The hospital provides 360-degree solutions for heart disease

The cardiac department at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, is one of the leading centers in the UAE, providing top-notch care to cardiac patients across the region. Its extensive infrastructure includes state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology and the provision of advanced cardiac care services to diagnose, treat and manage heart disease.

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During childhood cancer awareness month, Khaleej Times spoke to families of two brave cancer survivors

Faris Ahmed AlZeyoudi, a 14-year-old Emirati boy, has emerged victorious from the months-long fight against cancer. And he is now setting his sights on a new mission: becoming an army soldier to serve his beloved nation.

During childhood cancer awareness month, Khaleej Times spoke to families of two brave cancer survivors, whose remarkable recovery will not only inspire countless others facing similar challenges but serve as a reminder that with the right medical expertise, unwavering support, and courage, all obstacles can be overcome.

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Its Paediatric Oncology Department offers multidisciplinary care for better outcomes

As we observe Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi takes centre stage for its Paediatric Oncology Department that provides comprehensive and compassionate healthcare services to children battling cancer and their families.

Burjeel Medical City, the regional hub for oncology and complex care, is a renowned name for offering multidisciplinary care to paediatric patients across the country and beyond. The Abu Dhabi hospital has a range of specialised paediatric departments that work in harmony to provide comprehensive care for children in need of treatment and support. The hospital’s Paediatric Oncology Department stands as a pillar of strength throughout the treatment journey for young patients diagnosed with various types of cancer.

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At the Second Emirates Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Congress, the Minister commended the efforts of medical experts in achieving the best possible patient outcomes.

Abu Dhabi: The UAE is committed to the promotion of excellent health and advanced medical practice, said His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister for Tolerance and Co-existence. He was inaugurating the second edition of the two-day Emirates Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Congress hosted by Burjeel Medical City in association with global partners and the MENA Conference, which began here on Saturday.

“With the strong leadership and support of His Highness the President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we are moving forward with ambitious plans to strengthen medical services available to children. Your initiative to establish a world-class Pediatric Bone Marrow Transplant Center is certainly an embodiment of those goals and aspirations. This Center will help to expand access to excellent child medical care, to promote high-quality services, and encourage partnerships with leading medical centers around the world,” the Minister, who is also the patron of the conference, said.

The theme of the congress is ‘International Get-Together of Pediatric BMT Physicians to Celebrate the Success of Saving Children Globally’. Delegates of the congress, attended by physicians from more than 23 countries, will provide valuable perspectives on the advancements, innovative techniques, and best practices in Pediatric Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) and Cell Therapy. The congress, which was launched after the first pediatric BMT in the UAE that took place in 2022, is being attended by 550 local and international delegates.

Supported by the UAE’s advanced healthcare infrastructure and inspired by the vision to turn Abu Dhabi into a life sciences hub, Burjeel Medical City set up a comprehensive bone marrow transplant center in 2022, where the first bone marrow transplant from a donor to a child took place. Since then, the flagship facility under Burjeel Holdings has performed 30 consecutive BMTs for children suffering from various blood disorders, including leukemia, with zero mortality. These procedures have benefitted children from India, Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Morocco, Libya, Afghanistan, Algeria, Nigeria, and Sudan, cementing the UAE’s position as a global healthcare destination.

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings, said, “Under the guidance of the President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and with the support of the authorities like the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, the number of pediatric BMTs performed in the UAE is increasing yearly, and children with cancers and other blood disorders have access to life-saving treatments in our own country. Encouraged by their support, we are investing heavily in the development of acute and complex pediatric services. This congress is an opportunity to reflect on the amazing work that is being done around the world and here in Abu Dhabi and will see experts from across disciplines come together to engage in an informative dialogue about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Dr. Zainul Aabideen, Consultant and Head of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and BMT and Conference Chair, said, “From pioneering the first allogeneic pediatric BMT in the UAE to performing life-saving transplants, we are dedicated to healing and supporting children with devastating diseases. We believe sharing our knowledge and experience with experts from around the world and gathering insights will help us advance pediatric transplantation care together. Our distinguished speakers will provide valuable perspectives on the advancements, innovative techniques, and best practices in Pediatric HSCT and Cell Therapy.”

