Warriors and Survivors - 132

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 132

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. 

“Doing the cancer walk with your child is not all roses… it’s hard to stay positive and look at the upside” said Wania’s father. 

When she was only six years old, the life that Wania knew suddenly changed. She was now facing a world of hospitals, needles, and seemingly endless doses of medication that make her feel sick.

Wania had been complaining of tummy upsets and aches and pains for several weeks, but everyone thought it was just growing pains. Later, an ultrasound picked up the real cause – a tumor the size of a fist near her left kidney. Her official diagnosis was Stage 4 neuroblastoma.

“The cancer was all through her body. It was in her skull, her jaw, her spine, her legs and her bone marrow also. No wonder she felt sick” said her father with tears in his eyes.

The parents weren’t prepared for how quickly Wania would deteriorate. Their sunny, sweet girl was being ‘eaten up’ by this terrible illness rapidly. Two weeks after being admitted to Hospital, the pain in her legs was so bad she couldn’t walk. Wania’s treatment began immediately with seven rounds of chemotherapy, as well as a nine-hour surgery to remove most of the tumor and her left kidney. During the next few months the family was by Wania’s side as she underwent chemotherapy.

Her parents were standby all the time for their daughter. They were awake in an instant in the middle of the night to help their daughter as she endured the side-effects of her treatment.

Mother said sadly, “It was like having a newborn baby again – the nappy changes, the sleeplessness, the bad dream”

Wania’s appetite was completely destroyed by the cancer and the medication, so she had to be tube fed. The constant demands of Wania’s medical regime, the emotional strain and the day-to day cares of life took their toll on everyone. Her father took extended leave from work, while the mother took hold of hospital stay. 

Life was very different; it was all about survival. The parents would do anything they needed to do to help their precious daughter get better.

Children with cancer have an all-consuming passion for life and Wania was no exception. After two years, finally treatment stopped, and Wania was able to head back to school.

Unfortunately, not long after completing treatment, Wania relapsed just after six months. Over the next few months, despite intensive treatment, Wania experienced relapse, as her cancer became more aggressive and resistant to conventional therapies. 

After another couple of months, Wania sadly passed away surrounded by her loving family. She is another addition to the children in heaven.  Whenever a child dies of cancer, it makes me recall all the children I know who have passed away due to cancer

Prayers for Wania’s smooth life ahead. Many prayers for her parents who are going through a very difficult time.  

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 - 131

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 131

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. 

Muhammad Hussain is only two years old and so far, all he got is his cancer diagnosis. Muhammad Hussain is suffering from NHL (Non-Hodgkin’s or Burkitt Lymphoma). 

His ailment began with harmless swelling on neck and with time the swelling enlarged. Initially M. Hussain was doing well with this but later he was febrile and agitated.  His parents took him for checkup and understanding his condition, physician suspected some serious matter and referred him to Children’s Hospital. 

Muhammad Hussain went through a series of tests and at the age of 18 months he was diagnosed as a case of Burkitt’s Lymphoma, a very aggressive cancer, at the age of two in June 2023. At that point in time, within seconds, family’s life fell apart and shattered into millions of tiny pieces. No one can ever prepare for the pain and total devastation one feel when they are told: “I’m really sorry but Hussain has cancer”.

Mother told; she fell to the floor screaming whilst Hussain’s father stood listening to consultant in total shock with tears rolling down his face. The following day Hussain’s cancer journey started as he was admitted to Children’s hospital oncology department, for the official diagnosis, placement of his Hickman line and start of his very intensive chemotherapy. The emotions the family went through are so hard to describe and very even harder to see them suffering.

Over the following days Hussain’s family found some strength with support from the other inspirational families and their brave children and also the kind staff helping families through. Mother said, “We could never have prepared ourselves for how ill our precious little boy was to become in order to get him better”. 

Chemotherapy is no doubt a cure, but it is way too hard for a two-year-old child. The temperatures, the hair loss, loss of control of his bladder and bowels, his skin breaking down into raw open wounds, the sickness, infections and so much more.

The mucositis he suffered with was horrific, he had ulcers all over his mouth and down throughout his body. He couldn’t talk, couldn’t eat, couldn’t drink, couldn’t open his mouth, couldn’t move and he must have been in horrific pain and felt so ill.

It was heartbreaking and helpless. He was hooked up to so many things to help him through alongside his chemotherapy, anti-sickness, high dose IV morphine, high dose IV paracetamol, IV antibiotics.

