PADANG TERAP – Six-year-old Nur Fitriah Aliya Annisa Abdullah from Kampung Pengkalan Tok Putih, Jalan Tualak, has become less active since her bone cancer diagnosis in May.
The aspiring doctor was discharged from Penang Hospital last Sunday after over a month of chemotherapy.
Her grandmother, Azlina Ahmad, 61, said her granddaughter was first taken to Kuala Nerang Hospital in March due to pain in her left leg and a noticeable limp.
“After examination, the doctor informed us that there was a slight fracture in her leg and it needed to be placed in a cast for a week,” Azlina recounted.
In May, Nur Fitriah Aliya Annisa was taken to the Emergency Unit of Kuala Nerang Hospital again after her knee swelled.
She was then referred to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) in Alor Setar for further examination.
“At HSB, doctors took samples of bone and tissue from her knee, along with a CT scan and MRI.
“Specialists at HSB later referred her case to Penang Hospital, where final tests confirmed that she had bone cancer. After further discussions, Annisa continued her treatment and was admitted on June 9 for chemotherapy," Azlina said when met at their home on Wednesday.
Azlina spoke after receiving a visit from Cancer Survivors Malaysia (CSM) chairperson, Zuraini Kamal, who presented cash aid and groceries to the family.
Azlina and her husband, Razali Saad, 67, work as rubber tappers, earning approximately RM850 per month.
Since her granddaughter's admission to Penang Hospital, Azlina has been unable to assist her husband in the rubber plantation, as she needs to care for Annisa in the ward throughout the treatment period.
“Annisa is scheduled to continue her chemotherapy on Aug 10.
"After several rounds, doctors informed us that surgery will be performed to replace the affected leg bone with titanium,” she said.
The surgery is estimated to cost RM50,000 and discussions have already been held with the hospital regarding the matter.
Azlina shared that her granddaughter, a preschool student at Sekolah Kebangsaan Tualak, used to be active and cheerful.
However, she has become quieter since undergoing the lengthy chemotherapy treatment.
“We will do our best to follow every treatment procedure set by the doctors, even though it requires high expenses,” she added.