Warriors and Survivors -125

 Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 125

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. 

September is recognized as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM) every year by childhood cancer organizations around the world.

With a goal to increase awareness and raise funds for those affected by childhood cancer, the American Childhood Cancer Organization encourages everyone to Go Gold® during September in honor and in memory of kids with cancer!

Each year in the U.S., an estimated 15780, children aged 0-19 are diagnosed with cancer. Approximately 1 in 285 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer before their 20th birthday. Globally more than 300,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. Every 3 minutes, a family hears the devastating words that their child has been diagnosed with cancer. 

Cancer remains the number #1 cause of death by disease for children in America. 20 % of children with cancer in the U.S. will not survive it. 

More than 85% pediatric cancer cases occur in developing countries that use less than 5% of world resources. The rate will exceed 90% in the next two decades, due to the increase of youth population in favor of developing countries. Survival rate is as low as 30% in these countries.

Childhood cancer in developing countries presents unique challenges and concerns compared to more developed nations. While advances in medical science have significantly improved the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer worldwide, there are still disparities in access to care and outcomes between developed and developing countries. Here are some key factors to consider

1. Limited Access to Healthcare: Many developing countries lack the healthcare infrastructure, medical facilities, and skilled healthcare professionals needed to diagnose and treat childhood cancer effectively. This can result in delayed diagnoses and limited access to life-saving treatments.

2. Late Diagnosis: Childhood cancer is often diagnosed at later stages in developing countries due to factors such as limited awareness, poor access to healthcare, and cultural beliefs. Late diagnosis can reduce the chances of successful treatment and increase mortality rates.

3. Lack of Specialized Pediatric Oncology Centers: Developing countries may have limited or no specialized pediatric oncology centers equipped with the necessary expertise and resources to provide comprehensive cancer care to children.

4. Financial Barriers: The cost of cancer treatment can be a significant barrier for families in developing countries, where healthcare expenses are often paid out of pocket. Many families are unable to afford the high costs of cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.

5. Stigma and Cultural Beliefs: Cultural beliefs and misconceptions about cancer can lead to stigma and discrimination against children with cancer and their families. This can result in delayed treatment and isolation.

6. Limited Access to Medications: Access to essential cancer medications and chemotherapy drugs may be limited in developing countries due to cost, availability, and distribution challenges.

7. Malnutrition and Coexisting Infections: Malnutrition and coexisting infections can complicate cancer treatment and increase the risk of complications, especially in resource-constrained settings.

8. Limited Research and Data: There may be limited research and data on childhood cancer in many developing countries, making it difficult to understand the specific challenges and design targeted interventions.

Efforts to address childhood cancer in developing countries involve a multi-faceted approach, including.

Capacity Building: Building and strengthening the healthcare infrastructure and workforce to provide specialized pediatric oncology care.

Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about childhood cancer, its signs, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment within communities.

Financial Support: Providing financial assistance and subsidies to families to ensure that they can afford cancer treatment for their children. 

International collaboration: Collaborating with international organizations and developed countries to share expertise, resources, and knowledge in the field of pediatric oncology.

Research: Conducting research to understand the unique challenges faced by children with cancer in developing countries and developing strategies to address them. 

Addressing childhood cancer in developing countries is a complex and ongoing effort that requires the involvement of governments, healthcare organizations, NGOs, and the global community to ensure that all children have access to timely and effective cancer care.

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.

Warriors and Survivors - 124

 Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 124

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. 

Shazia was diagnosed with acute Embryonal RMS(Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma) at the age of three. Her mother shares her story.  

“Shazia was previously good and well with no medical problems until developing a limp just days before her second birthday. Within days, she was unable to bear any weight. It was unclear what the problem was because her blood tests were clear, and she had no other symptoms. Eventually, she had an MRI scan which discovered lesions through all the major bones in her body.”

The family was told that she had cancer – type yet to be determined.

The diagnosis was not straightforward, and leukemia was originally ruled out because her blood and first bone marrow tests were clear. On 10 February 2021, a biopsy of one of the lesions in her leg led to a diagnosis of Embryonal RMS and later her treatment began.

Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) is a type of Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). RMS is a fast-growing tumor that typically effects children under 6 years of age. ERMS usually occurs in the head and neck, bladder, vagina, or in around prostate and testicles. 

The prognosis for ERMS depends on the tumor’s size, location, staging and child’s age. In general, ERMS has a more favorable outcome. Two subtypes of ERMS, botryoid and spindle cell rhabdomyosarcomas, have a better prognosis than the more common conventional form. 

Treatments for ERMS often include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Most cases of ERMS respond well to intensive treatment. A smaller percentage of low-risk children can do very well with markedly reduced therapy. The overall survival rate for children with RMS is about 70%. For those with intermediate risk, the five-year survival rate goes down to about 50 to 70 %. 

Back to Shazia and her ERMS treatment,  Shazia was unable to walk for some time due to complications of treatment - her symptoms were not typical. She was treated for six months at Children's Hospital and has been in remission for a few months.

She is fit, well and strong, able to do park runs and play. She is happy and looks like not afraid to hospital and follow ups. She has started school and she try to write her experience at hospital. 

She's incredible in fighting the disease at such a young age.  

Let’s do special prayers for Shazia’s smooth and successful treatment. Many sincere prayers for her successful treatment. Aameen.

Please join me in praying for health and recovery of Shazia. May she recover soon. 

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.

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity

Warriors and Survivors - 123

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 123

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. 

Wajdan, 7, loves playing video games. He zips around on his kid’s scooter — his mother, jokes he’s “a little maniac on it.” But this sweet boy has been through a great deal in his such a young life.

When Wajdan was just 6.5 years old, he had abdominal pain off and on.  Mother said: “I thought it was just a child’s excuse.” But later his pain was persistent.  Mother took him to hospital and the doctor felt Wajdan’s belly and noticed his liver was enlarged. A heel prick test indicated low hemoglobin.

Wajdan and his parents headed to a local hospital, where a blood test showed the boy’s platelet count were very high. They were referred to Children’s Hospital Lahore.

We think it’s cancer…’

At hospital, an ultrasound followed by CT scan revealed a mass on Wajdan’s liver. “They told us, ‘We think it’s cancer,’” mother recalls. “I can still remember those exact words. They were scary, but I didn’t cry. I found strength I didn’t know I had that day.”

Wajdan was admitted to the oncology unit. A biopsy confirmed it was High risk, metastatic hepatoblastoma, the most common malignant (cancerous) liver tumor in early childhood.

During the next two months, Wajdan underwent two rounds of chemotherapy.  

A new challenge

Wajdan had to face a new challenge now, doctors have referred him for liver transplant in Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute.  Wajdan has been discharged from hospital after two cycles of chemotherapy and now he will come back for other cycles after some days. 

But the transplant is the only option that can save Wajdan’s life. His parents are silent and Wajdan being 7 years old does not know what the transplant will be and what he will have to go through. 

The family belongs to Peshawar, they are an educated family and following their kid’s treatment plan religiously. But still, they have a long way to go. Liver transplant for a seven year old sounds heavy. 

Lets do special prayers for Wajdan’s smooth and successful liver transplant procedure. May they find and match and all sincere prayers for his successful surgery. Aameen.

Please join me in praying for health and recovery of Wajdan. May he recover soon. Let's also pray for his parents who have to struggle for his transplant. Ameen.

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. Ameen.

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity

Warriors and Survivors - 122

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 122

 

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. 

Alia’s first tumor was diagnosed on the Fourth of July, just after her second birthday. Though it was not easy to bear the news and get on the feet again for parents, but they decided for her treatment.

Family had to leave their hometown to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Alia’s family regularly took her to Children’s Hospital Lahore every week to treat the two-year-old for Rhabdomyosarcoma. 

By Allah’s grace and her family’s and health care professionals’ dedication by age three, she was a survivor. 

She started having a normal childhood with her due education and everything. But ten years later - right before Eid - Alia was diagnosed with cancer again. It was more shocking for her parents. This news meant, her first year as a teenager would be consumed by hospital visits, chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

“Her case, was very rare with few similar cases,” told her mother “A lot of treatments were doctors’ best guesses — not proven cures.”

