{"id":5769,"date":"2024-10-25T16:33:54","date_gmt":"2024-10-25T08:33:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sccs.org.my\/?p=5769"},"modified":"2024-12-23T16:11:02","modified_gmt":"2024-12-23T08:11:02","slug":"noel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sccs.org.my\/sccs\/2024\/10\/25\/noel\/","title":{"rendered":"Noel"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Noel was just 1 year and 9 months old when he was diagnosed with cancer. Hailing from Miri, neither father nor son could have foreseen the storm ahead when Noel began showing unusual symptoms. His father shares their journey:<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Symptoms<\/strong>
Emmanuel Noel Anak Chat, or Noel as I always call him, is my firstborn, and the apple of my eye. He was always a cheerful little fella, and people always commented on how we looked so much alike.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, in December last year, my wife and I noticed something troubling: Noel was frequently having fevers, his stomach was bloated, and he seemed unusually tired. We took him to Miri Hospital for a checkup, and the doctors quickly referred us to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) in Kuching for more tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Receiving Unexpected News<\/strong>
In January 2024, we received devastating news\u2014Noel was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), a common type of childhood cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. I was in complete shock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I thought we were just going to Kuching to figure out the cause of his symptoms. I never imagined it would be something as terrifying as cancer. I didn\u2019t even know children could get cancer\u2014I always thought it was something that only affected adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At first, I was overwhelmed and confused. I couldn\u2019t process the diagnosis and even considered taking Noel home, but the doctors explained that he needed immediate treatment. They said we would have to stay in Kuching for at least six months\u2014maybe longer\u2014until his treatment was completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The news shattered me. How could my son have cancer? I was lost and struggling to accept reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, the hospital staff patiently explained Noel\u2019s condition and the importance of starting treatment right away. Other parents in the ward also shared their experiences with me, which helped me realise that, yes, children can get cancer\u2014but they can also get better with the right treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beginning Treatment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Noel at the Paediatric Ward 2A at SGH, during one of his chemotherapy sessions.<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Noel began his treatment, and we were introduced to the Sarawak Children\u2019s Cancer Society (SCCS). We stayed at the SCCS Halfway Home in Kuching. Meanwhile, my wife, pregnant with our second child, stayed back in Miri. Noel was on medications like Dexamethasone, which made him irritable and emotional. He often had intense cravings and wild requests, but I did my best to stay patient with him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was an incredibly difficult time. Not only was I away from my family, but I also missed the birth of our second son, Noel\u2019s younger brother. Thankfully, the birth went smoothly, and both my wife and son are healthy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Noel\u2019s routine involved being admitted to the ward for chemotherapy sessions, or visiting the daycare for blood tests. But what lifted my spirits was seeing his progress. His chemotherapy went smoothly, and I could see him becoming more active and energetic. Before treatment, he was pale and weak, but slowly, my cheerful little boy began to return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Support from SCCS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Noel\u2019s love for KFC is unmatched, a boy full of energy who\u2019s always buzzing around the centre in his toy car.<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

SCCS was a lifeline for us. They provided us with a place to stay during Noel\u2019s treatment, helped us financially, and offered transportation to and from the hospital. They also provided emotional and mental support, such as organising family outings for us to have fun and take our minds off the difficult times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ming Ming, the SCCS Support Services Manager, remarked, \u201cNoel and his father look so much alike. Bapa Noel is always so patient. Even when Noel gets fussy due to his medications, his father never loses his cool. He\u2019s always smiling, doing his best to care for Noel.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xin Yi, another SCCS staff member, shared, \u201cNoel loves to eat! He\u2019s always asking for his favourite foods, like KFC fried chicken and mashed potatoes. I remember one funny moment when he shaped his clay into french fries and tried to eat them! Despite being on treatment, he\u2019s kept his appetite, which is a good sign. He\u2019s a very active boy\u2014he loves playing with the toy crane in the playroom and is always by his father\u2019s side. It\u2019s great to see him responding so well to treatment.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homecoming and Continued Support<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A lovely family reunited at last, everyone eager to make up for lost time.\u00a0<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In August 2024, Noel completed his active treatment, and we returned home to Miri, reuniting with our family. Noel still needs regular follow-ups twice a month at Miri Hospital and must continue his medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being back home is a relief. I look forward to returning to work and sending Noel to school by 2026. To all parents going through this journey\u2014stay strong, don\u2019t give up, and always encourage your children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The SCCS team and Dr Betty will make a visit to Miri for Clinic Day this December, to follow up on Noel\u2019s progress and see how the family\u2019s doing. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>
\n

Your donation is supporting kids like Noel on their cancer-fighting journey. From as low as only RM30\/month, you can help kids fight cancer!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sign up today for our Heart of Gold Monthly Donation Programme to help ensure children with cancer get access to the medical treatment and care they need to get better.

Childhood cancer is treatable, and your support can help save their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Donate here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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