Warriors and Survivors - 111

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 111

I am Rukh Yusuf, Clinical Pharmacist, also specialized in Total Parenteral Nutrition and Bone Marrow Transplant. I have been working in 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. 

Farah was a happy and healthy 12-year-old girl until she started having fever and diarrhea. She had high grade fever for six days in the first episode. After few days she had again intermittent fever with body rash, and she was tired and run down. Her mother took her to hospital where she was treated and advised some diagnostic tests to know the exact cause of her frequent symptoms.  

After initial tests, the family was counselled about higher chances that their daughter might be suffering from blood cancer. To confirm and to know exact stage and cancer type, she needed some more confirmatory tests. Later she was diagnosed with ALL (Acute lymphocytic leukemia). 

Her parents were again counselled for the duration, mode and complexity of treatment and the family had no other option accept agreeing for chemotherapy despite all the side effects and concerns. 

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood. It causes the body to produce too many white blood cells, which can crowd out the healthy cells. This can lead to a number of problems, including fever, infection, and anemia.

Farah's diagnosis was a devastating blow to her family. Her parents were heartbroken, and her brother was scared. They didn't know how they were going to bear the treatment, or how they were going to take care of her while she was sick.

The entire family was stressed and exhausted by Farah's illness. They were worried about her health, and they were also worried about how they were going to cope with this. But they never gave up hope. They knew that Farah was a fighter, and they were determined to help her get better.

Farah was immediately admitted to the hospital and started chemotherapy. She had to have chemotherapy every week for months. During her treatment, Farah had to spend a lot of time in the hospital. She missed her friends and her school. She also had to deal with the side effects of her treatment, which made her feel sick and tired all the time. Farah's older brother, Omar, was also very supportive. He would visit her in the hospital, and he would bring her favorite books and food. He also made sure to tell her funny stories to make her laugh.

Farah's recovery was long and difficult, but she never gave up. She had been admitted in ICU due to her neutropenia and related issues. She fought hard, and she eventually went into remission. She is now back in school and spending time with her friends again and looking forward to starting high school in the fall.

Farah's story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope. With the support of her family and friends, Farah was able to overcome her leukemia and get back to her life.

Let’s pray for complete and safe recovery of Farah, may she recover completely and stay healthy. Aameen. May her parents have happy and easy time with her. Aameen

Lots of prayers for Farah and her family. May all the sick children recover soon, and their diseases never come back and may they live normal, healthy life again. Aameen

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity

Warriors and Survivors - 110

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 110

I am Rukh Yusuf, Clinical Pharmacist, also specialized in Total Parenteral Nutrition and Bone Marrow Transplant. I have been working in 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. 

In 2021, when Omer developed an ear infection and a cough at two years of age, his parents thought of a visit to local doctor for an antibiotic. It helped for a while, but soon his symptoms were back. And this time, Omer was pale.

On persistent symptoms, father took him to his regular pediatrician who ran some blood tests and arranged for Omer to be admitted to the hospital. Not tomorrow. Right now. He was admitted, and within three hours, his parents were informed there was an 80 percent chance Omer had leukemia.

The news left the parents into a panic attack, and as per them, their world was turned upside down. Mother was so shaken that she had to be wheeled to Omer’s room in a wheelchair. Her first question was to a nurse. “Do any kids survive this?” she asked. “Oh yes,” replied the nurse, who introduced her to a fellow nurse who was a leukemia survivor. It gave mother some hope.

In next few days, Omer was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). “You never think something like this will happen to your child,” said mother. But it did, and now the fight began. While older children who are diagnosed with leukemia have an 80 percent survival rate, infants struggle to reach 50 percent survival. That’s because infant leukemia is very different from other childhood leukemias, both biologically and in how each patient respond to treatments.

Omer underwent chemotherapy treatment to wipe out his leukemia. He tolerated the first round of chemo pretty well and spent his third birthday in the hospital. The second round hit him harder, with more side effects like nausea and weight and hair loss. He developed fever and he had to be admitted in hospital several times. After the second chemotherapy round, post-chemo testing revealed that his leukemia was back, this time in Omer’s spinal fluid. It was another major trial for already turned down family. They were unbale to think any further.

In desperation, the family approached another consultant and he really brought for them a ray of hope again. Doctor said, “now a bone marrow transplant is his only option”.

“Bone Marrow Transplant” really? Was the parent’s response. There are so many prerequisites and care attached with the treatment and obviously finances are a big issue. 

A matching donor is required and lots of pre blood work needed for both donor and recipient. Bone Marrow transplant is also associated with lots of post-transplant complications so does the chemotherapy. A large number of patients are being cured all over the world with this treatment. 

