Warriors and Survivors - 157

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 157

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. 

Bilal was diagnosed with kidney cancer when he was one year old. It was a worst time for him and his parents. His parents strived hard for his cancer treatment and with this treatment Bilal managed to live nearly 07 years with half a kidney before it started to fail last year.

His parents called for help to search kidney donors and after an extensive search for three months they succeeded in finding a near match. After a long search Bilal and family found a matched donor and soon the little champ was ready for a transplant. Though he had a matched donor but transplant is  a complex treatment.  With Allah’s grace and efforts of health care team and his family,  Bilal’s transplant worked well.

Transplant brings lots of precautions and a modified lifestyle. With a new kidney to care for, Bilal had been more careful as per clinician’s recommendation. He could not play and enjoy his childhood like every other child. Bilal is still a young boy with a transplanted kidney, and he has his whole life ahead. He is fond of playing cricket and wants to be an engineer. 

His parents are working hard for his smooth life and health ahead. Let’s pray that Bilal lives a healthy and happy life. 

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 -156

 Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 156

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. 

Waqas was living a very active life on a small property in Okara with his family, when he developed persistent fever. His parents took him to the GP, who thought it was ‘just the flu’. Waqas then started complaining of pain when he sat down. 

The father took Waqas to the pediatrician for tests and was waiting for the results when he noticed a small red dot on Waqas’s hip − a symptom he now knows as petechiae.  He rang a friend who is a GP, who suggested to take Waqas to the local hospital to get checked. 

Waqas was admitted to the local hospital where he had blood tests done. A few hours later, Waqas’s blood test results came back abnormal, and he was transferred to a public hospital for further investigations. Initially, the parents were told that their son most likely had leukaemia. But later they were given a definitive diagnosis: acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). 

The parents were advised to expect six months of intensive treatment. All began well, with Waqas going into remission after his first round of chemotherapy. But the journey was like a roller costar. 

It is never easy for parents with a sick child having chemotherapy. Waqas and family however survived by Allah’s grand grace.

Today, Waqas is 8 years old and in Grade 3 at school. Looking to the future, his parents are fearful that Waqas is at risk of further health challenges as a result of his cancer treatment, as well as the Fanconi anemia. There are a lot of things that could come up as he grows. 

But the family is determined for the challenges for the sake of the little angel. 

Prayers for  Waqas’s  healthy life ahead. Lots of prayers for his parents and whole family who is with him always. 

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 - 155

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 155

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. 

Sometimes, we encounter stories that tug at our hearts, reminding us of the resilience and courage found within the human spirit. Today, I will share the journey of a 6-year-old boy Ali battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a journey that paints a portrait of strength in pain.

Leukemia, a term that may sound horrible to some, becomes painfully real when it touches the life of a child. A diagnosis of AML shakes the very foundation for both the child and their family. Suddenly, routines are replaced with hospital visits, playground laughter gives way to the hushed whispers of medical staff, and illness.

For a 6-year-old, life is supposed to be about exploring the world with wide-eyed wonder, not navigating the complexities of chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants. Yet, here he is, bravely facing each day with a resilience in spite of his tender age. His small frame may be weak, but his spirit shines brightly amidst the darkness of disease. 

The suffering and pain of AML manifest in various ways for this young warrior. There are the physical challenges – the nausea that accompanies chemotherapy, the fatigue that weighs heavily upon his limbs, and the uncertainty of how his body will respond to treatment. Yet, it is the emotional toll that often goes unseen, the silent struggles that play out behind closed doors. 

Imagine the confusion and fear that cloud his innocent mind as needles pierce his skin and medications flow into his veins. Imagine the ache of longing as he watches other children play outside while he remains confined to a hospital bed. And yet, amidst it all, there is a tiny hope – a belief that tomorrow holds the promise of better days.

In the midst of his suffering, this 6-year-old finds peace in the simple joys that life still offers. He may not be able to run and play like other children, but he finds companionship in the nurses who tend to his needs with gentle hands and warm smiles. He may miss out on schoolyard adventures, but he discovers the magic of storytelling through books and videos.  

