Warriors and Survivors - 206

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 206

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. 

Raheel at five  was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma, which is a rare type of cancer that develops in nerve tissue and usually affects children under five years of age.

Back in September last year he was constipated all the time—parents couldn’t figure out what was causing it. It was so severe sometimes he cried at night, grabbing his abdomen. Parents consulted few doctors and when bloodwork and CT was  done- results discovered that he had a cancer/a tumor. 

Parents said they will never forget the fear and helplessness while waiting for the biopsy results. Having the diagnosis in hand, they were thinking, ‘Why? Why him? It was hard to swallow. 

Raheel was referred to children hospital like many other children diagnosed with cancer. This hospital has one of the largest pediatric cancer centers in country. 

All the Children with cancer worldwide have to endure long treatments, hospital stays, multiple test and procedures. Raheel and his family were quite prepared and hopeful for the treatment. 

Raheel has been extremely brave through everything he faced.  Treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma is very difficult and requires a lot of time in the hospital, but Raheel always has a positive attitude when he is coming in for treatment. 

Of course, this new life change has not been easy. Cancer treatment is tough. Different biopsies, operations, having implants, the change of skin color and hair loss. That’s the worst thing about Raheel having cancer—seeing him suffer. It is something that no parent wants to see their child go through. Managing a healthy work-life balance has also been difficult. 

Raheel has one 12-year-old brother. He pretty much had to live on his own for at least a week at a time while Raheel’s getting chemo at the hospital because parents were not able to drop him off and pick them up from school. 

Typically, we try to plan years ahead, but with cancer, you can't do that. You must live one day at a time—to cherish life. Cherish the small moments, because, you know, nothing is promised. Nothing is set in stone. We have to be grateful for each day we have. We have to value the people that are around us. 

Parents will do anything for their children, but when Raheel is suffering, there is not much parents can do to cure him.

Raheel is on the road to recovery now, and parents remains hopeful.

Prayers for the sick children and their families who have to face this pain of cancer. May Allah make it easy for them. 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.

Warriors and Survivors - 205

 Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 205

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. 

Stars we lost – Eternal light 

Today I came across Zahid’s picture who had been under treatment for a long time in oncology unit of our hospital, he was from Sahiwal and used to come to Lahore with him mother, father and younger brothers for treatment. 

Zahid’s picture made me sad, and I recalled the memories with him, he was 9 years old skinny child and used to come at my workplace whenever he was admitted for his scheduled treatment. He was a patient of hepatocellular carcinoma, and I met him during my routine work in the unit. Just a small discussion and he was my friend. 

He had lots of dreams and wishes, dream to be an engineer someday, dream to be his family’s support as he had two younger brothers. He always wished to play in the ground like normal children which he never could do due to his health. Though he was able to walk by himself but later he was so sick that he had to be on wheelchair. 

After four years of treatment and struggle he lost his battle to cancer.

Zahid's picture brought back memories of all the stars that we have lost during my work at children hospital, of course I do not know all, but I remember a lot of them whom I met and  had a chance to talk to them about their feelings, their pain and their struggle.

I cannot forget many of them, it hurts whenever I recall them, I remember a cute and smiling ten years old Asad who was suffering with T cell ALL and who expired in a blink of an eye.

Mehreen is still in my memory who had been on palliative care for a long time due to her relapsed Leukemia. 

Ushna, a big girl who was so shy as she had lost her hairs due to treatment, she seemed so sad not because of her pain but the trouble her family had to face for her treatment and traveling back and from Okara to Lahore. 

I still remember, Aamna an eight-year-old talkative girl who used to see me and call my name loudly, she was a Leukemia patient and used to come from village for her treatment. I cannot forget her smile and tone. 

This blog is for all the pearls that we lost, these warriors who could not win but fought bravely till their last breath. 

Talking about these warriors, once Farida apa (our philanthropist and social worker) said, “these stars are making galaxy in the sky, and I am waiting to meet them once I will join them”.

Prayers for the lost stars and their families who have to face this pain of losing their child whole life. May Allah make it easy for them. 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.

Warriors and Survivors -204

 Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 204

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.

14-year-old Ahmad is like many other kids his age—full of dreams, laughter, and an endless curiosity about the world. Ahmad was in grade 8 when his life changed altogether; he was diagnosed with leukemia.

Ahmad had always been a healthy child, excelling in his studies and participating in sports. He loved playing cricket with his friends in the narrow lanes of his neighborhood. But over a short period, he began to feel different. Fatigue, frequent bruising, and persistent fevers led him to the doctor’s office. After several tests, the heartbreaking news came: Ahmad had leukemia.

Ahmad’s treatment began with chemotherapy, a process that was grueling and taken a toll on his body. The intense medications came with side effects—nausea, hair loss, and constant fatigue. This was a difficult time for Ahmad. He missed being in school, interacting with his friends, and playing cricket. Instead of attending classes and participating in school events, he was often confined to a hospital room or resting at home.

His days blurred into a cycle of treatments and recovery. Ahmad’s family often visited him, bringing small gifts—books, drawing supplies, and sometimes homemade meals from his favorite dishes. Ahmad found comfort in drawing, using his art to express feelings he struggled to put into words. His drawings depicted not just his fight against cancer but also dreams of a future filled with normal activities, friends, and continued education.