Let’s pray for Omer and family. May he find a good match from siblings and may his transplant go smoothly. I may discuss Omer in my future blogs after he is done with his transplant. 

In the last couple of years since Omer’s diagnosis, the family has learned not to take life for granted. “Money means nothing,” says mother. “Material things mean nothing. I hear friends complaining about people’s bad behavior, and I just say, ‘Really? Do they matter’?

Let’s pray for complete and safe recovery for Omer, may he recover soon. Aameen. May his parents have happy and easy time with him. Aameen

Lots of prayers for Omer and his family. May all the sick children recover soon, and their diseases never come back and may they live normal, healthy life again. Aameen

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity

Warriors and Survivors - 109

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 109

I am Rukh Yusuf, Clinical Pharmacist, also specialized in Total Parenteral Nutrition and Bone Marrow Transplant. I have been working in 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. 

Farman Ali is only 2 and half years old. He was a happy and healthy toddler, until one day his mother noticed a lump on his stomach. Parents took it as normal but in few days, Farman seemed to be in pain and his abdomen enlarged a bit. It was not something normal.  Parents took him to the hospital, after several tests and multiple visits Farman was diagnosed with Wilms tumor, a type of kidney cancer.

Wilms tumor is a rare type of kidney cancer that most commonly affects children under the age of 5. It is the most common type of kidney cancer in children, accounting for about 60% of all cases. 

The symptoms of Wilms tumor can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. Some common symptoms include:

A lump in the abdomen, Pain in the abdomen, Blood in the urine, Fever, Fatigue, and loss of appetite

If a child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for a good outcome.

The treatment for Wilms tumor typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The specific treatment plan will vary depending on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the child's age and overall health. Surgery is usually the first step in the treatment of Wilms tumor. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor as completely as possible. In some cases, the entire kidney may need to be removed. Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to kill any cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body. Radiation therapy may also be used to kill cancer cells.

Farman Ali 's parents were devastated. They didn't know what to do or how to help their son. They followed their health care provider’s advice and treatment was initiated. Farman Ali started chemotherapy right away. The treatments were tough, and Farman Ali often got sick.

One of the biggest challenges that Farman Ali and his family faced was the right nephrectomy that he had to undergo. A nephrectomy is the surgical removal of a kidney. Farman Ali 's right kidney was removed because it was the one that had the Wilms tumor. The nephrectomy was a major surgery, and Farman Ali had to stay in the hospital for several days. He was in a lot of pain, and his mother had to learn how to take care of her child’s new surgical wound.

After the surgery, Farman Ali had to go through a period of rehabilitation. He had to learn how to walk again, and he had to build up his strength.

The rehabilitation process was tough, but Farman Ali’s mother was determined to do everything for her son. She worked hard, and he eventually made a full recovery.

After many months of chemotherapy treatment, Farman Ali was finally in remission. His parents were so happy, and they couldn't wait to get back to their normal life. But family knew that things would never be the same. Farman Ali will have to survive with one kidney, and he was so young, he had a whole life ahead.

Farman Ali 's story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. With Allah’s grace and the love and support of family and friends, anything is possible.

If you are a parent of a child with cancer, please know that you are not alone. There are many people who care about you and want to help you through this difficult time. 

Let’s pray for complete and safe recovery for Farman Ali, may he recover soon. Aameen. May his parents have happy and easy time with him. Aameen

Lots of prayers for Farman Ali and his family. May all the sick children recover soon, and their diseases never come back and may they live normal, healthy life again. Aameen

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity

Warriors and Survivors - 108

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 108

I am Rukh Yusuf, Clinical Pharmacist, also specialized in Total Parenteral Nutrition and Bone Marrow Transplant. I have been working in 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. 

Ihsan is seven years old and a very cute little champ. Ihsan loves to play with his toy cars. He’s a typical boy, except for one thing. He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Wilms tumor in November 2022—a kidney tumor that required the state-of-the-art cancer care.

Ihasn’s cancer story began when he was just 6 years old. Ihsan’s mom, said he had been a healthy child until one night when he started crying and grabbing his stomach in pain.

“He hadn’t had a bowel movement in three days, so we thought he might just be constipated,” mother said. Ihsan was given constipation treatment but in few days his abdomen enlarged. Parents had to take him to hospital.

The next week in hospital after thorough check up and scans, Ihsan had an abdominal ultrasound that confirmed he had a large mass either on his right kidney or liver. “Our doctor wanted Ihsan to have a CT scan, and referred us to Children’s hospital,” mother said.

Two days later, Ihsan was admitted in Children’s hospital and had CT done that confirmed his tumor on right kidney.  Later a biopsy confirmed Ihsan had a common type of childhood kidney cancer called Wilms tumor.  What wasn’t common was that it had already spread to lymph nodes.

