Gifted with Cancer

In September 2018, our world shifted—my mum was diagnosed with Stage 3 Bowel Cancer. The signs started subtly. That summer, from June to August, she struggled with persistent stomach pains and experienced no relief. True to her nature, my mum leaned towards natural remedies like Zamzam water, heartfelt duas and constant remembrance of Allah.

Then came our trip to Bangladesh in August. In the final week, her symptoms intensified. Being one of the strongest and most patient women we know, my mum would always try to conceal her pain away from us children, knowing that we felt her pain too. Despite her high tolerance, one day we found her crouched in discomfort, unable to hide the agony. That’s when we knew it was something far more significant and severe.

Having arrived back home and getting my mum checked, the doctors initially thought it was stool obstructing the bowel area. Little did we know, it was the tumour which grew rapidly within a few days. After a series of scans and biopsies, they were 99% sure—it was cancer. That same night, her stomach swelled which was a cause for concern. By the grace of Allah, she was rushed into emergency surgery the very next day.

The surgery was challenging, having been cut from chest to stomach, side to side, she was then stapled back together. Yet, she remained patient throughout it all and never questioned the decree of Allah.

Post surgery, discussions arose on whether my mum should begin her chemotherapy. She was firmly against chemotherapy, preferring natural healing. And given the many side effects and unknown outcomes from chemotherapy, my mum was still reluctant but eventually agreed to go through with it. What could have convinced her? Simply for us, her children ❤️ My elder siblings encouraged my mum to go for it, and to know we will always be by her side, supporting her through it all. Chemo sessions took a massive toll on my mum’s body. She was scheduled to have 6 chemotherapy sessions across 6 months. But after five cycles, she couldn’t bear the difficulty anymore. Alhamdulillah, the post-treatment scans took place there and then and came back all clear. The cancer was gone. Alhamdulillah. Truly a miracle from Allah.

Due to the weak functioning of my mum’s bowel, it cannot be reversed and therefore, the stoma bag will remain permanent. “It’s my bag for life,” my mum jokes. This is another one of the many ways my mum stayed so optimistic throughout it all.

During this journey, my mum’s trust in Allah remained firm. She saw the entire journey as a test—one she was determined to pass with patience and gratitude. Even having undergone chemotherapy, she always had tawakkul in Allah that He will cure her, and treatments were simply a means to recovery.

Having hope in the mercy of Allah and constantly calling to Him in heartfelt duas were powerful tools.

Ammu calls her cancer “a gift.” And in many ways, it was. Six years on, we’ve seen countless blessings blossom from that hardship. Alhamdulillah we’ve truly witnessed the promise of Allah: “Indeed, with hardship comes ease.” Throughout it all, my mum was reminded of what truly matters – responding to this test with patience in order to attain the pleasure of Allah.