Even with Houston's poor condition, Dr. Cheung was undaunted. "Our team takes a can-do attitude," he says. This positive, no-nonsense outlook has been developed through years of experience successfully treating children in similar situations.
"Although," Dr. Cheung adds, "we always have to step back and ask, Would I do this to my child or are there alternatives?"
And like Dr. LaQuaglia, Dr. Cheung is quick to share credit with Diane Moore, Houston's mother. "Just like every mother I know, Diane would leave no stone unturned when it comes to saving her son. She is resourceful, persistent, and listens to her 'mother's instinct.'"
Still, Dr. Cheung notes that, in the end, it was Houston himself who had to fight the battle to survive: "Like many children battling with cancer and its side effects, Houston is a brave kid."
When asked what it is like to see Houston now, Dr. Cheung is reminded of the lesson each one of these children holds for him. "He awakens in me what I would say if I were in his shoes: 'Don't give up on me so easily' and 'Understand me and my tumor. Neither one of us reads your textbooks.'"