Unfortunately, analysis of Ihsan’s tumor revealed more widespread, aggressive anaplastic disease. Based on the pathology, from the outset, clinicians knew Ihsan’s treatment would be more challenging. He would need both radiation and intense chemotherapy for the best chance of survival.

Ihsan has a two-month-old sister and two older brothers, ages 6 and 11. His mother stayed in hospital to be at her son’s side during treatment, while his father took care of the other three children at home with the help of family and friends.

 Ihsan’s treatment began and later his right kidney was removed. Dr. prescribed radiation therapy and chemotherapy, a powerful one-two punch reserved for the most aggressive Wilms tumor cases.

While chemotherapy was performed at Children’s hospital, Ihsan’s radiation therapy was delivered at the Inmol Medical Center, the hospital’s partner in radiation oncology. In all, Ihsan received 4 radiation treatments, and six months of chemotherapy.

“Ihsan did well with the radiation therapy, but the chemotherapy was hard on him,” mother said. Though technically he was able to return home between treatment cycles, he often ended up back in the hospital when he would have a spike of fever.

Chemotherapy also took a toll on Ihsan’s appetite and digestive system. Eventually he needed a feeding tube to be sure he received adequate nutrition. And chemotherapy affected the nerves in his legs, causing some neuropathy and pain. But overall, Ihsan fought through the treatment and its side effects.

With treatment behind him, Ihsan will continue to go to hospital regularly for follow-up appointments to complete treatment and later to be certain the cancer doesn’t return, and to monitor his kidney and heart functions, both of which could have been impacted by the radiation and chemotherapies.

Let’s pray for complete and safe recovery for Ihsan, may he recover soon. Aameen. May his parents have happy and easy time with him. Aameen

Lots of prayers for Ihsan and his family. May all the sick children recover soon, and their diseases never come back and may they live normal, healthy life again. Aameen

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity

Warriors and Survivors - 107

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 107

I am Rukh Yusuf, Clinical Pharmacist, also specialized in Total Parenteral Nutrition and Bone Marrow Transplant. I have been working in 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. 

She is eleven years old Ayesha, suffering from Ewing Sarcoma for three years now. Writing about her makes me recall so many children in palliation and I am in tears again. It may seem weird or may be abnormal that you carry so much grief which is not directly related to you. 

Ayesha is from Sahiwal and when she first got admitted in hospital almost three years ago, she had suspected Ewing Sarcoma. Then her disease was confirmed, and her treatment began. In these last three years a lot has happened. She has been through a lot. From her leg amputation to chemotherapy, from walking independently to dependent on wheelchair, she has been a symbol of courage. 

When she used to come to ward or chemobay for her treatment, she looked so beautiful with her colorful dresses and hats that she had to wear due to her hair loss caused by chemotherapy. Now one needs courage to see her, she is in such a bad health. 

Ayesha was getting better, then suddenly in one of her follow-ups it occurred that her disease has come back. Later after some tests doctor disclosed that her disease is not treatable and that she will be on palliation.... Worst update in a patient’s life. Ayesha is in palliation waiting for her death and one needs a strong heart to see her in such a miserable condition. Beautiful Ayesha with vibrant colors is nowhere now. 

I have seen so many children waiting for their death. Whenever I see any child in palliation, it gives me a flashback of all such patients I have attended. To be a heartfelt and compassionate healthcare provider is most difficult thing.

I sometimes wish every healthcare provider could understand the loss of a child. I wish they could understand how such parents miss their children achingly. I wish every healthcare provider could understand—without going through the unimaginable—that our success in this profession isn’t defined by achieving external validation metrics but rather by our ability to care for and about our patients. 

I used to think seeing children like Ayesha would detach me from life, from myself, from my profession, from any possibility of joy. With time, it has only intensified my appreciation for being a healthcare provider and for helping others to heal. By saying that it does not mean it no longer hurts, rather it’s the past pain that drives your passion for future.

Let’s pray for some miracle for Ayesha, may she recover somehow. Aameen. May her parents have happy and easy time with her. Aameen

Lots of prayers for Ayesha and her family. May all the sick children recover soon, and their diseases never come back and may they live normal, healthy life again. Aameen

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity

Warriors and Survivors - 106

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 106

I am Rukh Yusuf, Clinical Pharmacist, also specialized in Total Parenteral Nutrition and Bone Marrow Transplant. I have been working in 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. 

This is four years old Sania. She doesn't know it yet, but in a short while she will be diagnosed with hepatoblastoma, a rare malignant liver cancer that affects, on average, 1 in a million children... and her life will never be the same. Her parents, feel privileged to tell me her story.

