Sharing by Azfa’s mother
“Childhood cancer may take away most of Azfa’s physical abilities but it can never break our spirit. It cannot cripple our heart of strength, determination and our fighting soul.”
In December 2020, Nurul Azfa Husna was diagnosed with Stage 4 B-cell non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) when she was only 7 years old. NHL is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s germ-fighting immune system.
Due to the severity of her condition, Azfa and her mother had to transfer from the Bintulu Hospital to the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) in Kuching for immediate treatment.
“When you are caring for a childhood cancer patient, the most unforgettable and heart-breaking moment was when the specialist set the dates for your child’s chemotherapy treatment. During the treatment period, the emotions, mental and physical well-being of both the child and the caregiver are strained.”
During the completion of Azfa’s third treatment protocol, the Central Venous Line (CVL) inserted into one of her veins leading to her heart to enable the provision of medications and fluids was not functioning well and it led to a blood infection. Azfa’s red and white blood cell count dropped drastically, causing a high fever for three to four days. Her blood infection and chemotherapy was also causing skin peeling all over her body.
“I felt very helpless seeing the discomfort that Azfa had to go through. Besides worrying, there was nothing I could do to help relieve her pain. No matter the outcome, I remembered leaving it to God’s hands.”
Progressively, Azfa got better after completing seven treatment protocols in SGH for about six months. She turns 9 years old in 2022 and has now returned home to be with her family in Bintulu for follow-up care and treatment.
“It is hard to walk alone in this cancer-fighting journey. My determination and strength came from the bravery of children overcoming cancer treatment at the Ward 2A in SGH. I also had a lot of moral support from the nurses, medical officers, specialists, the SCCS team and my friends and families who were always there for us.”
“SCCS has always been very supportive of the children and caregivers throughout the treatment period. Even after we completed our treatment, SCCS also provides us with financial assistance, moral support and other necessary support services.”
“One of my happiest times was when they celebrated Azfa’s 8th birthday at the ward. Azfa was beaming from ear to ear and I could tell how happy she was during that time.”
As part of her family’s efforts to fully support Azfa in her cancer-fighting journey, they shaved their heads to show Azfa that she is not alone in this journey.
“To all little fighters, never give up, be brave and trust that your prayers to get better will be answered. No matter what, after every rain comes a rainbow and everything will be alright.”
You can help kids like Azfa, from as low as RM30/month.
Sign up for our Heart of Gold Monthly Donation Programme to help ensure more kids like Azfa get access to the medical treatment and care they need to get better.
Childhood cancer is treatable, and your support can help save lives.