Prof. Rupert Handgretinger, Consultant, Pediatric Hematology Oncology and BMT, and Conference Co-Chair, said, “It is our aim to create an environment that encourages active participation, engagement, and the sharing of expertise among all attendees. Let us collectively work towards improving child health in the UAE and the region.”

The two-day conference will conclude on Sunday.

The collaboration is aimed to strengthen the delivery of health services within government schools.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – October XX, 2023: The Emirates Health Services (EHS) and Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery, Dubai, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster the delivery of health services within government schools. The entities’ joint efforts align with sustainable development goals in the field of public health and encompass strategic cooperation in several key areas such as developing a healthy environment in schools, enhancing students’ awareness through educational programs, improving counselling and therapeutic services, and expanding community partnerships.

The signing of the MoU took place in the presence of H.E. Dr. Mohammad Salim Al Olama, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Health Services; H.E. Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al-Serkal, Director General of the Emirates Health Services; and Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder and Chairman of Burjeel Holdings. The MoU was signed by H.E. Dr. Essam Al Zarooni, Acting Executive Director of Medical Services at Emirates Health Services, and Mr. Bruno Dsouza, Regional Chief Operating Officer for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Burjeel Holdings.

H.E. Dr. Al Olama emphasized that the MoU’s objective is to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the EHS and Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery in healthcare and continuous development. He further explained the EHS is committed to achieving shared goals through the exchange of knowledge and experiences, working towards improving medical services, boosting their quality, activating partnerships between the public and private sectors, and enhancing integration among various healthcare institutions. H.E. Dr. Al Olama expressed the institution’s keenness to expand cooperation through joint projects and programs that benefit the healthcare sector, thus contributing to the enhancement of healthcare tools and the quality of services provided to patients.

H.E. Dr. Al-Serkal elaborated that EHS, through this strategic partnership, is advancing its vision for the future of healthcare services. He pointed out that the MoU with Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery contributes to enhancing healthcare services, aligning with the strategic objectives of providing the best medical practices and standards while ensuring the sustainability of comprehensive healthcare development for the community. This is in accordance with the national vision ‘We are the Emirates 2031’ and the aspirations of the UAE Centennial 2071.

H.E. Dr. Al-Serkal stressed that the MoU represents a significant step towards improving and expanding the scope of healthcare services for the community at large, with a particular focus on school students. The cooperation and coordination between the two institutions create an opportunity for knowledge and expertise sharing, continuous improvement of health operations and advanced technology, and the fulfilment of the institution’s strategic objectives aimed at enhancing the quality of health in government schools and promoting health awareness among male and female students.

Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil highlighted that the MoU is a testament to the expertise of the Group, saying, “We are proud and honoured by this valuable partnership with EHS. This collaboration is a great opportunity for knowledge exchange between our two entities. We are focused on delivering the highest level of healthcare to beneficiaries and bringing about positive change in the lives of the people we serve.”

Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery is a specialty hospital under Burjeel Holdings, a leading healhtcare services provider in the region. The hospital has successfully performed over 500 surgeries for scoliosis correction and spinal deformities. It has also achieved a notable milestone by conducting an innovative vertebral body tethering surgery, becoming the first hospital in the MENA region to do so. Since 2022, the hospital has performed 10 such surgeries.

Dr. Shamsa Majid Lootah, Director of the Public Health Department at Emirates Health Services, reaffirmed that the MoU actively supports efforts to enhance the health and quality of life of students. This commitment entails implementing comprehensive school health programs tailored to meet the health, psychological, and preventive needs of students, aligning with the EHS’ public health program. The MoU encompasses various initiatives, such as early-stage scoliosis examinations, the provision of healthy foods for students with chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes, and the undertaking of studies and research projects aimed at strengthening the cooperative framework between the two entities.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 20 October 2023: In line with Abu Dhabi’s digital transformation efforts, the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Burjeel Holdings, one of the leading private healthcare service providers in the MENA region, during GITEX Global Week 2023. The agreement seeks to leverage the latest breakthrough technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to enhance patient and healthcare outcomes specific to Emergency Departments (EDs).

The MoU was signed by Dr. Saleh Saif Al Ali, Executive Director of the Centre of Emergency Preparedness and Response (CEPAR) at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), and Dr. Zuhair AlSharafi, Corporate Director of Emergency Services Line at Burjeel Holdings, In the presence of Dr. Aysha Ali Al Mahri, Deputy CEO at Burjeel Medical City.

