Light at the end of the tunnel.

When we received the news, we were devastated. However, as parents with a positive attitude, we approached it as if we had been given a golden opportunity to cure our daughter, and we decided not to miss this chance. What other option was there but to become expert caregivers and advocates on behalf of our sweet child? We were determined to ensure we were making the best decisions for her and providing the best care possible.  

We prepared for Mahiyaa’s bone marrow biopsy and sought opinions from four other pediatric hematologists and oncologists from across the country, with the help of our family and friends in the medical field. After three days, the biopsy results confirmed that our princess was diagnosed with **B-cell pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia** and needed immediate medical attention.  

The doctor explained the chemotherapy treatment plan to us and urged us to remain patient as they identified possible risks associated with the diagnosis to improve the chances of remission. These results would be determined during the induction phase of her treatment.  

She was started on hypertensive hydration treatment via IV to reduce the risk of tumor lysis syndrome during chemotherapy. This condition occurs when large amounts of tumor cells are destroyed quickly, releasing harmful substances into the blood. Due to her extraordinarily high white blood cell count, the acute chemotherapy treatment carried risks of damaging her kidneys, liver, or causing potentially fatal complications. Mahiyaa required close monitoring before, during, and after her chemotherapy sessions.  

We had to stay in the hospital for another 10 days. During my stay with her, I gradually explained her diagnosis and the reason for our prolonged hospital stay. I told her she had some very bad bacteria in her blood that were making her severely ill and that she needed to be really strong to help the doctors fight the bacteria with medicine.  

Her innocent face quickly turned to fury as she became angry at the "bacteria" that were keeping her in the hospital. She kept saying she would fight them. She missed her younger brothers, Kayhan Bala (4) and Deehan Bala (2), as well as her virtual classroom friends.  

How could I explain to her that she was fighting a disease far more dangerous than bacteria or any virus?