She had to leave her studies again, getting back to hospital and bearing chemotherapy was another horror sight. 

She lost her hair, most painful thing in a teen life. She had effects on her stomach and the mucositis that made it hard for her to eat. 

Brave girl continued to have her treatment, following all chemotherapy, no matter how she felt during all this. Her parents never lost hope and once again managed to complete her course religiously. 

Her mother told, in January 2022, celebrating that Alia had now been cancer-free for two years. 

"The most challenging thing is trying to get back to a normal life. It seems like every time we plan something, we end up having to cancel because we need to go to the hospital or see a specialist,” said mother.

“Don't get me wrong: I am so thankful to still have her in my life, but I wish there was a way to treat cancer that doesn't destroy the rest of the body.” Alia’s mother said.

Please join me in praying for health and recovery of Alia. May she be healthy always. Let's also pray for her parents who have fought tirelessly for her. Ameen.

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. Ameen.

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity

Warriors and Survivors - 121

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 121

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. 

A loving and generous boy, Abdul always put the needs of others ahead of his own. When diagnosed with cancer at 12 years of age, he responded with courage and positivity, inspiring all those around him.

Abdul’s mother described him as ‘a gentle giant’, a nurturing boy who often took on the role of protector. A confident and friendly child and he was loved by all. When he started high school, Abdul was keen to be involved in school games. 

It was this busy schedule that made his mother think stress was to blame when Abdul began to experience headaches and vomiting in late 2020. But when he became dehydrated and started to lose weight, his parents decided to take him to hospital. The next morning, an MRI was done which showed up a brain tumor.

“We were like, "what? He has anxiety, he’s just got stress." I honestly couldn’t believe the diagnosis.” Said his mother.

Abdul was rushed to Children’s Hospital, where the family had an agonising wait while more tests were done. Then came the heartbreaking diagnosis: a brain cancer called anaplastic astrocytoma Grade III. The cancer was rare, inoperable and terminal.

Abdul underwent an operation to drain some of the fluid from his brain, and soon after began a grueling treatment schedule, with radiation treatment given every day for six weeks. Despite suffering ongoing nausea, a series of seizures, and a range of other horrific side effects, he never once complained.

“He was vomiting a lot and must have felt disgusting, but he didn’t complain once. He was so strong.” Said his mother. 

The pressure in Abdul’s brain had to be relieved regularly and a shunt was put in his head to allow for drainage. When he could, he went to school for a few hours at a time and played with friends. Once radiotherapy was over, six months of chemotherapy began. Abdul faced each challenge with incredible bravery, while his parents kept their hope alive. 

As Abdul’s cancer grew, he was progressively stripped of his functions. First his eyesight went, then the entire right side of his body. Soon he couldn’t walk on his own, became incontinent and was in constant pain. On 17 November 2022, Abdul went into palliative care. Just over a week later, and less than 12 months after his diagnosis, he passed away.

“This is the hardest part for us, living without our son. If we can save just one life, that would be awesome.” Said his father.

His parents are determined to do all they can to prevent other families from having to endure such unbearable loss. They want to act for brain cancer children.

“Children and their families shouldn’t have to go through this. We have to do all we can to stop this happening to anyone else.” Abdul’s mother

Please join me in praying for the hereafter journey of Abdul. May he be exalted by Allah. Let's also pray for his parents to have the strength and fortitude to bear this huge loss. Ameen.

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. Ameen.

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity

Warriors and Survivors -120

 Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 120

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. 

This is the treatment success story of a girl child.

Sohima was only a five year old child, she had been suffering from AML for the last three years. 

Her father was a taxi driver, and her mother a regular housewife; Sohima had three siblings. The family belongs to Bannu, KPK, Pakistan and due to their beloved child’s treatment, the family had to move back and forth between their hometown and Lahore. 

Sohima didn’t cry as a baby unless she was hungry or tired. To many parents, that seemed like a dream come true. But for Sohima’s mom, something seemed a little off so she talked to her local pediatrician about her. 

