Faisal Esach Rifky, an alumnus of MasterChef Indonesia Season 2, went through a challenging period after being diagnosed with cancer of the lymph nodes, known as stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He underwent a series of chemotherapy treatments at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri and responded very well to the therapy, eventually being declared cancer-free.
Esach’s journey was not an easy one. He had to face various symptoms and a complex diagnostic process before finally receiving the appropriate medical treatment.
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Early Symptoms and the Path to a Lymphoma Diagnosis
The first symptom Esach noticed was a lump in his neck area. Over time, additional symptoms appeared, including shortness of breath, persistent nausea, a prolonged cough, and fluid accumulation in his lungs. He underwent examinations at several hospitals in Indonesia and initially received different suspected diagnoses, ranging from gastric problems and tuberculosis (TB) to lung cancer.
To obtain a definitive diagnosis, Esach continued his medical evaluation in Penang, Malaysia. In April 2024, a PET scan confirmed that he had stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma that had spread to his lungs. He underwent one session of chemotherapy there before returning to Indonesia.
Declining Physical Condition and the Decision to Seek Treatment in Indonesia
At that time, Esach’s physical condition had significantly deteriorated. Even walking a few steps caused severe shortness of breath, and he eventually had to use a wheelchair. Seeing his condition, his wife searched for treatment options in Indonesia and found that Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri was capable of continuing the same chemotherapy protocol he had received in Penang.
“My wife found information that Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri could continue the same treatment as in Penang, so we decided to proceed there instead of traveling back and forth to Penang. My physical condition at the time didn’t allow it—I couldn’t walk and had to use a wheelchair. Even walking a short distance caused shortness of breath. That’s when I was immediately referred to Mandaya,” Esach explained.
Upon arriving in Jakarta, Esach was taken directly to the Emergency Department of Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri. He was treated by dr. Marsheila Riska, Sp.P, who discovered an infection in the pigtail catheter located on his back—a medical tube used to drain fluid from the lungs. The catheter was immediately removed to prevent further complications.
After undergoing approximately one week of intensive treatment until the infection was resolved, Esach was declared ready to continue chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy Experience at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
During his treatment, Esach was under the care of dr. Toman T.J. Lumban Toruan, Sp.PD-KHOM, a consultant in hematology and medical oncology with extensive experience in treating blood cancers, including lymphoma.
He underwent chemotherapy through the One Day Care service, allowing him to receive treatment without hospitalization. The comfortable chemotherapy room and hotel-like atmosphere helped him feel calmer throughout each therapy session.
In total, Esach underwent 12 chemotherapy sessions. By the third session, evaluations showed that approximately 50 percent of the cancer cells had disappeared. By the final session, he was declared cancer-free, a result that was further confirmed through a Digital PET Scan examination at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.
Profile of dr. Toman, a KHOM Specialist Treating Esach at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
dr. Toman T.J. Lumban Toruan, Sp.PD-KHOM is an internal medicine specialist with a subspecialty in Hematology and Medical Oncology (KHOM). He completed his general medical education at the University of Indonesia, followed by specialist training in Hematology–Medical Oncology at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia.
To further enhance his clinical expertise and international exposure, dr. Toman participated in an Honorary Fellowship (Clinical Observership) program at the Department of Hematology, National University Hospital, Singapore. This experience strengthened his ability to manage complex blood cancer cases using globally recognized medical standards.
In daily clinical practice, dr. Toman applies a comprehensive approach to blood cancer treatment. His expertise includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and apheresis procedures, all tailored to the individual condition and needs of hematology and oncology patients.
dr. Toman T.J. Lumban Toruan, Sp.PD-KHOM is available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:
- Tuesday: 12.00 – 15.00 WIB
- Thursday: 12.00 – 15.00 WIB
Comprehensive Blood Cancer Services at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri not only treats Hodgkin’s Lymphoma but also various other blood cancers, such as leukemia and multiple myeloma. The hospital offers a comprehensive treatment approach that includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy using Linac Elekta Versa HD technology, targeted therapy, and apheresis procedures based on medical indications.
Mandaya’s Blood Cancer Center also collaborates with the National University Cancer Institute–National University Hospital (NCIS–NUH) Singapore. Through this partnership, every blood cancer case is discussed with an international medical team to ensure accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient.
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