Diagnosis: Leukemia

Ibrahim is a twenty year old sophomore, majoring in the Arabic language at the University of Jordan. He was a senior in high school studying for his Tawjihi exams, when he was diagnosed with acute leukemia.

Ibrahim began having severe headaches, was constantly exhausted, had shortness of breath, became weak and was soon unable to walk. He was also pale in the face and limbs, and had no appetite. He went to visit the doctor, and was referred by a private hospital to the King Hussein Cancer Center.   

He came to the Center feeling lost, tired and distracted because of his exams, unaware of why he was even there. When he finally learned why, he put his trust in God and was optimistic after his first visit to the Center. His father was the first to learn of his illness and was also steadfast, trusting in God. Together, they started the process of admission for treatment at the Center.

Ibrahim underwent a bone marrow transplant at the Center. He admits: “During the second year of my illness, I felt broken and sick of life. I hated everyone who looked at me with pity. But, I held on and I tried to overcome the disease with faith, patience, fun and laughter with the doctors, nurses, Center staff, friends and family”.

“I am now in university, and I aspire to finish my studies, then go on to earn an MA and PhD, God willing. After the suffering I went through, and the effects of the treatment, I feel satisfied with the good management I received at this Center. As a result, I have been cured of this malignant disease. I invite every patient to be enduring, persistent and optimistic about their future and  a better tomorrow.”

Ibrahim’s story is one of many cases of leukemia treated successfully at KHCC. Although most cases are treated without resorting to a bone marrow transplant, some will require this procedure to prevent the return of the malignant cells to the bone marrow. Ibrahim’s donor was his younger brother who underwent a simple procedure to harvest some marrow cells that were injected into Ibrahim after preparing his body for the acceptance of the cells via chemotherapy. Ibrahim and his brother enjoy good health and have a unique relationship, as they both carry the same blood cells and bone marrow.