Warriors and Survivors - 210

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 210

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. 

Rukhsana, a 13-year-old girl from Bahawalpur, was living a simple, joyful life. As a 9th grader, she had everything a teenager could ask for: school, friends, family, and the kind of happiness that comes with being young. She spent her days laughing with classmates, helping her mother at home, and dreaming of the future. Life felt good, and Rukhsana had no reason to believe that anything would change.

But then, one day, everything did.

It all started with a fever. At first, Rukhsana thought it was just a normal illness, something everyone gets from time to time. But when the fever didn’t go away after a few days, and she started feeling more tired than usual, her mother began to worry. Ten days passed, and instead of feeling better, her condition got worse. Her neck began to swell, first on one side, then on both. She looked pale and worn out, and her usual energy seemed like down.

Her mother knew something wasn’t right. She thought the fever might be a simple infection and that a round of antibiotics would do the trick. But when they saw the doctor, things didn’t go as expected. Instead of prescribing the usual medicine, the doctor suggested that they run a series of tests. At this point, Rukhsana was feeling exhausted and was struggling to keep up with her daily routine. Her mother agreed, not realizing how much their world was about to change.

The test results came back, and they were a shock. Instead of getting a prescription for antibiotics or medicine to treat an infection, the doctor referred Rukhsana to the Hematology Oncology unit. The mention of oncology, a word associated with cancer, sent a chill through her mother’s heart. Could it be cancer? The thought seemed almost impossible. Rukhsana was so young. She was supposed to be healthy. The idea that something so serious could be happening to her felt unreal.

But reality quickly set in. They were told that she needed further tests at a hospital in Lahore. With no time to waste, Rukhsana and her mother made the journey, not knowing what awaited them. In the hospital, the doctors conducted more tests, and the diagnosis came through: Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Pre-B ALL). It was a form of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, and Rukhsana’s world would never be the same.

She began her chemotherapy at the Children’s Hospital in Lahore, a place filled with doctors, nurses, and other children going through similar struggles. Every day, she faces treatments that leave her tired and weak, but her spirit remains unbroken. Though she is often too tired to play with friends or go to school, Rukhsana still holds onto hope. She dreams of the day she can go back to her normal life, to the days before the fever started, and to the moments when life felt simple and carefree.

But for now, she fights. She fights because she has no other choice. She fights because she knows her family is with her every step of the way. Her mother stays by her side through every doctor’s visit, every chemotherapy session, and every moment of fear. Her family, too, is doing everything they can to support her, and their love gives her the strength to keep going.

There is no certainty about what the future holds. Doctors are doing their best to help her, but the truth is, no one knows what will happen next. Some days are harder than others, and the road ahead is long and filled with challenges. But Rukhsana is not alone. Her community, her friends, and her family are all praying for her and hoping for her recovery. Every day, they send their love and support, and every day, she faces her battle with the kind of courage that inspires everyone around her.

Right now, we don’t know what the future holds for Rukhsana. We don’t know if she will fully recover, but we hold onto hope. We pray for her strength, for her health, and for her to overcome the hardships she faces. She is not just a patient at a hospital—she is a young girl with dreams, with a future, and with a family who will do everything to help her reach that future.

The journey is not over yet, but one thing is certain: she has already shown more courage than many people ever will. Her story is a reminder that life can change in an instant, but so can our strength and our ability to fight back. Rukhsana may be facing the toughest battle of her young life, but she is doing it with a bravery that will stay with her forever.

Prayers for the all the sick children and their families who have to face this pain of cancer. May Allah make it easy for them. Aameen

Lots of prayers for Rukhsana to recover quickly and never experience her illnesses again. May she live happy and healthy life once again. Aameen.

Warriors and Survivors - 209

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 209

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. 

When 14-year-old Tahir was diagnosed with cancer in 2022, his family decided for treatment at Children’s Hospital.

He was diagnosed with T-lymphoblastic lymphoma, which is a rare form of aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This disease is characterized by excessive immature white blood cells which are mostly found in the lymph nodes and spleen. Tumors usually arise in the middle of the chest, though lymphoma cells may also appear elsewhere in the body.