The pediatrician suggested she be seen by an oncologist at Children’s Hospital for further testing since she was exhibiting symptoms that might be associated with cancer. Sohima had fever for seven days along with decreased appetite and increased fussiness.

At only 16 months of age, Sohima was diagnosed with childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of blood cancer in which the bone marrow makes a large number of abnormal blood cells. AML is the second most common form of leukemia in children, after acute lymphoblastic leukemia. About 500 children in the United States are diagnosed with AML every year.

Sohima underwent approximately seven months of intensive intravenous chemotherapy. She was a candidate for stem cell transplant though her parents and sister were not suitable matches. She fortunately was cured with chemotherapy alone though she had a very guarded prognosis based on the treatments available. 

Until the age of 18, Sohima visited hospital for yearly checkups and has gotten a clean bill of health. Although Sohima was diagnosed with AML so many years ago and was too young to remember many of the details involving her life-saving treatment, one thing that has stayed with her and her family is the compassionate care that health care staff had provided not only during her treatment but throughout her young adult life.

After getting treatment, Sohima moved back to her hometown with her parents. Despite the long distance and long after her cancer diagnosis and treatment, she was amazed that clinicians continued to reach out to her.

Clinicians says they are very proud of Sohima for all of her courage and strength during the whole treatment.

“It has been very gratifying to see her development from infancy to early childhood and how she thrives as a very healthy and successful child.  Sohima personifies the patient successes we have achieved at the Children’s Hospital with healthcare team of medical specialists including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, social workers and support staff.” 

Please join me in praying for the complete and continuous recovery of Sohima. May she fully recover and remain in good health. Let's also pray for her parents to have a happy and easy time with her. Ameen.

Lots of prayers for Iman and her family, and for all sick children to recover quickly and never experience their illnesses again. May they lead happy and healthy lives once more. Ameen.

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity

Warriors and Survivors - 119

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 119

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. 

Iman was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at four years of age, after her mother discovered a rash of tiny pinprick dots on her body one morning. She seemed relatively well regardless of this, except for having recent viral colds and fevers; things that parents overlook as normal for a toddler picking things up from nursery in the winter. The parents had the rash checked out because it didn’t feel right, even after her GP told it was nothing to worry about. She was diagnosed ALL in emergency after her blood test.

Iman grew up into the most amazing little girl, despite three and a half years of treatment and all the trauma that came with it. In 2020 she rang the end of treatment bell at home during lockdown and her parents looked forward to life after cancer. Devastatingly the nightmare returned when she suffered a late relapse in November 2021.She suddenly deteriorated after having a common cold, so they took her straight to hospital where a full blood count showed large numbers of leukemia cells present in her blood again. Doctors were baffled at how late after finishing treatment this has happened. 

Iman was enrolled onto a relapse protocol, sadly this didn’t work, the ALL was more aggressive, and Iman had become refractory to chemotherapy. It was decided in a MDT meeting that Iman would need to start immunotherapy and as long as this helped her reach remission, she would receive a bone marrow transplant. To her complete relief, the immunotherapy worked, and she was again in remission, the search for a donor began and she was admitted to the children’s hospital in February 2022 to begin the transplant. 

18 months later, Iman was well, and things were starting to take shape. She had been hit with some autoimmune complications post-transplant and she was diagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia in November 2022. Up until the last couple of weeks, this stopped her being able to return to school and she needed to stay relatively isolated, but fingers crossed, now things are moving forward with her having just started school part-time after the thumbs up from her consultants.

Iman is a passionate child, she adores animals, particularly cats. She cares a lot about the environment and well-being of all creatures. She is also very much into the cartoon movies, having thought of her favorite cartoon movies. Watching cartoon films got her through some long and unpleasant days during her four-month transplant stay. These things always brought the Iman we know back into the room when things got hard. 

Please join me in praying for the complete and safe recovery of Iman. May she fully recover and remain in good health. Let's also pray for her parents to have a happy and easy time with her. Ameen.

Lots of prayers for Iman and her family, and for all sick children to recover quickly and never experience their illnesses again. May they lead happy and healthy lives once more. Ameen.

Note: Names have been changed to protect identity