Through this MoU, DoH and Burjeel Holdings will harness the potential of AI to revolutionize emergency department patient care through the deployment of advanced solutions that optimize resource allocation and improve operational efficiency. The partnership will magnify efforts to enhance the patient experience and safety while maintaining compliance with international legal and ethical standards. This aligns with the Department’s efforts to further invest in the healthcare sector’s digital infrastructure and ensure the population’s health and well-being through the delivery of comprehensive and timely healthcare services.

Dr. Saleh Saif Al Ali, Executive Director of the Centre of Emergency Preparedness and Response (CEPAR) at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), said: “Our partnership with Burjeel Holdings reflects

the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi’s (DoH) commitment to setting the stage for a future driven by healthcare technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence. As the healthcare sector’s regulator, this enables us to ensure its agility and the preparedness of the national healthcare system to respond to rising emergencies. This aligns with our continuous efforts and dedication to cementing Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for healthcare.”

Leveraging both parties’ extensive expertise, DoH and Burjeel Holdings will exchange knowledge and expertise to facilitate the secure sharing of relevant healthcare data, subject to all applicable privacy and regulatory requirements, to enable the development and implementation of AI-based solutions within EDs. Furthermore, the partnership will witness the establishment of a framework to detect technological problems in advance and prevent errors by outlining decisions based on data and evidence.

Reinforcing the Emirate’s position as a destination for innovation in healthcare, the joint agreement with Burjeel Holdings represents a significant step forward where both parties will establish a data-driven culture within EDs by integrating AI solutions for data analytics, allowing healthcare providers to make more informed decisions, enhance clinical pathways, and continuously improve patient care protocols.

Dr.Zuhair AlSharafi ,Corporate Director Emergency Services Line at Burjeel Holdings said: “At Burjeel Holdings, we are proud to have signed a cooperation agreement with the Department of Health, the regulatory authority for the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi, where Burjeel Holdings company is always working with the concerned health authorities in the country and side by side to develop and upgrade healthcare services provided to the community within international standards, and under this agreement we will be able to use artificial intelligence solutions and harness them in serving emergency patients and their safety and enhance their experience and make it more positive, such as reducing waiting times in emergency departments, helping specialists detect critical cases early, and determining the medical and pharmaceutical procedures due strictly follow and develop protocols for the care of emergency patients according to their condition, thus increasing the rate of patient satisfaction and making the services provided to them more efficient, and artificial intelligence systems greatly help emergency doctors to carry out their work professionally and smoothly”.

Through screenings and educational sessions, the hospitals under Burjeel Holdings are spreading breast cancer awareness in different Emirates throughout October

Abu Dhabi: In an effort to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote early detection, the hospitals and medical centers under Burjeel Holdings have started offering complimentary screenings and educational sessions across the UAE. The facilities are observing World Breast Cancer Awareness Month through an eye-catching campaign called ‘Pink Burjeel’, which aims to reach women over 40 years old or in the high-risk category, making screenings more convenient and accessible.

As a part of the campaign, a mobile screening unit has started traveling across the length and breadth of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain during the month, making stops in various locations to offer complimentary breast cancer screenings. The clinicians traveling in the ‘mammogram truck’ also provide essential education on breast cancer to women, emphasizing the significance of self-examinations and the importance of mammograms. Throughout the month, the truck also offers complimentary breast cancer screenings for women across locations, including Deerfields Mall, Al Hudayriat Island, and Umm Al Emirat Park.

The facilities under Burjeel Holdings are also collaborating with several corporates and government entities to lead several awareness sessions by medical experts at offices and educational institutions this month. These entities include Abu Dhabi Police, ADCC, ADNOC Offshore WTC, NECC, Slb Limited, Daman, Yas Holding, Abu Dhabi Indian School, Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel, General Pension and Social Security Authority, TAQA, EWEC, AWQAF, Bhavan’s School (Musaffah), and EFIA School.

