Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 289
One day, a neighbor told me that a child from their village was admitted to my oncology unit for cancer treatment. They shared her information with me and asked if I could personally check on her and help them understand how her treatment was progressing.
This happens quite often in our part of the world, where people rely on healthcare professionals among their relatives and acquaintances, especially those working in public hospitals. The reasons behind this phenomenon are many, and perhaps we can discuss them in another blog.
Amna was a 10 year old girl who used to come to our pediatric oncology unit for leukemia treatment. She was lively, cheerful, and brave, and she loved talking to almost everyone she met.
I noted her information and visited her the next morning during my duty hours. To my surprise, I found a smiling child who was talking, playing, and sharing stories. I introduced myself to Amna and her mother and explained the purpose of my visit. Both were happy to meet me, and I was happier.
I spoke with her attending doctor and consultant to understand her treatment progress and share the information with my neighbor and her family. The consultant told me that Amna was responding well to treatment and that there was reason to be hopeful if things continued in the same direction. It was a wonderful feeling.
For the next few days, I continued visiting Amna during my duty hours and talking with her.
One evening, while I was at home, I received two young visitors: my neighbor's daughter and Amna. Amna and her family were visiting my neighbor, and she had decided to come and meet me. It was such a pleasant surprise to have a patient visit me at home!
We talked a lot, and she shared many stories about her village. She was so lively and full of energy, sometimes seeming more cheerful than a healthy child. During our conversation, she told me that she wanted to be like me when she grew up. It was a beautiful moment, and I felt truly honored that this little girl looked up to me.
She also mentioned that she had seen me another day when I visited the chemo bay. She was waiting for her turn and wanted to meet me, but somehow, I had not noticed her. I wished I had seen her that day, too.
Eventually, Amna was discharged, and I hoped she would recover and return to her normal childhood.
A few months later, I saw her at an oncology awareness campaign, sitting in a wheelchair. I was shocked and immediately inquired about her, but I could not meet her that day. I learned that her legs were affected and she was unable to walk.
Sometime later, I happened to meet my neighbor and she told me about Amna. The news I received was heartbreaking. Amna had experienced a relapse, and she passed away after her cancer returned and her condition deteriorated during further treatment.
I was deeply saddened. I remembered the little girl who had visited my home, shared her dreams, and told me she wanted to be like me when she grew up. I had hoped to see her recover, grow up, and pursue those dreams.
Behind every cancer diagnosis is a child with a unique personality, hopes, and dreams. As healthcare professionals, we may meet many patients throughout our careers, but some leave memories that stay with us.
I will remember Amna for her courage, her cheerful personality, and the happiness she brought into my life, even for a short time.
May every child fighting cancer receive the care, compassion, and opportunity to live the life they deserve.
May cancer never return to children’s life. Aameen
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