Tahir’s journey began in Okara when he started feeling chest pain while playing. He was taken to the hospital. When Tahir arrived at the hospital, he was taken to the emergency center as his tumor was pushing on his heart and was causing a lot of damage. They reached out to oncologist, and he immediately suggested they transfer to the  children’s hospital.

Tahir remembers that it all happened very fast. He recalls coming into Children’s emergency department on a Monday, he had tumor biopsy and a port placement, by Saturday he started his first chemotherapy treatment. Though treatment was not easy for anyone, but the treatments were successful, and the tumor began shrinking.

The brave teenager, who now is back home, went through nine months of intensive treatment and several hospital stays.

“Tahir was surprised to see that the hospital really specializes in children, he could see that everyone is kind, always checking on children and trying to help them. When he first came, he was amazed to see the games and crafts and food that children like.

Tahir talks about challenges of cancer, and he also says that he would tell any new patient to be positive and hopeful.

Tahir has already gone back to school and will continue another 18 months of mild maintenance chemotherapy. He also will continue to spread awareness about cancer and challenges of the treatment.

Prayers for the all the sick children and their families who have to face this pain of cancer. May Allah make it easy for them. Aameen

Lots of prayers for Tahir to recover quickly and never experience his illnesses again. May they lead happy and healthy lives once more. Aameen.

Warriors and Survivors -208

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 208

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, the parents began to notice significant bruising on the body and also below the knees on their son, Tahir. Their worries grew further when they started realizing that Tahir is more tired than usual. He was having difficulty breathing, and he was struggling to do  everyday activities.

It was worrisome at this point, so they decided to take Tahir to the pediatrician, where some blood tests would soon determine their family's journey for the next several years. While anxiously awaiting the blood test results, the parents received a call from their pediatrician advising them to take Tahir to the emergency department at Children’s Hospital immediately. At that point, they began to realize this was something really serious..

Tahir’s parents will never forget the last week of school, when they picked him up and took him to the emergency department at 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.”

Tahir was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He was immediately admitted and placed under the care of pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Children’s hospital, where he began his treatment plan.

It’s been more than a year now since his diagnosis and start of treatment, Tahir is doing well so far. His parents are trying their best to keep up with his treatment requirements and also his emotional needs. His mother is always with him and his father is also seen very often with him.

For all the three, life is quite uncertain so far, but they are trying to do their best in all ways. 

As for Tahir, he is enjoying life like every kid should. He is too young to understand what treatment and Leukemia means. He just knows he is in hospital and his parents are always there for him. Tahir still has to go through a long treatment journey and his parents have to struggle a lot.

Prayers for the all the sick children and their families who have to face this pain of cancer. May Allah make it easy for them. Aameen

 Lots of prayers for Tahir to recover quickly and never experience his illnesses again. May they lead happy and healthy lives once more. Aameen.

Warriors and Survivors - 207

Warriors and Survivors - Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 207

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. 

One day, Ali’s mother noticed some swelling on his left leg, but she thought it was just a rash or a common insect bite. Soon she realized that the swelling was not decreasing in size, it was still there after many days, she decided to take Ali to his pediatrician who recommended some diagnostics tests and a biopsy.

As they were awaiting the results of the biopsy, his mother and Ali had plans to travel outstation to visit family for the holidays. But what began as a highly anticipated end of year family trip from Lahore to Karachi, quickly took an unexpected turn for his mother and Ali.

During their travel, Ali began to experience pain in both legs and a high fever, that raised the mother’s concern. Immediately after reaching Karachi, she decided to rush Ali to the nearest emergency room for an evaluation, where they were advised that the best thing was to be transferred to Children’s Hospital in Karachi. Once they arrived, mother was shocked to learn that they were instantly admitted to the hematology and oncology unit for yet another biopsy and additional testing.

