Warriors and Survivors - 209

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 209

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. 

When 14-year-old Tahir was diagnosed with cancer in 2022, his family decided for treatment at Children’s Hospital.

He was diagnosed with T-lymphoblastic lymphoma, which is a rare form of aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This disease is characterized by excessive immature white blood cells which are mostly found in the lymph nodes and spleen. Tumors usually arise in the middle of the chest, though lymphoma cells may also appear elsewhere in the body.

Tahir’s journey began in Okara when he started feeling chest pain while playing. He was taken to the hospital. When Tahir arrived at the hospital, he was taken to the emergency center as his tumor was pushing on his heart and was causing a lot of damage. They reached out to oncologist, and he immediately suggested they transfer to the  children’s hospital.

Tahir remembers that it all happened very fast. He recalls coming into Children’s emergency department on a Monday, he had tumor biopsy and a port placement, by Saturday he started his first chemotherapy treatment. Though treatment was not easy for anyone, but the treatments were successful, and the tumor began shrinking.

The brave teenager, who now is back home, went through nine months of intensive treatment and several hospital stays.

“Tahir was surprised to see that the hospital really specializes in children, he could see that everyone is kind, always checking on children and trying to help them. When he first came, he was amazed to see the games and crafts and food that children like.

Tahir talks about challenges of cancer, and he also says that he would tell any new patient to be positive and hopeful.

Tahir has already gone back to school and will continue another 18 months of mild maintenance chemotherapy. He also will continue to spread awareness about cancer and challenges of the treatment.

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 Tahir to recover quickly and never experience his illnesses again. May they lead happy and healthy lives once more. Aameen.