21st February 2023, a day I will forever remember. I couldn’t believe what I had just heard. As a mother, the last thing you would want to hear is that your child is ill. However, at only two years old, my son Azraqi was diagnosed with cancer.
How It Began
The signs and symptoms came almost out of nowhere. One day, I noticed that Azraqi, who was usually bubbly and smiley, looked somewhat weaker and less active than usual. There was an unusual bloating in his stomach that would make him cry and fuss because of how uncomfortable it made him feel.
As his mother, I thought that I shouldn’t delay the situation any longer. The swelling in his stomach wouldn’t die down no matter what I tried. So naturally, I brought him to a clinic in Matu, where we lived, to see a doctor who I hoped could identify the problem.
Being Met with Heartbreaking News
Almost immediately, I was told to bring Azraqi to Sibu Hospital for further examination. I had no idea what to expect. After staying there for three days and two nights, I was ultimately met with the most heartbreaking news. My dear son had been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL).
ALL is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow, also known to be one of the most common types of cancer in children. As the word “acute” would suggest, the leukaemia cells can spread quickly, and if not treated, could become fatal within a few months.
You can imagine my initial shock and disbelief when I heard the news. No one in our family had any history of cancer. It simply couldn’t be true. Before I knew it, we were told to pack our bags as Azraqi will need to be referred to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) in Kuching.
Undergoing Chemotherapy
Once Azraqi was admitted into SGH, he was instructed to receive chemotherapy for six months. I watched as the nurses and doctors attached the chemo port onto Azraqi, which took a very long time. He was so small, his body barely even taking up the full width of the hospital bed. It was one of the most difficult sights I’ve ever had to witness.
Azraqi with a staff from SCCS Support Services, playing with his favourite toy lorry.
Azraqi braved through the treatments despite not being able to understand much of what was going on. He was so young, unable to comprehend his disease and why it was important to receive treatment. I comforted him the best I could by always staying by his side, encouraging him that he would get better soon.
Life at SCCS Halfway Home
Azraqi and I were inseparable. Being in an unfamiliar place, it initially felt like it was us against the world. When we first arrived at SCCS Halfway Home, we were still feeling very dispirited. However, it was encouraging to see a lot of the other patients who stayed at the centre, get better, and go home. I too, hoped that would be us some day.
Azraqi and mother carrying lanterns at the parking lot of SCCS Halfway Home during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
I received a lot of encouragement from the families and staff. SCCS provided transportation to and from the hospital, monthly allowances, help in getting diapers, milk and food, and a place for Azraqi to relax and have fun (the Playroom). The teachers were incredibly friendly and would organise fun recreational activities for us to take part in. I made new friends while staying at the centre and so did Azraqi.
One of the most heartwarming moments was when Azraqi learned to walk. YES! Seeing my son take his FIRST STEP brought me so much joy and even more resolution as his mother. Tears welled up as I held his little hand in mine, strolling next to him as he took one step in front of the other.
Going Back Home
In October 2023, six months after we first arrived, Azraqi was finally allowed to go home. He would still need to get regular follow-ups at Sibu Hospital, but his cancer was now in remission. I sighed in relief, looking forward to finally bringing my child home after being away for so long. Despite the hardships, we are very grateful for the help we received.
I hope that my story gives courage to many others going through similar circumstances, and for them to know that, with the support of SCCS, they are not alone in this journey.
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Childhood cancer is treatable, and your support can help save their lives.
