Auntie Liemonta

I was fortunate to spend time with Daisy and her Mom in Houston after my race. They flew 20 hours from Jakarta, Indonesia for Daisy’s Mom’s checkup at MD Anderson. She has myeloma which is a form of cancer in the bone marrow. Her first treatments over two years ago included a very painful bone marrow transplant. Everything was looking good, but the myeloma came back last year. Luckily, after spending a few months at MD Anderson where they have two specialists in myeloma, she was able to continue her treatments at home and in Singapore. This was a stressful visit because it was a test to see if her new treatments were working. The blood work results came on Monday, and the doctor said the ratios were looking good so she can continue with the current medications and go home! This is a very good sign because the longer she can be on one medication, the more options she’ll have for future treatments.

It was a unique experience spending two days at MD Anderson’s Cancer Center. It made me think of all the emotions that the patients and families must have when they are there. I saw a business man making arrangements for his treatments as if it were his client. I saw a husband holding up his wife as she tried to steady herself, order her breakfast and walk to her table. I saw patients alone thinking and families talking together. I also realized that not everyone fighting cancer has these resources and access to specialized care in their local communities. No matter how different all these people are, everyone is there for the same reasons: to fight cancer and to have another chance to live. Daisy’s mom is a source of strength. She has a strong support system in her family and especially Daisy, who has been with her throughout all her treatments. She also has remarkable inner peace and determination that is going to help her reach her next milestones in life.