I've had liver cirrhosis since 2015, which I'd taken medication for previously. As part of follow-up checks, I go for regular endoscopies. After an endoscopy in October 2024, my specialist told me that results showed a possible mass in my liver. He scheduled a CT scan a week later, which revealed a 6 cm-long tumor on my liver. That’s how I found out I had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Some symptoms I had previously include:

• Loss of appetite
• Feeling very full after a small meal
• Pain in the abdomen
• Itching, which gave me extreme discomfort
• Difficulty sleeping

My feelings were a mix of fear and sadness. I didn't think it was going to be cancer, but tried to accept that this is my fate.

When I received the diagnosis, my specialist recommended a liver transplant because of my history of liver cirrhosis (so my liver is already hardened). But after initial tests, it was found that because there's possible 50-70% blockage of my coronary arteries based on CT/MRI scan, there's a high risk of heart-related issues during major surgery. Doctors then recommended y-90 radioembolization, but when they performed the mapping procedure with macroaggregated albumin (MAA), they found that 20% of the beads shunt into my lungs, which would cause problems if we proceeded with y-90. Doctors recommended trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) (combination of chemotherapy with embolization) as the next best option after liver transplant and y-90. Plus, my family encouraged me to opt for TACE. Honestly, I was scared about major surgery (liver transplant), but optimistic now with good results after TACE.

In total, I’m undergoing 2 sessions of TACE. The 1st session was in January 2025 and the 2nd in March 2025. TACE was covered by insurance, but I’m not sure if future procedures or medications will cost more. I already have bills from previous tests and scans, and the y-90 mapping procedure; I’m financing these by selling our house.

The most severe side effect I had was a continuous high-grade fever (38 degrees) for almost two weeks after the 1st TACE session. It’s part of post-embolization syndrome. Other side effects I experienced were fatigue and weight fluctuations. I just felt very weak, cold and fatigued all the time. It was difficult to do anything other than eat and sleep.

To manage, I took the following steps:

• Ate more soft foods and drank a lot more water for hydration
• Took paracetamol sparingly when fever got too high
• Had lots of rest

I’d like to focus on treatment and getting better. I wish I’d known how fast things can change and how quickly you need to adapt. I found it difficult to keep up with all the changes happening treatment-wise.

I resigned from my job after finding out about my cancer diagnosis.

I do struggle in my day-to-day life, as I cannot be as physically active as I used to and even short walks make me very tired. But my professional life has suffered the most; I had to stop working because of ongoing treatments. Thankfully, both my children are working now and they help to pay for household expenses. Once the 2nd session of TACE is over, I might consider doing part-time work.

What worries me are the fears of:

• The cancer returning (recurrence)
• Not surviving or dying
• Undergoing treatment (e.g., side effects, pain)
• Losing independence or ability to care for myself
• Changes in appearance or body image
• Being a burden to loved ones
• Not being able to continue with normal life or activities
• The impact on family or relationships

Trying to overcome them has meant:

• Seeking support from family or friends
• Focusing on physical recovery and staying active
• Educating myself about the cancer and treatment process
• Engaging in spiritual or religious practices
• Focusing on positive thinking or gratitude

Today I feel optimistic. After my latest CT scan, my specialist told me about 70% of the tumor is dying after TACE and only 30% is left. I’m going to do another session of TACE soon.

Staying mentally strong is very important. Many things can change and you need to adapt. Do what makes you happy and take it easy on yourself. Eat as healthily as you can to prepare for treatment.