Throughout his treatment, Ahmad discovered the value of community and support. Their kindness lifted Ahmad’s spirits and reminded him that he was not alone in this fight. His teachers kept in touch, providing him with assignments to ensure he didn’t fall behind in his studies.

There were also moments of connection with other children facing similar challenges. In the pediatric ward, Ahmad befriended other young patients. They shared stories, dreams, and even fears. Their conversations often brought laughter—an emotional sooth to the harsh realities of their circumstances. Ahmad realized that while their battles were different, they were all united in the hope for a healthier tomorrow.

Fast forward to today, after three long years of treatment, Ahmad is nearing the end of his journey. His doctors have delivered the encouraging news: his cancer is in remission. The news is a profound relief for Ahmad and his family—a moment they had longed for.

As he prepares to leave the hospital for the last time as a patient, he is full of emotions. There’s joy, relief, and a newfound appreciation for life. Ahmad looks forward to rejoining his friends and returning to school. He has missed the hustle and bustle of attending classes, laughing with friends, and especially being part of his cricket team.

Ahmad is ready to reclaim the life he had to step away from. He dreams of catching up with his peers, sharing stories of his journey, and more importantly, continuing his education. His experiences have fueled a desire to raise awareness about pediatric cancer, so that others may recognize the signs and understand the importance of early detection.

While Ahmad’s journey is far from over, and he knows challenges may still lie ahead. He has developed resilience that will serve him well not just in his academic career but throughout life. Ahmad's story reminds us of the strength of hope and the importance of community support in fighting diseases like cancer.

Ahmad's journey teaches us to cherish our health and embrace compassion for those going through tough times. His resilience is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome, and it ignites hope for countless others facing their own battles.

Lots of prayers for Ahmad and all sick children to recover quickly and never experience their illnesses again. May they lead happy and healthy lives once more. Aameen.

Warriors and Survivors -203

 Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 203

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. 

Pediatric lymphoma is a type of cancer that occurs in children and originates in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is crucial for a child's immune response and helps fight off infections. When lymphoma develops, it can affect a child's health, future, and emotional well-being. This blog will focus on Hira, a 4-year-old girl from Sialkot, who is navigating the overwhelming challenges of lymphoma.

What is Pediatric Lymphoma?

Pediatric lymphoma primarily affects children and can be classified into two main types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These cancers can affect the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and other organs. Symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, fever, weight loss, and persistent fatigue. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a better prognosis.

Hira's Diagnosis

Hira was a joyful little girl, full of energy and laughter, spending her days playing with her friends and exploring the world around her. However, she is now a crying little baby with pain in her eyes. Her parents noticed that she was unusually tired and had trouble keeping up with her peers during playtime. After a visit to the doctor and a series of tests, they received the heartbreaking news: Hira was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.

The Impact of Diagnosis

Receiving such news is devastating, not just for the child but for the entire family. For Hira, the diagnosis brought confusion and fear. At just four years old, she couldn't fully understand what lymphoma meant, but she sensed that something was wrong. The hospital visits, doctors in white coats, and the prevalence of needles made her anxious. Hira’s dreams of playing outside and chasing butterflies started to diminish, replaced by the worries of treatment and pain.

Hira's Pain and Emotion

Hira’s treatment journey has been challenging. She has endured painful procedures that left her feeling ill and exhausted. Despite her young age, she is aware that her body is struggling. Hira often tells her parents she feels “sick” and wishes she could play like other children. The pain of her condition often led to moments of frustration, and she would burst into tears when she couldn't bear pain and is extremely fearful.

The emotional toll extends beyond physical pain. Hira’s spirit occasionally wavers, leading her into bouts of sadness. She experiences moments of confusion and fear about her illness and she is too young to think beyond present pain. Her parents do their best to comfort her, assuring her that she is brave, but Hira sometimes feels small and lost in a world filled with uncertainty.

Current Challenges

As Hira continues her treatment, she faces several challenges. Along with physical suffering and emotional turmoil, she deals with feelings of isolation. Being in and out of the hospital means missing out on playdates, family outings, and the simple joys of childhood. The poor girl is not able to play at home either.

Her parents watch helplessly as their little girl battles the weight of her illness. They share in her pain and fears, sitting beside her during treatments, holding her hand, and wiping away her tears. Sometimes, the whole family feels heavy from the emotional strain.

Looking Forward

Although Hira's journey is fraught with uncertainties, there are also reasons to hope. Advances in medical research and treatment provide a glimmer of optimism for pediatric lymphoma patients. Hira's parents remain hopeful, focusing on the little victories along the way rather than the challenges.

Every day is a new opportunity for Hira. They celebrate small milestones, like having a good day or playing for a few minutes without feeling tired. They remind her that she is strong and resilient, and that there is a future filled with possibilities awaiting her.

Conclusion

Hira’s journey with pediatric lymphoma is a poignant reminder of the complexities of childhood illness. Awareness and support for children like Hira are crucial, as they navigate the challenging path of cancer treatment. By sharing stories like hers, we can foster understanding, compassion, and a sense of community for families facing similar battles. Hira's story is still being written, and with every new chapter, there is hope for brighter future.

Lots of prayers for Hira and all sick children to recover quickly and never experience their illnesses again. May they lead happy and healthy lives once more. Aameen.