, and endless tests. Despite their efforts, Saba’s health began to decline further.
Recently, Saba’s doctors made a difficult decision—her chemotherapy treatments would no longer continue. Instead, she would receive palliative care as her disease seems no longer treatable, which focuses on providing relief from symptoms and improving her quality of life. It was a bitter moment for her family; they understood that this shift meant they were entering a new phase of Saba's journey.
Palliative care emphasizes comfort and support. For Saba, this means she can spend her remaining time with less suffering. It allows her to focus on being with her family, sitting quietly by the window watching the rain fall, or sharing laughter with her siblings—memories that hold a significance beyond words.
Living in a remote village imposes its challenges. There are no luxury hospitals nearby, and healthcare resources are stretched thin. Saba’s family has put everything they have into funding her treatment.
The emotional distress weighs heavily on Saba’s parents. They grieve for the daughter they see fading away, and the life they had envisioned for her.
Saba dreams of taking a trip to the mountains she loves, but her condition limits her physical abilities. Instead, she finds comfort in storytelling, sharing tales of bravery and adventure with her siblings, keeping their spirits high. This is where her enchanting smile shines the brightest, even in the face of sorrow.
The road ahead for Saba and her family remains uncertain. Each day comes with its own set of challenges, but love is a powerful force. Saba's family remains committed to giving her the best possible care, not only medically but also emotionally. No matter what they do and how brave everyone is, seeing a child dying slowly is unimaginable feeling. May no one ever has to face it.
Lots of prayers for young Saba and her family, May Allah make their future easy. 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.
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