Dr. Nehad Abdul Razzaq Kazim Al Bastaki, Consultant in Diagnostic and Interventional Breast Radiology at Burjeel Medical City, emphasized the importance of regular screenings. “Early detection is the key to successfully treating breast cancer. Mammograms are a safe and effective way to detect abnormalities in breast tissue before they become life-threatening. We encourage all eligible women to take advantage of these complimentary screenings during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We are thankful to the Department of Health and Ministry of Health for helping us make this campaign possible,” he said.

Understanding Breast Cancer

According to Prof. Humaid Al Shamsi, Consultant and Director of Oncology Services, Burjeel Holdings, Breast cancer which forms in the cells of the breast, is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. Breast lump or thickening, a change in size, shape or appearance of a breast, and abnormal nipple discharge are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Upon noticing these symptoms, it is important to swiftly seek medical attention. Though breast cancer can manifest at any age, it predominantly affects women aged 40 and older.

According to doctors, early detection through regular screenings can significantly improve survival rates. Mammograms, breast MRI, breast ultrasound, biopsy, and clinical examinations are used to detect abnormalities that may indicate the presence of cancer.

Breast cancer is among the most prevalent forms of cancer in the UAE. Several risk factors contribute to the development of breast cancer, including age, genetic mutations, familial history of breast and ovarian cancer, excessive weight or obesity, and an unhealthy lifestyle. Therefore, it is crucial for women of all ages to be vigilant and proactive in their breast health.

Patients can walk in on the same day without prior appointments

To prioritize the comfort and privacy of women patients, Abu Dhabi’s Burjeel Medical City has launched an exclusive breast cancer unit with all-female medical experts. The women-led unit has a dedicated medical team led by world-class doctors to provide comprehensive and compassionate care. The Advanced Breast Cancer Unit has been established by the hospital to supplement the efforts of the country’s health sector to ensure early detection of breast cancer, which increases the recovery rate by more than 95%.

Another highlight of the unit is that patients can walk in on the same day without prior appointments to get check-ups. This facility has been arranged to ensure a seamless patient experience and provide a stress-free environment for patients, especially those diagnosed with cancer, making the journey to wellness a quicker process.-ADVERTISEMENT-javascript:falseAds by 

The unit’s offerings

The Advanced Breast Cancer Unit’s offerings include medical consultation services, including examination and diagnosis by female oncology specialists and diagnostic services like x-rays and mammograms and interventional x-rays for all types of biopsies in cases where breast cancer is suspected. The unit also offers surgical services including tumor removal and reconstruction surgery. Other highlights include a specialized tissue department to analyze and study samples from patients using cutting-edge techniques, and a specialized department for radiation therapy to treat patients with breast cancer who require radiation therapy sessions. All of these specialized services are provided by women medical experts with international expertise.

Professor Humaid Al Shamsi, Director of Oncology Services at Burjeel Hospitals, said, “Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the country, and requires rapid evaluation of suspected cases to enhance the chances of treatment and complete recovery. We have established this unit intending to help patients relieve the anxiety associated with a breast cancer diagnosis. Sometimes the hesitation to book an appointment may contribute to the delay in seeking medical advice, which can impede early diagnosis. Therefore, we have decided to receive patients without the need to book appointments in advance.”

Making patients feel at ease

According to Dr. Nihad Abdul Razzaq Al Bastaki, Consultant in Diagnostic and Interventional Breast Radiology at Burjeel Medical City, the exclusive unit for women by women may help allay the apprehensions of some patients. “Some patients may be embarrassed to come to the hospital and undergo a breast examination. A special unit for women like this one may help them overcome such feelings of embarrassment. In the early stages, the cancerous lesion is so small that it cannot be seen, noticed, or felt. Therefore, a periodic breast cancer examination is an important preventive step that can detect the presence of cancer before any symptoms appear.”

According to Dr. Frea Ramzi Perdawood Consultant Oncoplastic & Reconstructive Breast surgeon at Burjeel Medical City, this is a great step towards prioritizing the needs of our patients and respecting their sensibilities.

“It is natural for a woman to feel more comfortable opening to a female doctor regarding ailments like breast cancer. Establishing this all-women unit is a step in the direction of addressing the unique needs of women. As women medical practitioners, we are proud to leverage our collective expertise to serve our patients better and ensure women get the care they deserve”.

