Introduction
Bile duct cancer is rare. However, I was one of
those rare patients who developed the disease. It was back in December 2020
when I started experiencing the symptoms. Initially, I felt sick to my stomach.
Then, the next day I still felt ill and noticed the whites of my eyes turned
yellowish. At first, I did not pay too much attention to it, but as the day
went on, the colour of my eyes did not improve. I consulted my family doctor,
and he prescribed me a blood test. I was diagnosed with Hepatitis A. To confirm
the diagnosis, I went to a local hospital. Not only was the Hepatitis A
diagnosis confirmed, but the doctor also identified perihilar
cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of bile duct cancer.
I chose to Fight
The news about my cancer left me devastated. However,
I knew I had to fight, and I had to seek treatment. I searched online and came
across the best oncologist in Kolkata. He was very kind and
empathetic towards my condition. He answered and clarified all of my questions
and told me about the treatment procedure. The doctor suggested I undergo
surgery, as tests revealed that 30 per cent of my liver could be kept intact.
Following the doctor's recommendation, I was scheduled for surgery on 2nd March
2021.
From conversations with the doctor, I learned the
risks of surgery and that it was essential for my future well-being that all
the cancer be removed. I wasn't scared. I couldn't wait to have another chance
at being healthy.
The eight-hour surgical procedure removed the entire
left lobe of my liver, along with the common bile duct and a portion of the
right lobe. It was a pervasive operation where the best surgical
oncologist reconstructed my entire biliary system.
I am not facing any issues in the nine months since
my surgery. I go for my routine check-ups and imaging studies to verify that
the tumour has not returned, and all reports to date have come back clear.
These regular check-ups will continue for at least five years. The doctor and
his team saved my life.
0 Comments