The oldest nurse’s account of serving children with cancer

When I decided to become a nurse, I did not understand the various aspects of this job. I only knew that in this profession I could help others and have different experiences. “This job was the best opportunity for me to help my fellow human beings.” These sentences are uttered by Masoumeh Soleiman Supervision of the Clinic of Mahak Pediatric Cancer Hospital. From 18 years ago until today, he has been with the happy and sad days of the children of Mahak and their families, and even his severe cancer did not stop him from accompanying the little heroes of Mahak.

Before entering the test, Suleiman worked in the Medical Center Hospital, the Children’s Metabolic Ward, and the Shohada Tajrish Hospital for the Neonatal Ward. He became acquainted with this institute in 2003, when Mahak was only one residence. “Eight years ago, I was working in the neonatal ward of Tajrish Martyrs Hospital when I found out that Mahak’s residence was hiring a nurse,” he said. At that time, I did not have much information about this accommodation and welfare center. “I went there and in the same year, after going through various stages, I joined the large family of Mahak.”

The head nurse of Mahak Hospital describes his first encounter with children with cancer as follows: On my first encounter with children with cancer, I was so sad that it could not be described to me. It was very difficult and challenging for me to see mothers and fathers experiencing their child’s illness. I asked myself, in addition to having to take care of their child, what other help can I get? I have not had such a concern before, especially in the neonatal ward. Every child was born there with joy and happiness. But from the beginning, I always tried to empathize with my mothers and fathers while caring for the children. The first few days I worked on the bench, I wondered if I could continue on this path. Over time, I learned how to heal the body and soul of children and their families. Until time passed and I got cancer myself.

Suleiman says that he is suffering from a serious illness that these days more than 20,000 children are fighting against it under the support of Mahak throughout Iran: During the treatment of cancer and after my recovery, I came to believe that my mission is to accompany children with cancer. I had experienced the pain of this disease and could understand them well. This bitter experience made me enjoy serving our little heroes more than ever. He passed the test and taught me patience.

Then he remembers the good memories he had under the roof of the bench and says: Of course, I have many good memories in the bench. For example, early in my career, a boy named “Mehran” was present at Mahak residence. He had osteosarcoma. He came to visit me with his wife a few years after his recovery, and I was very happy to see him.

Masoumeh Soleiman has a lot of experience in nursing children with cancer. “Cancer is an acute physical illness that affects all members of the family,” she says when asked how nurses should treat children with cancer and their families for better treatment. Also, the psychological pressure on families puts them in an unfavorable mental state, so a nurse on the bench must be supportive and prudent. In other words, nursing colleagues, along with psychologists and social workers, need to know how to treat children with cancer and their families. This leads families to trust their babysitter and to accompany them from the moment they are diagnosed until they recover or even when the child is unwell.

“Nursing is a combination of knowledge, skills, empathy, high decision-making power and management,” he says while congratulating Nurse Day. Nursing means love for God’s creatures. I wish that nurses, wherever they are in this land, can carry out their mission in the best possible way with a healthy body. Hopefully, we will soon see the end of the critical situation and disease in our country.

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