On 11 December 2019, Muneefa Mohamed celebrated her 6th birthday, but it was the start of a parent’s worst nightmare.
After enjoying the day, playing with her friends and family in Newfields, Cape Town, Muneefa’s dad noticed a big lump on her left leg and informed Gadija, Muneefa’ s mom. Their local General Practitioner (GP) was not able to provide a diagnosis at the time and said to treat it as if it was a blood clot and to place a warm cloth over it. In January 2020, Gadija noticed that there was no change in the lump and took her to another doctor for a second opinion. This doctor also instructed them to continue treating it with a warm cloth, but should the lump not disappear within 6 weeks, she should return for a follow up session.
Less than 6 weeks later, Gadija noticed that lump had grown, and she immediately took Muneefa back to the doctor. After seeing the size of the lump, the GP referred them to Gatesville Medical Centre in Cape Town where Muneefa underwent an MRI scan.
The doctor examined the results and referred them to the Oncology Unit at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. “At that point, I had no idea what was happening. I didn’t even know what Oncology meant”, says Gadija.
“While in the unit, I looked around at the pictures of the kiddies with no hair and the donation plaque that read “childhood cancer”. I looked at my husband and asked whether he knows that this is a cancer ward. He just looked at me, stood up and walked way. This is when we realised what was happening”, explains Gadija.
In March of this year, Muneefa underwent a bone marrow test as well as a biopsy for the lump on her leg. Sadly, Muneefa was diagnosed with spinal cancer and Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) – a rare type of cancer that forms in soft tissue, specifically skeletal muscle tissue or sometimes hollow organs. RMS can occur at any age, but it most often affects children.
“I felt like my whole world was giving in, this is my child, what am I going to do, what’s next.” says Gadija after hearing the news.
Muneefa went for her first chemotherapy session. Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses powerful chemicals to treat cancer. Doctors informed Muneefa’s parents that the chemotherapy will affect her in many ways such as changes in her mood, hair loss and a weakened immune system.
“It was very difficult in the beginning, but by the grace of God, he carried us through it all” says Gadija.
In June, Muneefa underwent another operation where they removed the muscle in her left thigh. It was difficult for her, but she recovered well. Within 2 days after the operation, Muneefa got out of bed and walked around in the ward. After recovering fully from the operation, she underwent radiation therapy – a type of cancer treatment that uses beams of intense energy to kill cancer cells.
The Mohamed family faced many obstacles on this journey, they struggled most when Muneefa completely blocked herself off from everyone. She wouldn’t speak to anyone. It was very difficult for her family to comprehend but they and her friends continued to support her. Muneefa’s coping mechanisms include the time she spends with her friends and family. She also loves making tik tok videos.
This young lady is free spirited and a very happy child irrespective of what she is enduring. Everything she does is with a smile and she brings joy to everyone around her. Muneefa has a very positive mindset which helped her tremendously through her journey.
When asked about their time at the Hospital, Gadija says, “Our experience at the Hospital has been so amazing. My eyes really opened, and I have a new perspective of life. I met so many people and you become friends with the other parents and get attached to their children. It’s sad when you come for a checkup and hear that a child has passed on. You feel the loss as if it’s your own family”.
“The doctors here are very nice, always so helpful and the nurses are here for you 24/7 – they are simply amazing”, she adds.
Muneefa will continue with her chemotherapy sessions and continues to remain positive while walking this journey with the medical team at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital Oncology Unit.