Tests results and the biopsy confirmed that Ali had alveolar sarcoma, an aggressive type of sarcoma, or cancer of the soft tissue (muscle), connective tissue (tendons or cartilage), or bone. There are only about 500 rhabdomyosarcoma cases per year in the United States, and of those only 100 are an alveolar subtype.

In Ali’s case, it began in his leg and traveled to his back. It was also determined that he was a stage 4, which meant he needed to begin treatment immediately. That’s when mother and Ali met oncologist in Children’s Hospital who guided them through an extremely intense treatment regimen of including chemotherapy, resection surgery and proton radiation.

Ali’s treatment continued for some time in Karachi and after couple months he was shifted to Lahore for his treatment. Hos treatment here in his hometown is continued. He is responding well to his treatment and there is quite a hope that soon he will be cancer free and back to his home. 

Prayers for the all the sick children and their families who have to face this pain of cancer. May Allah make it easy for them. Aameen

 Lots of prayers for Ali to recover quickly and never experience his illnesses again. May they lead happy and healthy lives once more. Aameen.

Warriors and Survivors - 206

Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 206

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. 

Raheel at five  was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma, which is a rare type of cancer that develops in nerve tissue and usually affects children under five years of age.

Back in September last year he was constipated all the time—parents couldn’t figure out what was causing it. It was so severe sometimes he cried at night, grabbing his abdomen. Parents consulted few doctors and when bloodwork and CT was  done- results discovered that he had a cancer/a tumor. 

Parents said they will never forget the fear and helplessness while waiting for the biopsy results. Having the diagnosis in hand, they were thinking, ‘Why? Why him? It was hard to swallow. 

Raheel was referred to children hospital like many other children diagnosed with cancer. This hospital has one of the largest pediatric cancer centers in country. 

All the Children with cancer worldwide have to endure long treatments, hospital stays, multiple test and procedures. Raheel and his family were quite prepared and hopeful for the treatment. 

Raheel has been extremely brave through everything he faced.  Treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma is very difficult and requires a lot of time in the hospital, but Raheel always has a positive attitude when he is coming in for treatment. 

Of course, this new life change has not been easy. Cancer treatment is tough. Different biopsies, operations, having implants, the change of skin color and hair loss. That’s the worst thing about Raheel having cancer—seeing him suffer. It is something that no parent wants to see their child go through. Managing a healthy work-life balance has also been difficult. 

Raheel has one 12-year-old brother. He pretty much had to live on his own for at least a week at a time while Raheel’s getting chemo at the hospital because parents were not able to drop him off and pick them up from school. 

Typically, we try to plan years ahead, but with cancer, you can't do that. You must live one day at a time—to cherish life. Cherish the small moments, because, you know, nothing is promised. Nothing is set in stone. We have to be grateful for each day we have. We have to value the people that are around us. 

Parents will do anything for their children, but when Raheel is suffering, there is not much parents can do to cure him.

Raheel is on the road to recovery now, and parents remains hopeful.

Prayers for the sick children and their families who have to face this pain of cancer. May Allah make it easy for them. Aameen

 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 - 205

 Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 205

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. 

Stars we lost – Eternal light 

Today I came across Zahid’s picture who had been under treatment for a long time in oncology unit of our hospital, he was from Sahiwal and used to come to Lahore with him mother, father and younger brothers for treatment. 

Zahid’s picture made me sad, and I recalled the memories with him, he was 9 years old skinny child and used to come at my workplace whenever he was admitted for his scheduled treatment. He was a patient of hepatocellular carcinoma, and I met him during my routine work in the unit. Just a small discussion and he was my friend. 

He had lots of dreams and wishes, dream to be an engineer someday, dream to be his family’s support as he had two younger brothers. He always wished to play in the ground like normal children which he never could do due to his health. Though he was able to walk by himself but later he was so sick that he had to be on wheelchair. 

After four years of treatment and struggle he lost his battle to cancer.

Zahid's picture brought back memories of all the stars that we have lost during my work at children hospital, of course I do not know all, but I remember a lot of them whom I met and  had a chance to talk to them about their feelings, their pain and their struggle.