He was too weak to have a nasogastric tube and Hussain had to be “fed” through his Hickman line via TPN (total parenteral nutrition) which was able to provide him with the nutrients his body needed whilst he fought this horrific battle.

So far, Hussain is on chemotherapy and sometimes he goes through very hard days and sometimes Hussain does well. Its start of his journey and he has to go through whole treatment. We pray that he will be able to bear his treatment and do well.

Prayers for M Hussain’s smooth life ahead. Many prayers for his parents who are going through a very difficult time.  

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 - 130

 Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 130

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. 

Laila had already been a warrior even before her birth, due to complications before she was born. When she came into the world, her family was grateful to have her in their lives.

One night during an ordinary nappy change at bedtime, her mother found blood in her nappy and she was frightened and knew right away something was wrong. From that day everything changed. Doctors found a 7cm Rhabdomyosarcoma in the vagina and she was immediately in the hands of specialists, and they had to make life changing decisions about her fertility and after many tests and difficult decisions they were ready to start the first of nine rounds of chemotherapy.

Only the families and members of staff actually know what that’s like to be with a cancer patient. While asking so many questions to doctor, the mother also asked, ‘is this disease terminal?’ To even ask this question is unthinkable as a parent. 

Laila’s big sister is eight and loves her baby sister. It was incredibly hard for her because she could not see Laila when she was in hospital because of infection risks. The parents would take turns to be in the hospital overnight and be at home, so the elder sister only had one parent around at one time. A few times between chemotherapy rounds, Laila became unwell and had to go back into hospital. This was very upsetting for an eight year old child. 

It was great news that after seven months, Laila was officially declared in remission. The family started to return to a ‘normal’ family life. Until Laila gets her immunity fully restored, her family needs to be extra careful. 

However, Laila is not out of the woods, she is still having regular scans and monitoring. This will go on probably for the rest of her life. But that’s a comfort, so the parents know where their child stands. The parents are grateful to all the wonderful hospital staff they met during this experience. All the charities, support from their family, friends and even strangers who helped them really made a difference. Laila is just adorable and makes everyone laugh every day. Especially when both sisters get up to mischief.

Prayers for Laila’s smooth life ahead. Many prayers for her parents who went through a very difficult time.  

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 - 129

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 129

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. 

Cancer like chronic disease is troublesome wherever the patient is but it becomes worse when you have to travel to another country for the treatment, no matter what the reason may be, whether its treatment facility not available or if available, the patient is unable to avail that.

Joma Gul is 12 years old poor child from Kabul who has migrated from Afghanistan with her family for her treatment in Children’s hospital Lahore. Joma Gul is very cute Afghani child who was doing well 10 months ago. Then she developed a swelling on the right side of her neck below the ear. The swelling increased in size gradually and she had intermittent fever with weight loos. Though Joma had no pain in the swelling, nor there was any kind of discharge from the area, but her fever and weight loss along with this swollen neck was something serious.

The parents travelled to Peshawar for her treatment, and the physician in Peshawar referred her to The Children’s Hospital Lahore for diagnosis and treatment. Along with other diagnostic tests, biopsy was done, and little beautiful child and her parents got the worst ever news that she was suffering with Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (cancer of nose and pharynx). 

Her treatment was planned, discussed with the family and Joma had her first chemotherapy in early September this year. A long way to go living in another country and leaving behind rest of the family and kids back home is not an easy task. But both the family and child are determined to defeat the cancer and doing whatever they can for the health of their child. 

Joma is in grade six and a bright kid, but now she has her long treatment ahead which may not allow her to continue her education for at least next couple of years. But she is willing to study during treatment at her own. 

Though the treatment course is long and cumbersome but the family’s determination to beat the cancer seems strong and we pray that Allah grant them strength and courage to actually defeat this horrible disease in a distant land. Aameen 

Prayers for Joma’s smooth treatment and smooth recovery. Many prayers for her parents who are going through a very difficult time.  

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 - 128

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 128

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. 

Shortly after his third birthday, Zain’s parents began to notice significant swelling on the right side of Zain’s head. Their worries began growing after they realized that Zain was more tired than usual, presenting signs of difficulty in breathing, and struggling to complete everyday activities.

To their worry, at that point, Zain’s parents decided to take Zain to the local physician as the poor family belonged to a small town Daska. The physician referred Zain to tertiary care hospital as Zain needed thorough investigations. His parents took him to Children’s hospital where several blood tests and scans would soon determine their family's journey for the next several years. Anxiously awaiting the blood test results, the parents received a call from laboratory advising them to take Zain to the emergency department at Children’s Hospital immediately. At that point, they began to realize this was something serious.