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Abu Dhabi: Timely action by security guards at a hospital in Abu Dhabi helped save the life of a young Emirati woman, who fell unconscious at the car park, after suffering, what doctors later diagnosed as a cardiac arrest due to pulmonary embolism or blood clots in her lungs.

Faizal Khan, Security Officer at Burjeel Hospital, told Gulf News that the hospital’s security guards found the woman unconscious and unresponsive.

“Suddenly, I got a message from the walkie-talkie that a patient had collapsed close by. We immediately contacted the control room operator to declare Code Magenta,” he said.

Rapid Response Alert

Moments after Code Magenta –  Rapid Response Alert –  was sounded in the hospital, the ER staff rushed to the scene with essential life-saving equipment.

Mary Joy, Emergency Nurse, said, “We ran outside with triage nurses and took the stretcher with us. We found the patient unresponsive and lying in the car park. We put her on the stretcher and moved her quickly.”

As it turns out, the young patient, F. Al Hosani,  had lost consciousness after suffering a pulmonary embolism. The efforts of Burjeel Hospital’s security guards, emergency room (ER) staff and a team of doctors ended up savingher life.

The woman was wheeled into the resuscitation room where a team of emergency medicine professionals swung into action.

Resusciation for 10 minutes

According to Dr. Wissam Al Sahli, Consultant, Interventional Cardiology, advanced cardiac life support measures had to be initiated and after the patient was resuscitated for 10 minutes, she was stabilised. But her condition remained critical.

Dr. Wissam said, “We rushed the patient for an emergency coronary angiogram to check if it was a heart attack because that would need to be fixed as soon as possible. It revealed everything was within normal limits.”

But even after resuscitating her, the medical team was struggling to maintain her blood pressure and her oxygen saturation, both of which were extremely low.

When suspicions arose about a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in her lungs, Al Hosani was taken for an emergency CT scan of the lungs.

Dr. Mohamed Almarzooqi, Consultant Interventional Neuroradiology, Interventional Radiology & HOD, said time was a critical factor. “The CT scan of her lungs showed multiple pulmonary emboli (clots) in the lungs, which were affecting the oxygenation of the body, her blood pressure and putting a huge strain on the heart. The team was also on standby to aspirate the blood clot,” he recalled.

Emergency huddle

After a quick emergency huddle, the team decided to administer clot-busting medication to dissolve the embolism. Within a couple of hours, the patient’s vital signs gradually improved. Al Hosani was on artificial ventilation as she was unable to breathe by herself. The following day, once the vitals stabilised, the team was able to wean her off the ventilator and she regained consciousness. She soon recovered and was discharged home five days later.

According to the medical team, which also included Dr. Nehad Nabil Abdelmoneim Halawa, Specialist Intensive Care & HOD, and Dr. Mohamed Mostafa Mohamed Ibrahim, Specialist Emergency Medicine, the patient was resuscitated on time and was lucky to receive timely medical attention. “She will require further follow-up to make sure there is no other clotting disturbance, which is a risk factor after pulmonary embolism,” said Dr. Wissam.

Al Hosani says she only remembers coming to the hospital as she was not feeling too well that morning. After that, everything went blank.

“I am grateful to the Almighty to be alive. I was not feeling well but I did not expect it to lead to such a serious condition. I am thankful to the entire team at Burjeel Hospital,” she said.

What is pulmonary embolism?

Pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage in the pulmonary arteries, the blood vessels that send blood to the lungs. It usually happens when a blood clot in the deep veins in the leg breaks off and travels to the lungs. Symptoms include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness or fainting due to drop in blood pressure.

According to Dr. Wissam, pulmonary embolism can be caused due to a variety of factors including a recent surgery, reduced mobility related to travel whether by air or car, or consumption of hormonal pills.

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She had experienced excruciating abdominal pain from the initial stages of her pregnancy but dismissed it as the physical strain of carrying a baby

Rania Fuad Alsheikh was 26 weeks pregnant when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Enduring severe abdominal pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite among other health issues, she chose to undergo chemotherapy, giving herself and her unborn a fighting chance. Today, cradling her newborn in her arms, the Jordanian expat stands as an epitome of resilience, optimism and hope. She had experienced excruciating abdominal pain from the initial stages of her pregnancy but dismissed it as the physical strain of carrying a baby. But as her pain intensified, she sought medical help at a healthcare facility. However, she was told that pain was a regular part of pregnancy. As the weeks progressed, her condition deteriorated, leaving her weak, bedridden, and anxious for answers.

“When I learned I was going to be a mother for the second time, I was thrilled. But as my pregnancy progressed, I began to suffer from severe pain and heaviness in my stomach. By the sixth month of pregnancy, I developed fatigue due to which I couldn’t get up from the bed and had a lack of hunger. By then I was feeling incapacitated with pain and vomiting and was rushed to the emergency room at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi,” Rania said. At the hospital, Dr Fady Georges Hachem, consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology, insisted on doing more investigative tests to determine what was causing pain. It was then that Rania was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer. While the diagnosis was an unexpected setback, the expectant mother displayed great courage and relied on her faith to overcome this tough situation.

“I thanked the Almighty because we finally knew what was causing the pain. Even though I did not expect a cancer diagnosis, I did not feel sad as I believe everything that comes from God is good. All I wanted was for my baby to be healthy,” Rania recalled.

Skilled medical experts intervene

Dr Mohanad Diab, consultant, medical oncology, who was asked to consult on the patient, recollected her being bedridden and too weak to talk when he first met her in April. The biopsies revealed an aggressive form of colon cancer called mucinous adenocarcinoma. While the patient was in poor shape, further tests showed the baby’s condition to be unstable. Realising the urgency of the situation, an interdisciplinary team at the hospital comprising Dr Diab, Dr Hachem, Dr Hameed Raina, a specialist gastroenterologist, and hepatologist, and Dr Toufic Ata, consultant laparoscopic bariatric and general surgery, came up with a comprehensive treatment to safeguard the health of both mother and baby.

“We had two options in front of us. The first was to not administer chemotherapy because she was pregnant. But her condition was so poor that if we chose this, she was at risk of dying in a matter of days. Trying chemotherapy on the pregnant patient was the other option,” said Dr Diab. The team set up a tumour board discussion at the hospital to determine how similar cases of pregnant women with chemotherapy at 26 weeks of gestation were treated.

Chemotherapy during pregnancy

“While she was 26 weeks pregnant, we started treatment with the chemotherapy regimen to improve outcomes for both the mother and baby. Miraculously, three days after the chemotherapy, the patient was able to stand up. Prior to administering treatment, she was unable to eat a morsel of food. But after the chemo, she was able to eat normally,” said Dr Diab, adding that she was discharged one week after the first chemotherapy session. She continued to have weekly medical appointments during which the team monitored her and the baby till delivery. Rania was filled with gratitude when she recalled how her mother, sisters and husband supported her during that vulnerable period. As the pain diminished and her energy levels increased, Rania carried on with her regular activities and spent time with her family, including her four-year-old son Mohammed. The support of her family and the treatment gave her hope in those trying times. On June 8, in the 35th week of her pregnancy, Rania had completed five chemotherapy sessions and underwent a caesarean section, bringing her baby boy into the world.

“It was an emotional moment for all of us in the operating room when we took the baby out and placed him in Rania’s arms. The sight of the healthy baby boy weighing 2.32 kg gave us joy and relief. I commend her brave decision to undergo chemotherapy during pregnancy, which undoubtedly gave her and her baby the best chance,” Dr Hachem noted.

Looking to the future with hope

Rania, who is over the moon after the birth of little Fahed, is filled with hope for the future.

“I thank the Almighty and cherish each moment I get to spend with my little one. I am grateful to Dr Hachem and Dr Diab, who were compassionate human beings. I also thank Dr Hameed and Dr Toufic for boosting my confidence and helping me in my treatment,” said Rania, who also wrote a thank you note on the hospital’s wall. As words of caution for expectant mothers, she added: “If you feel any pain during pregnancy, you must consult doctors because you are responsible not only for yourself but also the soul inside you.” Dr Diab underlined that as Rania recuperates from the delivery and continues her cancer treatment, her story serves as an inspiration for others.

“It is extremely rare to be diagnosed with cancer when pregnant and more so to undergo chemotherapy and give birth to a healthy baby. Rania’s courage and resilience are an inspiration. By continuing the chemotherapy regimen, I am confident she will make a speedy recovery,” Dr Diab pointed out.

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