Will’s Experience with Stage 4 Liver Cancer is Marked by Moments of Joy

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Categories Clinical Trials Kyphoplasty Liver Cancer Patient Stories Radiation Therapy Surgery Targeted Therapy Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) TreatmentsWill’s Experience with Stage 4 Liver

Categories
Clinical Trials Kyphoplasty Liver Cancer Patient Stories Radiation Therapy Surgery Targeted Therapy Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) Treatments

Will’s Experience with Stage 4 Liver Cancer is Marked by Moments of Joy

 

Will M., Liver Cancer, Stage 4

 

 

Symptoms: General uneasiness, exhaustion, diarrhea, hard mass in the abdomen, worsening abdominal pain in the upper right quadrant
Treatments: Surgery (kyphoplasty), chemotherapy, targeted therapy, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), radiation therapy, clinical trial

 

Will’s Experience with Stage 4 Liver Cancer is Marked by Moments of Joy

Will found out that he had stage 4 liver cancer in December 2022. Before that, his life felt like a blur. He struggled with unexplained exhaustion, frequent diarrhea, sporadic vomiting (especially after eating pork or rich food), and a sense of discomfort he couldn’t put his finger on.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

One day, in the middle of a badminton game, Will felt an unusual hardness in his abdomen. This led him to seek medical advice. He ended up going to a hospital, where doctors ran tests and procedures and eventually uncovered a massive tumor that took up nearly 70% of his liver.

The ER doctor compassionately delivered the grim news that Will had liver cancer, and this thoughtfulness and consideration helped him find his footing despite the overwhelming odds. He also found solace in actionable steps. He initially underwent immunotherapy and targeted therapy. These treatments weren’t successful, but he and his medical team didn’t stop there. Clinical trials offered Will hope and insight into medical advancements. These trials were grueling, but they supported his resilience and determination to get better.

Stage 4 liver cancer introduced a new rhythm to Will’s life. He learned to accept his situation, which became his basis for adaptation and also formed a surprising foundation for moments of joy. He found that physical activity helped him feel free and helped him reclaim his autonomy. Despite Will’s physical limitations, sports, including swimming and cycling, became a refuge and source of comfort. His ambitions grew bolder: he aimed to complete a triathlon. Every move he made, further emboldened his defiance against any thoughts of despair and helped him enjoy life’s simple freedoms.

Will’s tumor shrank significantly, and his health stabilized remarkably, thanks to treatment, which was made available through applying for compassionate-use medication or using a new treatment not yet approved even if you are not taking part in the clinical trial. Uncertainties linger regarding his stage 4 liver cancer, but he remains laser-focused on living fully. He urges fellow patients to be proactive regarding their health management and to ask questions, prepare for medical appointments, and embrace discomfort as part of the process. He’s found that happiness isn’t dependent upon one’s health status; one can enjoy meaningful moments even during times of adversity.

Watch Will’s video to find out more about:

  • How badminton led him to uncover a stage 4 liver cancer growing right under the surface of his abdomen
  • The unexpected role that swimming and cycling played in his health transformation
  • Why a dead phone during Will’s diagnosis became an oddly pivotal moment
  • How he found happiness amid treatment for advanced cancer
  • The power of asking the right questions during medical appointments and pushing for compassionate use medication

  • Name:
    • Will M.
  • Age at Diagnosis:
    • 29
  • Diagnosis:
    • Liver Cancer
  • Staging:
    • Stage 4
  • Symptoms:
    • General uneasiness
    • Exhaustion
    • Diarrhea
    • Hard mass in the abdomen
    • Worsening abdominal pain in the upper right quadrant
  • Treatments:
    • Surgery: kyphoplasty
    • Chemotherapy
    • Targeted therapy
    • Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)
    • Radiation therapy
    • Clinical trial
Will M. stage 4 liver cancer
Will M. stage 4 liver cancer
Will M. stage 4 liver cancer
Will M. stage 4 liver cancer
Will M. stage 4 liver cancer
Will M. stage 4 liver cancer

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.

The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.


Thank you for sharing your story, Will!

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Dania M.

Dania M., Colon Cancer, Stage 4, with Liver and Peritoneal Carcinomatosis



Symptoms: Constipation, diarrhea, severe bloating, swollen belly as if pregnant
Treatments: Surgery, immunotherapy


Brittany B., Liver and Bile Duct Cancer, Stage 4



Symptoms: Amenorrhea, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, pain in right upper quadrant of abdomen

Treatments: Surgery, immunotherapy

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Originally published on The Patient Story

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