Qasdina was diagnosed with Brain Non-Germinomatous Germ Cell Tumour in September 2022 when she was seven years old. Her mum, Qairulliana, shares their story:
Growing weak and tired
Nur Qasdina or we call her Qasdina, was diagnosed with brain tumour in September 2022 when she was only seven years old. Before this, she was generally a healthy child, so her signs and symptoms were pretty obvious when they started. She was complaining of having frequent headaches and I started noticing that she was eating less but was constantly vomiting. Her body was very weak and she could not even walk straight properly. She would stumble all the time and it was difficult for her to balance when walking.
The other red flag was she was feeling sleepy all the time even though she had been sleeping more and was only awake for a shorter period of time. Her teacher also noticed that she was napping a lot during classes.
Nobody was able to tell us what’s wrong
Qasdina’s symptoms, happening all at once and repetitively, did not feel normal to me. My husband and I were based in Mukah at that time, so we brought her to visit a clinic there but the doctor only prescribed us medication for fever. Her symptoms did not get any better so we decided it was best to head to the Hospital Mukah for a check-up. Due to the limited resources at the hospital, the doctors were unable to detect the root cause of her condition and we had to go home.
I became concerned and thought we should not just keep waiting. We took a flight to Kuching to seek further medical opinion at the Normah Medical Specialist Centre. I remember carrying Qasdina in my arms throughout our journey to Kuching at the airport and fearing for her life with so much uncertainty.
Getting a diagnosis
Qasdina had to go through numerous tests at Normah and it was a daunting week of going back and forth to the specialist centre for the different tests. Shortly after the test results were out, we were told that we were being transferred to the Sarawak General Hospital. My heart sank as I thought it must be more serious if we are being sent to a bigger hospital. Qasdina was immediately admitted to the Paediatric Ward where she had an MRI and a CT scan. She was then diagnosed with cancer.
Too young to know what was to come
The news was devastating for both my husband and I. I remember thinking to myself: “What will happen to Qasdina? She is still so young and has long days ahead of her.” The first few nights, Qasdina was being cared for at the restricted Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), so I was not allowed to stay over with her. I was so worried and I ended up sleeping by hugging Qasdina’s clothes.
I knew that our lives would change. I was anxious about my other daughter who was only 1 year old cause I had to shift my main focus from her to care for Qasdina full-time. I knew it would not be easy to be away from my baby girl.
Helpful community
Caring for Qasdina full-time means I have to quit my job, with my husband being the main breadwinner of our family. However, Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) has been very supportive in helping us through this cancer-fighting journey by providing us with monthly financial aid. We also receive free diapers and milk powder for Qasdina’s usage every time we have to stay overnight at the hospital. Their financial support has really lifted a heavy financial burden off our shoulders.
I am also very thankful of their support services staff based at the ward. They will often distribute gifts, colouring sheets, breakfast packs and treats to Qasdina and other kids at their ward to brighten up their mood. These pockets of small gesture have made Qasdina enjoy her “trips” to the ward. She looks forward to them and is no longer afraid of undergoing treatment.
High-risk surgery
To help her get better, Qasdina is scheduled to undergo a high-risk brain tumour removal surgery. After the operation, she will have to go for multiple radiotherapy sessions to eliminate any remaining cancerous cells.
It took me awhile to process the need to go for this high-risk surgery because you never know what will happen during the operation. However, I just need to have faith, trust in the doctors and think positively that everything will be alright.
Stay strong
Qasdina is such a brave fighter. She did not even cry when her blood sample was taken. She has inspired me to take control and be strong for her. I will do anything for her, and watching her getting healthier and stronger gives me the courage to just keep fighting and never give up.
Message to families fighting the cancer battle: Always stay strong and be patient. Let’s give our children the best prayers to fight this sickness.
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