Zain’s parents will never forget the last week of school, when they picked him up and took him to the emergency department at s Children’s Hospital for further testing, where more blood work, an x-ray and other imaging were performed. That day, parents received the news that no parent should ever have to hear – “your child has leukemia.”

Zain was diagnosed with Pre B acute lymphocytic leukemia. He was immediately admitted and placed under the care of pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorder department, where he began his treatment plan.

Now more than three months since his diagnosis and start of treatment, Zain is doing well so far. Zain and his parents have a long way to go. It is really a long and arduous journey for a poor family like Zain’s. 

As for Zain, unaware of what is happening to him, he is enjoying life like every kid should. He recently became a big brother, welcoming his little sister to the world. Zain and his family also accepted the new life while full of everyday challenges. Prayers that they may be able to handle these challenges to Zain’s recovery. 

Prayers for Zain’s smooth treatment and early recovery. Many prayers for his parents who are going through a very difficult time.  

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 -127

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 127

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. 

Jawad was only six years old when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Jawad loves Rubik’s cube and he can solve a Rubik’s cube without a problem. He loves cricket and spending time with his siblings.

In January 2023, Jawad was fighting what seemed like a bad cold. After weeks of fever and medical tests, his family’s concern was growing – after all, he had always been such a healthy kid. Next couple of weeks, the family was busy in hospital visits for Jawad’s tests and treatment.  Later he was referred to children hospital as his symptoms were persistent. At Children hospital, Jawad had to go for most of blood tests to confirm the cause of his persistent symptoms. Because most his tests came back normal, it wasn’t until February that Jawad received an official diagnosis: acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The next three months revolved around Jawad’s treatment. His treatment regimen was straightforward, and he was fortunate enough not to have any prolonged hospital stays, adverse reactions or secondary conditions. He Is under treatment now; his chemotherapy Induction phase is going on. By the grace of Allah, Jawad is tolerating well his treatment plan so far and he has no need to stay longer at the hospital.

Thankfully, Jawad’s mom and dad are managing the treatment and travelling all the way from outstation. But it is a long treatment and who knows will they be able to continue the treatment with same spirit?

 “We didn’t know how we would cover all the costs, but when you are making these decisions – the life and death of your child – finances fall very low on the list,” his mother says. Fortunately, we have some social worker and philanthropist who help patients and their families financially as well.

With the help of these social worker and philanthropists, many families are managing the travel and living expenses for the treatment of their children. . We are so thankful for them for their help that allows many families the possibility of pursuing a treatment option for their beloved children. Having to make care choices for your child under the worry of financial pressure is something that no family should have to do.”

Prayers for Jawad’s smooth treatment and early recovery. Many prayers for his parents who are going through a very difficult time.  

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 - 126

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 126

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. 

Abu Bakar was 4 years old when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. His mother shares his story.

“Abu Bakar was 4 years old and he had been healthy and happy child until when he first started having constant chest infections, sore limbs, weight loss and feeling generally lethargic. After a couple of courses of antibiotics, the doctor told it was suspected sepsis. We took him to ER and his bloodwork was done; we were advised the diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. This was heartbreaking day and our lives changed drastically since the day.

His treatment was started in Children’s hospital and first course was induction. After induction he was moved to treatment regimen C which was more intense chemotherapy than predicted. I felt sick as other parents told me their child was on treatment regimen A. 

Abu Bakar had 2 seizures which was so scary. After his first seizure he was admitted to the ICU due to the methotrexate in the lumbar puncture procedure. He got settled in few days and his chemotherapy started again. 

Abu Bakar is now in maintenance cycle 4 and he  will finish his treatment in  December 2024 - we cannot wait for this day!

Things have changed so much for us as a family. Abu Bakar is so used to the hospital, which is sad. I don't think he remembers much of his life before all his treatment.

Sometimes he goes to school when he is well enough but it's hard for him as he misses so much time. His elder sisters have coped incredibly and played a positive role in managing this crucial time. 

For me having a cancer child is a life changing situation that nobody should ever be in.

All my relatives and everyone asks how we do it. I think if Abu Bakar can do it, then so can we!”

Prayers for Abu Bakar’s smooth treatment and early recovery. Many prayers for his parents who are going through a very difficult time.  

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.