Friday, December 20, 2024

Warriors and Survivors -192

 Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 192


Adorable toddler sitting with a teddy bear on a wooden bridge, enjoying a peaceful moment outdoors.

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. 

At just 7 years old, Ali is like any other spirited child. He loves playing football, building blocks, and spending time with his friends. However, Ali has to face a journey that no child should have to endure. Diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a type of blood cancer, his life and that of his family changed altogether. This blog shares Ali’s story during hard time, highlighting the troubles faced by him and his family.

It all began with something seemingly ordinary. Ali had a fever that lasted longer than usual. His parents thought it was just another childhood illness. However, after multiple doctor visits, fever was still there, and Ali had to go for few blood tests to diagnose what had been happening so far. Tests reports revealed something shocking and later Ali was diagnosed with AML.

For Ali's parents, the news hit hard. They felt a mix of disbelief, fear, and sadness. The thought that their little boy had cancer was beyond anything they had prepared for. In the blink of an eye, their lives changed as they realized the battle ahead.

Ali's treatment journey began almost immediately. The doctors explained that he would need chemotherapy to fight the illness. This meant many hospital visits, each requiring long hours of waiting and testing. Ali often had to miss school, which made him feel sad. He missed his friends and the fun activities they shared.

Chemotherapy was tough on Ali. He felt tired and sometimes sick. His parents were always by his side, supporting him and encouraging him to eat and rest. With every treatment, Ali learned to adapt, reminding himself that he was a fighter.

Ali’s diagnosis changed everything for his family. His parents, who once had regular jobs, had to take time off to care for him. This made financial matters challenging. Parents they struggled to make ends meet while trying to provide the best care for Ali.

His siblings also felt the impact. They often had to adjust to the uncertainty that came with Ali's treatments. Family gatherings were less frequent, and they had to deal with feelings of worry about their brother. Yet, they showed immense love and support, often drawing pictures to cheer Ali up during his hospital stays or playing games to keep spirits high at home.

Ali also found encouragement from other children in the hospital who were also undergoing treatment. They shared stories, played games, and supported one another. It helped Ali realize that he wasn’t the only one facing this challenge, and it brought him comfort during difficult moments.

Though Ali is a brave guy but still he becomes sad seeing other children suffering with pain, he does not like to see the sad faces of children around in his hospital room. He told his mother that he wants that all the children admitted in hospital should get up from their beds and play around. 

Ali's journey with Acute Myeloid Leukemia is filled with challenges, no one knows for how long Ali and his family have to go through these challenges. Although he faces tough days ahead, Ali remains hopeful, just like his loving family who stand by him every step of the way.

Cancer is such a cruel disease that brings an unending era of pain and suffering, I wish no child has to bear the pain of cancer and chemotherapy. 

Lots of prayers for young Alli and his 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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