I found out my two-year-old son had cancer after he stubbed his toe on the washing machine

After a minor mishap in which her two-year-old kid stubbed his toe, a mother was devastated to learn of something far more sinister.

Amina Haq’s “whole world turned upside town” upon discovering that her son, Zakariyah, had cancer.

After her kid unintentionally hit his toe on their washing machine, the 40-year-old started to worry.

When Zak’s toe went purple two days later, she hurried him to A&E, where he received medicines.

However, the problem was not resolved by the antibiotics.

He had to spend the night there as the doctors performed a blood test after Amina hurried him back there the following day.

What followed was completely unthinkable for Amina and her 40-year-old husband, Suhaib.

The news that Zak had acute lymphoblastic leukemia was conveyed to the family.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is an uncommon kind of bone marrow and blood malignancy.

Usually developing rapidly, it requires immediate treatment.

Children and young adults are more likely to have it, particularly those under the age of four.

Amina, who lives in Crawley, West Sussex, stated: “I was shocked and incredulous when he was diagnosed.

“Everything in our world was upended. We were quite anxious and overwhelmed.

We learned that he had cancer first thing in the morning, and we were informed that an ambulance was waiting for us outside.

“I was numb. Everything happened extremely quickly and in a hurry.

“There was no time or means to process it all.

“We learnt that Zak’s immune system was very low and that if he hadn’t had the toe injury, we would have found out about the cancer another way at some point.”

Originally admitted to East Surrey Hospital, Zak was later moved to London’s St George’s Hospital and put in an intensive care unit.

Fortunately, doctors did not believe that he had also contracted a flesh-eating sickness.

As they attempted to accept the devastating news of his illness, the family faced a difficult journey.

Zak was given permission to go home after spending two weeks in the hospital.

Amina and Suhaib learned how to put in a nasogastric tube, which uses the nose to deliver food and medication to the stomach.

At London’s Royal Marsden Hospital, he was still undergoing a rigorous chemotherapy and steroid regimen.

“The doses gradually intensified over a three-month period,” Amina stated.

“His hair started to fall out when he was receiving chemotherapy almost daily.

Because he was so small and didn’t comprehend what was happening, he didn’t take it well.

“He got afraid of all the doctors and nurses since we had so many of them looking at him.

“He felt completely terrified.

“He needed a lot of time to recover from that. When being treated, he would simply cry because he was too little to express how he felt.

“We were very scared of what was happening and what was to come.”

For a year, Zak underwent maintenance care.

He still needs chemotherapy once a month and a lumbar puncture every six months.

Every week, he takes a variety of drugs, including the steroid Dexamethasone.

“The doctors have all been fantastic and performed a fantastic job,” Amina remarked.

“After treatment concludes in June 2025, routine examinations will be conducted for a minimum of five years.

“The possibility that the cancer will return is a constant worry.

“Zak has done a fantastic job managing the entire trip.

“He is a small combatant. We are all inspired by him.”

“Even when he’s feeling down or in pain he carries on and laughs it off.”

A unique sensory ‘Cuddles for Christmas’ Warmies teddy was given to Zak by the UK charity Cancer Support UK to aid him on his journey.

Because it gives him comfort during difficult times, he always has this with him and brings it to every hospital visit.

The bear may be reheated in the microwave and smells of lavender.

By December 21, Cancer Support UK hopes to have 1,200 Warmies teddies delivered to children’s cancer wards nationwide.