Muneeba, Pakistan

From a Healthy Teenager to a Cancer Fighter - My Journey

My story begins in July when I started experiencing recurring fevers every other day. Concerned, I underwent a blood test, and on the 14th of August, I received the life-altering diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML)—a type of blood cancer. At that time, I had no understanding of AML, a cancer affecting the myeloid line of blood cells, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal cells that accumulate in the bone marrow and bloodstream, interfering with normal blood cell production.

On the 15th of August 2018, I was admitted to the hospital, unaware of the challenges that lay ahead. While I was still coming to terms with my diagnosis, my family already knew the difficult journey I would have to endure in the coming days. The next day, on August 16th, I underwent a bone marrow biopsy, and a PICC line was inserted for my treatment. Chemotherapy began on August 17th and lasted for seven consecutive days.

For those unfamiliar with chemotherapy, it is a treatment designed to slow or stop the rapid growth of cancer cells. However, it also affects healthy cells, leading to severe side effects, including:

•  Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Easy bruising and bleeding
• Infections
• Anaemia

• Changes in appetite

   

Among these, the most difficult for me was losing my hair—one of the things I cherished most about myself. It deeply impacted my self-esteem and led me into depression. However, I firmly believe that when God takes something away, He replaces it with something even greater. This experience was entirely foreign to me, as I had always been a healthy individual who rarely fell ill.

As my treatment progressed, I struggled with negative thoughts, emotional distress, and losing my willpower. I cried every single day, praying for strength and healing. There came a time when I became so overwhelmed that I started resisting treatment, pulling out my IV drips and breaking down in front of my family. Seeing me in this state deeply pained them, yet they remained my unwavering support system.

My chemotherapy ended on August 24th, but shortly after, my hair loss became more prominent, which was devastating for me. I found strands of my hair on my bed, my clothes, and everywhere around me. 

This phase of my life taught me invaluable lessons — I realised who truly stood by me during my illness. While many people drifted away, my family never left my side. They became my greatest source of strength. A few close friends and relatives checked in on me regularly, ensuring I never felt alone. My doctors and nurses also played an essential role in keeping me motivated and hopeful.

There were countless moments of physical and emotional pain. The hardest part was becoming dependent on my family for even the smallest tasks. I longed to go home. Every time I saw a doctor, I would ask, “When will I go home?”. I felt homesick and kept questioning my father, “Why is this happening to me? Have I done something wrong? Why am I the one going through this?” In response, he always reassured me, saying, “God is testing you. Every individual goes through trials, but this will pass, and you will emerge from it stronger and happier.”

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of my journey was pausing my education. I had been so excited to start university, but instead, I found myself fighting for my life. I cannot put into words the pain I endured —daily blood tests, sometimes twice a day, nosebleeds, vomiting bile, and even internal bleeding. It felt as though I had lost every ounce of strength in me. But God never abandoned me — He gave me the resilience to endure it all.

Cancer did not break — it made me stronger.

Despite all the hardships, I completed my bachelor’s degree right after my bone marrow transplant and recently began my master’s program. I have never allowed cancer to define me or become my weakness. Instead, it has shaped me into a more resilient, grateful, and determined individual.

On this World Cancer Day, I share my story to inspire hope among those battling cancer. It is a difficult journey, but you are not alone. With faith, support, and perseverance, you will come out stronger than ever.

 To all fighters and survivors - keep going. Your strength is greater than you know.