“I’ve always had back pain,” Tiffany explains, recalling a 2020 car crash. But one night a sharp left‑side pain jolted her awake. Even with four kids and a full‑time job, she knew this was different. Her husband drove her to the ER after the kids got on the bus. Staff suspected a kidney stone. A CT and MRI instead revealed a liver mass and a small tumor on her spine.

“In my mind, this is cancer. It’s spreading everywhere. I feel like a ticking time bomb.”

The earliest hours after an unexpected finding can be the most frightening. Tiffany left the hospital in shock, crying, and telling her husband she didn’t want to die.

The Diagnostic Maze: From “Probably Colon Cancer” to Cholangiocarcinoma

Because many cancers spread to the liver, the team first suspected colon cancer. Tiffany underwent a colonoscopy—clear. More scans followed: MRI, PET, and finally a liver biopsy. Results took weeks, crisscrossing pathology labs for additional testing. The verdict came back: cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer), stage IV, confirmed after spine involvement. Tiffany had never heard the word before.

As we mark Liver Cancer Awareness Month, her story highlights why awareness matters—early detection is rare because symptoms often mimic more common issues.

Treatment, Round by Round

Radiation to the spine. Three initial sessions aimed at shrinking the spine tumor didn’t work.

Chemo + immunotherapy cycles. Week 1: one immunotherapy and two chemotherapies. Week 2: two chemotherapies. Week 3: rest. She completed five rounds before the plan shifted.

Targeted liver radiation. Focused treatment to the primary liver tumor.

Spine surgery. Surgeons removed roughly 95–98% of the spine tumor and stabilized her back with five screws. Recovery meant walkers, canes, X‑rays with arms raised despite intense pain, and a week in the hospital.

Liver ablations. When two right‑liver lesions appeared, interventional radiology ablated them.

Back to systemic therapy. By mid‑December, she resumed chemo and immunotherapy. Upcoming checkpoints included an MRI to assess the targeted liver radiation and a PET scan to watch for new growth. If stable, the plan discussed was a left‑liver resection, leveraging the liver’s ability to regenerate, followed by more chemo to keep margins clear.

“There are days when I’m sure I’ll see my kids graduate—and days when pain and exhaustion make me doubt everything.”

The Mental Health Whiplash

The physical toll is obvious; the mental load is quieter but heavy. Tiffany describes tears at the kitchen island, the way quiet afternoons let fear get loud, and how consistent anxiety medication helped once she took it as prescribed. Nightly hugs from her daughter bring both comfort and a fresh wave of emotion. Uncertainty is its own symptom.

What helped Tiffany:

Taking anxiety medication consistently when prescribed
Naming the hard days and resting without guilt
Staying connected—hockey games when possible, short visits, texts
Accepting that hope and fear often sit side by side

Parenting in Treatment: Small Wins Matter

Between appointments, infusions, and recovery, Tiffany fights to keep everyday life alive—homework checks, hockey games, camping in summer. After surgery she used a walker and cane; now she’s walking better, even if cold days make the back ache. Progress is progress.

“Advocate for Yourself—Loudly”

Tiffany’s message to other patients and caregivers is clear:

Listen to your body. A new, different, or escalating pain deserves attention, even if you already “have pain.”
Ask for the right tests. Push for answers when pathology is unclear. Second‑opinion pathology can change everything.
Keep your own records. Dates, scans, drugs, doses, side effects. Bring a one‑page summary to appointments.
Clarify the plan in steps. What are the next two milestones if Scan A shows stability vs. growth?
Know common detours. Insurance delays, lab send‑outs, and surgical scheduling happen. Ask who to call if timelines slip.
Caregivers are part of the team. Tiffany’s husband drives, sits through consults, and helps at home. Invite caregivers into note‑taking and question lists.

For Caregivers: Practical Ways to Help

Be the logistics lead. Rides, calendars, child schedules, pharmacy runs.
Create a comfort kit. Heating pad, soft blanket, snacks OK’d by the care team, nausea supplies, pill organizer.
Protect their energy. Short visits, door signs for rest, batch errands.
Mind the mental health. Offer to sit during tough scans; help schedule counseling if welcomed.
Advocate together. Two sets of ears cut through information overload.

Quick Primer: What Is Cholangiocarcinoma?

Cholangiocarcinoma is a rare cancer of the bile ducts inside or outside the liver. Because its early symptoms can be vague—or mistaken for other conditions—many people are diagnosed at advanced stages. Multidisciplinary care often includes surgery when feasible, interventional radiology, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted or radiation therapies. Every plan is individual; discuss specifics with your oncology team.

This article shares one person’s experience and is not medical advice. Always consult your clinicians for personalized guidance.

Tiffany’s Closing Hope

“I pay attention to my body. Cancer taught me that. If you’re reading this: get your checkups, get your bloodwork, and don’t be afraid to insist on answers. Advocate for yourself—no one knows your body better than you.”

This October, during Liver Cancer Awareness Month, Tiffany hopes her story reminds others that early testing saves lives.

**About the Patient Story**

**The Patient Story** shares authentic patient experiences with compassion and scientific rigor. Starting with cancer and expanding to other conditions, the platform combines patient narratives with medically vetted information on symptoms, clinical trials, insurance, and support—presented in a human-centered way.

For more information on how HuMOLYTE can support your gut health during chemotherapy, visit our product page or consult your health care provider.

This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.

This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.

October Is Liver Cancer Awareness Month: One Mom’s Story of Resilience and Advocacy