Meet Our Patients: Bisma

“We didn’t give up, and neither did she.”

Bisma’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering support of loved ones. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at just 23, Bisma’s story highlights the challenges of battling cancer and the hope that emerges when we refuse to surrender.

Bisma was an architecture student from Hyderabad when she first noticed troubling symptoms. It was in 2022 that she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that targets the lymphatic system. After her initial treatment in Karachi, where she bravely underwent four cycles of chemotherapy, the news that her cancer had become aggressive brought new challenges. She was advised to seek further care at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital in Lahore.

In Lahore, Bisma faced her toughest battle yet. Despite undergoing a new chemotherapy combination, her cancer remained relentless. When it seemed like all options had been exhausted, her doctors recommended an advanced immunotherapy treatment that was not available in Pakistan. They imported the necessary medication just for her. Following this, Bisma also underwent Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation, a complex procedure that would eventually help her turn the tide in her fight against cancer.

This period was both physically and emotionally challenging for Bisma, as she had to endure the gruelling effects of the treatment as well as the isolation. But with her family’s support, Bisma was able to push through. She says, “Each patient’s journey is unique, but remember that you are the writer of your own story.” Thanks to the life-saving treatments at Shaukat Khanum, she not only survived but also completed her thesis and is now ready to graduate in July 2024.

Bisma’s journey from diagnosis to recovery is a powerful reminder that there is a future beyond cancer. If you’re inspired by Bisma’s story and want to support other patients like her, click below to learn how you can make a difference.