“On a fated September day, a playful tickling of her tummy revealed a mass in her abdomen which was finally confirmed by an ultrasound. Fearing the worst, we contacted Children's Cancer Hospital where the next diagnostic studies (MRI, blood tests, biopsy) were recommended and finally scheduled, as there are queues for all diagnostics test inside hospital due to patients load.”

Sania was diagnosed with stage III hepatoblastoma on Oct. 1, 2022. All the clinicians were very concerned; her parents were devastated. The news was her tumor could not be removed by surgery. It was decided after a meeting of health practitioners that Sania would have to receive chemotherapy prior to even discussing whether she would qualify for tumor resection or a liver transplant.

Mother told, “One thing we knew was that she was in the right place, under the vigilant care of multidisciplinary experts. Having just relocated to Lahore in the previous months, we were still uncertain of our surroundings, challenges were there, but one thing we knew to be true amid the crisis: Children’s Hospital was the right choice for her treatment”.

Sania received four cycles of chemotherapy to reduce the size of her tumor while her oncologists, surgeon, radiologists coordinated their efforts to determine the best surgical approach and lay the groundwork for a possible surgery. Sania underwent a successful complete surgical resection of her tumor on Jan. 6, 2023. 

“Today, Sania is in remission. The darkest clouds have dissipated, and we hope to continue to watch little soul thrive and develop. The experience of treating Sania’s hepatoblastoma has not only taught us to be the best parents we can be but has also brought out the absolute best in most people we have met in hospital during her treatment.” Said her father.

Her mother said, “We pray this never happens to any parent and their child but say to those in a similar situation to trust Allah and communicate with your health providers. We were graced with the very best healthcare team. Most of them will say that they were just doing their job, unaware that in so doing they have changed our lives and touched our family in indescribable ways. Allah has given Sania another chance at life. May Allah bless all who do good for others”.

Let’s pray for the complete recovery of Sania, may her disease never come back. Aameen. May her parents always see her healthy growth.

Lots of prayers for Sania and his family. May all the sick children recover soon, and their diseases never come back and may they live normal, healthy life again. Aameen

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity

Warriors and Survivors - 105

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 105

I am Rukh Yusuf, Clinical Pharmacist, also specialized in Total Parenteral Nutrition and Bone Marrow Transplant. I have been working in 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. 

“It was just an ordinary day two years from now. Winter season was coming to an end, and the family had such an incident that their lives changed abruptly. The family had dinner with a few relative families and half a dozen toddlers were running up and down hallways and jumping on couches. Therefore, when a 5-year-old son Adil casually mentioned to his mother that his hip was sore, the mother assumed he bumped himself and she hoped it will be better soon.

When Adil mentioned it a second time, the mother noticed a slight bump on his left side. Both parents decided to take him to the hospital just to be safe. Both thought they may be overreacting, but they decided to be cautious. 

It came out that it was kidney tumor “Nephroblastoma” that was bothering Adil since few days.

Adil’s mother is an experienced nurse and she said “Hearing that our son will lose his kidney was crushing. Neither ‘tumor’ nor ‘malignant’ made the connection for me. Perhaps I just willed that maybe it is thought out of my mind. But then our worst fear blossomed into a horrible reality as the dreaded word ‘cancer’ was heard for our child. Nothing prepares a parent for the utter devastation of such a diagnosis.”

Adil’s father was also shocked, this is what he said after Adil’s diagnosis, “I didn’t have any idea of what journey we were embarking on. The first night was a complete state of shock. I drifted between nightmare and sleep a few times but spent it mostly lying next to my son staring into his perfect face. I was lost.” 

In the later days when his treatment was initiated, the family had to face very low moments mostly.

In the days that followed there were devastating moments like when Adil’s eyes were turning white and when they hastily took him away to the operating room, to do a nephrectomy (removal of his kidney). His mother stood still, completely alone as her son disappeared down the hall and all she could do was absolutely nothing but hope & pray.

Then there were some hopeful moments too when Adil smiled and cheerfully waved at his mother through his hospital bed’s railings after his operation.

SO far Adil has received radiation and ten months of chemo. He has now been in remission for and doing well. Besides the scars from his nephrectomy, the only visible sign of his treatment is his lack of growth. 

His father adds, “I am sure years from now, when we look back at this time, we will be able to thank God, and for now, we are living day to day. We celebrate the good days when our son wakes up feeling well and try to cope up with bad days when he suffers because of his disease. 

So is the life, a mix of lows and high moments.

Let’s pray for the complete recovery of Adil, may he recover soon and able to smile again. Aameen. May his parents be able to smoothly complete his treatment. 

Lots of prayers for Adil and his family. May all the sick children recover soon, and their diseases never come back and may they live normal, healthy life again. Aameen

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity