Latest news with #CancerSurvivorsMalaysia
New Straits Times
15-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
A father's love: Man stands by daughter battling brain tumour
JITRA: While many fathers were celebrated with gifts and warm wishes yesterday, Mohd Shahrizal Zainuddin spent Father's Day by the side of his two-year-old daughter, Nur Naaila Shaheen, who is battling a life-threatening brain tumour. The 33-year-old said his world was turned upside down last month when doctors confirmed that his youngest child was suffering from a tumour at the base of her brain, which had caused her head to swell due to fluid buildup. "As a father, I'm doing everything I can for my daughter. My wife and I take turns taking leave from work just to care for her around the clock," he said when met by Harian Metro at their home in Kampung Telok Malek. Naaila was first taken to Klinik Desa Telok Malek after she repeatedly struggled with her balance. The case was later referred to the Jitra Health Clinic, which subsequently directed the couple to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) in Alor Star for further tests. "At HSB, the specialists conducted a CT scan and other examinations. That was when they found fluid in her brain," said Shahrizal. Doctors later confirmed that Naaila was suffering from posterior fossa tumour with hydrocephalus, a type of brain tumour located near the base of the skull. The condition caused a buildup of fluid in her brain, leading to swelling, muscle spasms, trembling hands, impaired vision, and loss of motor functions. Part of the fluid was drained during a procedure at HSB on May 19. However, doctors have informed the family that she will require surgery to remove the tumour this coming August. Shahrizal, who takes on odd jobs such as driving a padi harvester, said his income is irregular. His wife, Nur Najwa Mohd Azlan, 29, is a full-time homemaker. "Since she fell ill, we've been making regular trips to the hospital for her check-ups and physiotherapy. Travelling alone eats into much of our limited finances," he said. The couple also has a nine-year-old son, Sharif Najmi, who is still in school. In conjunction with Father's Day, Cancer Survivors Malaysia (CSM) visited the family to recognise Shahrizal's unwavering dedication. CSM chairperson Zuraini Kamal said the group presented the family with financial aid and basic necessities to help ease their burden. "We will also be providing them with a larger stroller to make it easier for them to bring Nur Naaila for her treatments," she said.
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
SPM student left bedridden by brain tumour, says heartbroken mother
ALOR STAR: Mia Orked Lestary Mohd Yusaidil Fitra is supposed to be attending school to prepare for her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations later this year. However, the eldest child of four and a bright student who was actively playing netball and enjoyed mountain climbing, is now left bedridden due to a brain tumour. "I've cried my heart out seeing the condition of my daughter in a coma. She used to be healthy and cheerful," said her mother, Suhaily Karno, 42, in tears. Mia began experiencing hearing problems, unstable walking, and frequent shivering since last October, she said. After several visits to the Tualang Health Clinic, the doctor referred her to the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) due to recurring symptoms. "After taking samples and undergoing an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan, my daughter was confirmed to have brain tumours on both the left and right sides of her brain," she said in an interview at their home in Kampung Banggol Chengal, Telaga Mas. Suhaily said her daughter's condition deteriorated, and she underwent eight surgeries between October and the latest one on May 14. She said six of the procedures involved inserting tubes to remove excess fluid from her head, while the other two involved spinal surgery and the removal of pus from her abdomen. "She was supposed to sit for her SPM, but now she can't move, and only shows signs of discomfort by moving her legs or fingers. "When we call her name, only her pupils move. Since her eyes remain open constantly, I have to use tape to help her sleep," she said. She added that she is currently unemployed to provide full care for Mia, while her husband, Mohd Yusaidil Fitra Mat Isa, 43, does odd jobs. The couple have three other children, aged between six and 14. "My daughter needs to see specialists at HSB between five to six times a week. We have to use an ambulance to transport her to the hospital because it is difficult to lift her into a car," she said. She added that Mia is fully dependent on a special formula milk, with one small can costing RM50, lasting only a day, administered via a feeding tube. "I have no choice but to use whatever money we have to buy the milk, even though it's expensive. It's the only nutrition recommended by the doctor for her energy. She also requires disposable diapers," she said. Suhaily said Mia is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove the tumour on the right side of her brain on Aug 17. Meanwhile, Cancer Survivors Malaysia (CSM), chairman Zuraini Kamal, who visited the family, donated an air mattress, a phlegm suction machine, cash, and groceries to ease their burden.