As he undergoes treatment, his family becomes his anchor, providing unconditional support and love. They too feel the weight of his illness, yet their presence serves as a source of strength for him during the darkest of days. 

This 6-year-old may be battling AML, but he is also rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a survivor. 

So, as we bear witness to his journey, let us hold him in our thoughts and prayers, sending him love and light as he continues to his journey. And may we draw inspiration from his courage, knowing that even in the face of adversity, hope shines brightest of all

Prayers for  Ali’s  healthy life ahead. Lots of prayers for his parents and whole family who is with him always. 

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 - 154

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 154

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. 

Meet Sarah, a vibrant and courageous 12-year-old who has been facing a tough challenge. Last year, Sarah was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Her journey has been filled with ups and downs, but through it all, she has remained a shining example of resilience and strength.

Sarah's treatment plan involved several phases Sarah underwent surgery to remove the tumor from her leg. The surgery was a success, and the tumor was completely removed. But she had to be on wheelchair for few months. 

After surgery, Sarah began chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells. She had to undergo several rounds of chemo, which lasted for several months. Chemotherapy for a 12 year old weak girl is a lot to bear but the poor girl had no option. Sometimes you don’t have any other option except to be brave. 

Sarah also underwent radiation therapy to target any remaining cancer cells in her leg. There was another mountain to reach i.e., Sarah had to undergo physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in her leg.

Throughout her treatment, Sarah faced many challenges, including hair loss, fatigue, nausea, pain and missing out on activities with friends and family. But despite these challenges, Sarah remained positive and determined. 

Through her journey, Sarah learned many valuable lessons, including the importance of staying positive and focused and the value of support from family and friends. The power of resilience and determination.  Today, Sarah is in remission and doing well. She is back to her normal activities, including playing soccer and spending time with friends and family. Her journey with osteosarcoma has taught her to appreciate life's little moments and to never take anything for granted.

Prayers for Sarah's  healthy life ahead. Lots of prayers for her parents and whole family who fought this battle together.  

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 -153

 Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 153

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. 

Amna was just 8 months old when she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. After two operations and round after round of chemotherapy, she was finally declared cancer free. Today, she is a happy and healthy ten-year-old, with two very grateful parents. 

When Amna turned six months old, her parents were grateful for having a bright and bubbly baby girl, and everything was going fine. But one night, Amna was choking, and she couldn’t breathe. The parents rushed her straight to hospital.

An X-ray revealed that one of Amna’s lungs had collapsed and she had fluid on both lungs. The next morning, a CT scan showed a mass in her chest and abdomen. The parents weren’t sure what was happening. “I was looking down at Amna in her cot, tubes everywhere, and thinking: What does all this mean?” her mother said.

At the hospital, the medical team told parents that the mass in Amna’s body was likely to be neuroblastoma, the most common solid tumor found in babies. 

Later, the news was bad: Amna had stage 4 neuroblastoma that had spread to her bones.

Amna’s tumor was too large to operate on, so high-dose chemotherapy began immediately. The family settled into a new routine: one week of chemotherapy, two weeks off. The parents had no choice except to wait, and trust Allah that the treatment was working for their precious daughter.

After first round of chemotherapy, a scan revealed that the tumor had reduced in size by 50%. Chemotherapy continued, but after six more rounds, there was no further progress.

With Amna now eleven months old, the doctors decided to operate. They managed to remove the tumor from her chest.  Amna spent her first birthday in isolation. After four more rounds of chemotherapy and a second operation, the tumor seemed to have gone.

The next two years were hard, with anxiety continuing through regular check-ups and the constant fear of relapse. 

Today, Amna is a happy and healthy ten-year-old girl. She loves to play with friends. Amna says when she grows up, she wants to be a nurse who will take care of sick children. 

Prayers for Amna's  healthy life ahead. Lots of prayers for her parents and whole family who fought this battle together.  

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 - 152

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 152

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. 

In a small town of Abbotabad between hills and lush greenery, there lived a nine-year-old girl named Sarah. She was known for her infectious laughter, boundless energy, and a shiny smile that could brighten her family.

But behind that cheerful face there is a story of resilience, courage, and unwavering determination that would inspire all who knew her. Sarah's journey with Hodgkin lymphoma began unexpectedly, that affected her carefree childhood.

