Patient stories

After cardiac surgery, Rick developed pain in the area around his liver. An MRI revealed a mass, and Rick was diagnosed with bile duct cancer within his liver (intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma). His doctors recommended aggressive systemic chemotherapy. After months of this regimen, decided to look at other options.

After multiple consultations, Rick learned about HAI therapy. He decided to move forward with surgery to implant the pump and began receiving HAI therapy. Rick said, “Every part of my life and body felt so much better.” He recalls the pump refill process as being short and straightforward, and he felt more energetic each day. Nine months later, Rick’s doctors told him he was ready for resection.

Rick believes getting a second opinion was a critical step in his treatment journey. Now, Rick is a mentor for other patients who are navigating a diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma. He mentors as part of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation’s Cholangio Connect program.

At home, he focuses on the things he loves, including playing golf, traveling, and being with his granddaughters. Thinking of his granddaughters, Rick said, “I cherish the times we have together, and I think they cherish me too.” And his daughter Kacey remembers him being there for an important moment her life. “I did a first look with my dad on my wedding day, which I never thought I would be able to do,” said Kacey. “It was a really special day.”

"It all started with stomach pains that grew worse over time, until one day, it felt like somebody was stabbing me with knives," Marsha recalled. After a series of tests, she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. She was 41 with two children, ages five and seven. "Cancer wasn't supposed to happen to me, but it did."

After multiple rounds of systemic chemotherapy, a tumor re-emerged in Marsha’s liver. She was referred to a liver surgeon, who recommended surgery immediately. "I'd heard of HAI therapy through a friend who had received it and had no evidence of disease for many years." Marsha asked the liver surgeon about it and was told HAI therapy was "overtreatment" in her case.

Nevertheless, she decided to seek a second opinion. The second surgeon strongly recommended liver resection and HAI therapy together. Her surgeon pointed to overall survival data for HAI therapy. Marsha was ready to move forward. "I wanted to do everything in my power to stay alive for my kids and put this disease behind me, and I felt unequivocally that this gave me my best chance."

Marsha had the pump implanted, along with a liver resection. Today, she is no longer in treatment and enjoys life with her family. "I am eternally grateful to the doctors that gave me access to this amazing therapy that has given me the best possible chance of survival."

Hope has always pursued a lifestyle of being a yoga instructor, working out, and healthy eating. But she was unexpectedly diagnosed with rectal cancer that had spread to her liver. Her tumor mass was inoperable.

Hope started researching treatment options. “That’s the kind of person I am, my brain’s wired like that,” she said. Hope found out about HAI therapy and soon connected with a patient social media group for colorectal cancer liver metastases. There, she learned more by talking with patients and caregivers who had previously experienced HAI therapy.

When her initial provider did not have an active HAI program, she found another facility close to her that offered HAI therapy. Hope’s new provider thought she was a good candidate for HAI therapy, and Hope had her HAI pump implanted. As she continued HAI therapy, her tumor mass was shrinking, and her care team decided she was ready for resection.

Her initial tumor mass was completely removed during her surgery. Later, when Hope experienced a recurrence in her liver, her HAI therapy was reactivated because the pump was still present, and she subsequently returned to getting clear scans.

Hope continued teaching yoga and working out nearly every day since receiving her pump. She appreciated that HAI therapy did not add additional systemic side effects compared to IV chemo. While she has made some adjustments, Hope maintained her lifestyle and continued to pursue her passions.

Peter was working as a carpenter and had been putting off his colonoscopy for years. When he finally got one, he learned he had colorectal cancer that had spread to his liver. The first two oncologists he saw said he had less than two years to live.

“I’m a Vietnam veteran and former high school wrestler,” said Peter. “My attitude from day one was that this was just another battle for an old soldier to fight.”

Peter and his wife got an appointment for a second opinion. The specialist who they met with said that Peter was a good candidate for HAI therapy. He had an HAI pump implanted and soon began treatment. At one point during his treatment, his doctor did a scan to check the status of his tumors.

“When I saw her face, she was smiling,” said Peter. “She said all of the tumors were gone – there was nothing there to even operate on. According to her assessment, my HAI therapy had totally taken care of the tumors.”

His doctors restarted HAI therapy to keep tumors from coming back and then maintained his pump with glycerin in case he needed it in the future. Eventually, Peter had his pump removed. “When I was diagnosed at age 59, people didn’t think I would make it to 60, but I’ve celebrated my 75th birthday,” said Peter. “I’m grateful that I faced this challenge head-on.”

When visitors to Don’s home ask about the decorated Christmas tree behind his desk, it’s an opportunity for Don to talk about his pump. According to Don, his wife loves having Christmas decorations up. After his cancer diagnosis, they decided to keep Christmas around all year.

Don’s cancer journey started with a routine colonoscopy. After surgery to remove part of his colon, Don was concerned about the chance for recurrence. He pushed for a follow-up scan earlier than was recommended. The scan revealed tumors in his liver, and he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.

Don jumped right into investigating treatment options and the data surrounding them. The treatment that kept coming up was HAI therapy. Don gathered up his scans and records and went to meet doctors who perform pump implants. After assessing Don’s disease, they agreed that an HAI pump was an appropriate therapy for him. The following week, he had simultaneous liver resection and pump implantation. After Don recovered from the surgery, his oncologist used the pump for follow-up therapy for several months. He continues to have no evidence of disease.

Today, Don moderates an online support group for people with colorectal cancer liver metastases. He enjoys feeding birds and exploring new places. And the Christmas decorations remain in his living room now as a symbol of hope, success, and everyday joy.