I cannot forget many of them, it hurts whenever I recall them, I remember a cute and smiling ten years old Asad who was suffering with T cell ALL and who expired in a blink of an eye.

Mehreen is still in my memory who had been on palliative care for a long time due to her relapsed Leukemia. 

Ushna, a big girl who was so shy as she had lost her hairs due to treatment, she seemed so sad not because of her pain but the trouble her family had to face for her treatment and traveling back and from Okara to Lahore. 

I still remember, Aamna an eight-year-old talkative girl who used to see me and call my name loudly, she was a Leukemia patient and used to come from village for her treatment. I cannot forget her smile and tone. 

This blog is for all the pearls that we lost, these warriors who could not win but fought bravely till their last breath. 

Talking about these warriors, once Farida apa (our philanthropist and social worker) said, “these stars are making galaxy in the sky, and I am waiting to meet them once I will join them”.

Prayers for the lost stars and their families who have to face this pain of losing their child whole life. May Allah make it easy for them. Aameen

 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 -204

 Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 204

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.

14-year-old Ahmad is like many other kids his age—full of dreams, laughter, and an endless curiosity about the world. Ahmad was in grade 8 when his life changed altogether; he was diagnosed with leukemia.

Ahmad had always been a healthy child, excelling in his studies and participating in sports. He loved playing cricket with his friends in the narrow lanes of his neighborhood. But over a short period, he began to feel different. Fatigue, frequent bruising, and persistent fevers led him to the doctor’s office. After several tests, the heartbreaking news came: Ahmad had leukemia.

Ahmad’s treatment began with chemotherapy, a process that was grueling and taken a toll on his body. The intense medications came with side effects—nausea, hair loss, and constant fatigue. This was a difficult time for Ahmad. He missed being in school, interacting with his friends, and playing cricket. Instead of attending classes and participating in school events, he was often confined to a hospital room or resting at home.

His days blurred into a cycle of treatments and recovery. Ahmad’s family often visited him, bringing small gifts—books, drawing supplies, and sometimes homemade meals from his favorite dishes. Ahmad found comfort in drawing, using his art to express feelings he struggled to put into words. His drawings depicted not just his fight against cancer but also dreams of a future filled with normal activities, friends, and continued education.

Throughout his treatment, Ahmad discovered the value of community and support. Their kindness lifted Ahmad’s spirits and reminded him that he was not alone in this fight. His teachers kept in touch, providing him with assignments to ensure he didn’t fall behind in his studies.

There were also moments of connection with other children facing similar challenges. In the pediatric ward, Ahmad befriended other young patients. They shared stories, dreams, and even fears. Their conversations often brought laughter—an emotional sooth to the harsh realities of their circumstances. Ahmad realized that while their battles were different, they were all united in the hope for a healthier tomorrow.

Fast forward to today, after three long years of treatment, Ahmad is nearing the end of his journey. His doctors have delivered the encouraging news: his cancer is in remission. The news is a profound relief for Ahmad and his family—a moment they had longed for.

As he prepares to leave the hospital for the last time as a patient, he is full of emotions. There’s joy, relief, and a newfound appreciation for life. Ahmad looks forward to rejoining his friends and returning to school. He has missed the hustle and bustle of attending classes, laughing with friends, and especially being part of his cricket team.

Ahmad is ready to reclaim the life he had to step away from. He dreams of catching up with his peers, sharing stories of his journey, and more importantly, continuing his education. His experiences have fueled a desire to raise awareness about pediatric cancer, so that others may recognize the signs and understand the importance of early detection.

While Ahmad’s journey is far from over, and he knows challenges may still lie ahead. He has developed resilience that will serve him well not just in his academic career but throughout life. Ahmad's story reminds us of the strength of hope and the importance of community support in fighting diseases like cancer.

Ahmad's journey teaches us to cherish our health and embrace compassion for those going through tough times. His resilience is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome, and it ignites hope for countless others facing their own battles.

Lots of prayers for Ahmad and all sick children to recover quickly and never experience their illnesses again. May they lead happy and healthy lives once more. Aameen.