Warriors and Survivors - 207

Warriors and Survivors - Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 207

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. 

One day, Ali’s mother noticed some swelling on his left leg, but she thought it was just a rash or a common insect bite. Soon she realized that the swelling was not decreasing in size, it was still there after many days, she decided to take Ali to his pediatrician who recommended some diagnostics tests and a biopsy.

As they were awaiting the results of the biopsy, his mother and Ali had plans to travel outstation to visit family for the holidays. But what began as a highly anticipated end of year family trip from Lahore to Karachi, quickly took an unexpected turn for his mother and Ali.

During their travel, Ali began to experience pain in both legs and a high fever, that raised the mother’s concern. Immediately after reaching Karachi, she decided to rush Ali to the nearest emergency room for an evaluation, where they were advised that the best thing was to be transferred to Children’s Hospital in Karachi. Once they arrived, mother was shocked to learn that they were instantly admitted to the hematology and oncology unit for yet another biopsy and additional testing.

Tests results and the biopsy confirmed that Ali had alveolar sarcoma, an aggressive type of sarcoma, or cancer of the soft tissue (muscle), connective tissue (tendons or cartilage), or bone. There are only about 500 rhabdomyosarcoma cases per year in the United States, and of those only 100 are an alveolar subtype.

In Ali’s case, it began in his leg and traveled to his back. It was also determined that he was a stage 4, which meant he needed to begin treatment immediately. That’s when mother and Ali met oncologist in Children’s Hospital who guided them through an extremely intense treatment regimen of including chemotherapy, resection surgery and proton radiation.

Ali’s treatment continued for some time in Karachi and after couple months he was shifted to Lahore for his treatment. Hos treatment here in his hometown is continued. He is responding well to his treatment and there is quite a hope that soon he will be cancer free and back to his home. 

Prayers for the all 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 Ali to recover quickly and never experience his illnesses again. May they lead happy and healthy lives once more. Aameen.