In 1993, while living in New York City, Momta Jahan was diagnosed with and treated for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It was a challenging time for her. With two young daughters — ages 7 1/2 years and 13 months — Momta said she had no choice but to fight for her life. 

Thankfully, she achieved complete remission. 

In 1997, Momta and her family moved to Clarkston, Georgia. 

Then, in late August 2021, she began feeling weak and fatigued and noticed she was bruising easily.

“I knew something was wrong with me,” Momta said. “The symptoms I was experiencing were the same that I experienced in 1993 when I was first diagnosed with AML.

Momta went to see her primary care doctor. Blood tests showed abnormal results, and she was referred to Northside Hospital for further evaluation.“I was scared, in disbelief and overwhelmed, knowing my leukemia may have returned,” she said.

Momta was admitted to the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) Program, where, on Sept. 8, she had a confirmatory bone marrow biopsy. Her AML was back.

“Who could believe that after 28 years, my AML decided to return for an unwelcome temporary visit?” she said.

On top of that, a CT scan of her chest showed a mass, and a biopsy later revealed a new lung tumor.

“I was in complete shock!” she said.

When Momta began chemotherapy, her heart was not working properly. The inpatient BMT physician, Dr. Kent Holland, called in a cardiologist from Northside Hospital Heart Institute to evaluate her heart function. Tests showed congestive heart failure. Due to her earlier leukemia treatment in 1993, Momta would need continued follow-up to ensure her heart did not fail her.

“I first met with Northside cardiologist Dr. Lalitha Medepalli when I needed to get cleared for   my bone marrow transplant,” she said.

Dr. Medepalli is a cardio-oncologist specializing in treating oncology patients needing care for cardiac issues. She worked collaboratively with Dr. Solh to coordinate Momta’s treatment. She has continued to monitor her heart and treat her for numerous cardiac conditions that have arisen before and after her transplant.

“Dr. Medepalli’s meticulous, expert treatment plan, communication and compassion have helped me feel stronger and lead a normal life,” Momta said. “My heart still misbehaves at times, but Dr. Medepalli and her team provide medical intervention when I feel in distress.

“I thank Dr. Medepalli and her wonderful team for taking such great care of me.”

After completing her leukemia treatment, achieving complete remission and having her lung tumor removed, Momta had a haploidentical stem cell transplant on Jan. 27, 2022.

“My wonderful daughter, Maple, was my donor and caregiver throughout the pre- and post-transplant periods,” she said. “The BMTGA clinic, especially my nurse practitioner, Kim Page, provided me with continued expert care, support and kindness as I recovered from my leukemia and transplant.”

Momta is very thankful to the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute and Northside Hospital Heart Institute teams for giving her another opportunity to live her best life.

“Everyone at Northside and the inpatient BMT unit was so nice to me and my family. Their kindness and positivity helped me battle through another fight for my life,” she said.

“I have relied on my deep Muslim faith, saying my daily prayers throughout the day and leaning on my beautiful family to overcome my leukemia diagnosis, new lung tumor and cardiac medical problems. This gives me the strength to carry on each day and stay positive.

“I also follow Dr. Medepalli and Dr. Solh’s medical treatment plans, give myself grace, rest when I need to and take one day at a time.”