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.