It was a seemingly ordinary day when she complained of persistent fatigue and unexplained weight loss since many days. Concerned, her parents took her to the doctor, hoping for a quick remedy to her mysterious ailments. However, what followed was a series of medical tests, consultations, and a diagnosis that shook their world.  

Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare form of cancer that typically affects the lymphatic system, had invaded Sarah's young body. Suddenly, their lives were consumed by hospital visits, chemotherapy sessions, and the uncertainty of future.  For Sarah, the reality of battling a life-threatening illness at such a tender age was incomprehensible. 

The days blurred into weeks, and the weeks into months as Sarah underwent grueling rounds of chemotherapy. The treatment took its toll, leaving her weak, nauseous, and robbed of her vibrant vitality. There were moments of despair when she questioned why this was happening to her, longing for the carefree days of playing with friends and laughter with family. But in the midst of adversity, Sarah discovered a strength within herself that she never knew existed.

Throughout her treatment, Sarah's zest for life remained undimmed. Despite the physical toll of chemotherapy, she found moments of joy in the simplest of pleasures – playing with her favorite toys, sharing laughter with loved ones, and cherishing the beauty of each day. And then, one fateful day, came the news they had been longing for – Sarah was declared cancer-free. The battle had been won, but the journey was far from over. With the same courage and resilience that had carried her through the darkest of times, Sarah embraced her newfound freedom, seizing each moment with gratitude and joy. 

Today, Sarah stands as a symbol of hope and resilience, a living testament to the strength of the human spirit. Her journey serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for hope, and that miracles do happen, often in the most unexpected of ways. But perhaps the most profound lesson of all lies in the wisdom of a 9-year-old girl who taught us that true courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to face it head-on, armed with faith, hope, and love.  

Prayers for Sarah's  healthy life ahead. Lots of prayers for her parents and whole family who fought this battle together.  

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 -151

 Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 151

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. 

In the quiet city of Okara, a 6-year-old boy named Jamshaid was living the carefree life of a typical young boy. With a smile that could light up the darkest room and a heart full of dreams, he spent his days playing with friends and exploring the small world around him. 

But one day, Jamshaid 's parents noticed something was amiss. Their once energetic and playful son seemed unusually tired and pale. Bruises appeared on his skin without explanation, and even the slightest bump seemed to cause him immense pain. Concerned, they took him to physician, hoping for answers.

The diagnosis was devastating: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. Suddenly, Jamshaid's and his family’s carefree days of childhood were replaced with hospital visits, treatments, and uncertainty. 

Jamshaid's parents, overwhelmed with fear and disbelief, struggled to come to terms with the diagnosis. But amidst the chaos and heartache, they found strength in their love for their son and a determination to fight with this disease.

The treatment journey was grueling. Jamshaid  underwent rounds of intensive chemotherapy to target the cancerous cells. The treatments took a toll on his young body, leaving him weak, nauseous, and bald. But through it all, Jamshaid  remained resilient, facing each obstacle with a bravery far beyond his young age.

As the time passed, Jamshaid's family held onto hope and belief that their son would emerge victorious in his battle against cancer. They found solace in the support of friends, family, and the medical team caring for Jamshaid, who worked passionately to ensure his comfort and well-being.

But the road to recovery was full of challenges and hazards. Jamshaid 's  weakened immune system left him vulnerable to infections, and the risk of complications.  Yet, amidst the uncertainty, there were moments of joy and triumph: the first signs of remission, the sound of Jamshaid 's  laughter filling the hospital room. As Jamshaid continues his fight against AML, his story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. His courage inspires those around him to never lose hope, to cherish every moment, and believe that, together, we can overcome even the greatest of challenges. 

In the small city of Okara, a 6-year-old boy named Jamshaid 's  is teaching us all what it means to be truly brave, to face the unknown with courage, and to never give up hope. And as his story unfolds, it is reminder that in the midst of life's greatest trials, the strength of the human spirit will always prevail. 

Prayers for Jamshaid 's   successful treatment. Lots of prayers for his parents and whole family who are fighting this battle together.  

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.