CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA SURVIVOR STORY: A Mother-Daughter Journey of Hope, Faith, and Triumph Part V

SECTION 7: SEPTEMBER 16, 2025 – TRANSPLANT DAY

FOR MOM:
What do you remember about the day of transplant?

I remember everyone surrounding us at the hospital. It was the moment it all became real—my daughter was about to give me part of her liver to save my life. I felt overwhelmed with love and gratitude.

What was going through your mind going into surgery?

I was calm, actually. I had so much faith in my doctors and the team. I was more worried about my daughter than myself. I just kept praying that we would both be okay.

What do you remember about waking up after?

I remember feeling surprisingly good! I was alert and ready to get moving. The team was amazed at how well I was doing. It felt like a miracle.

What was the first thing you thought or felt when you knew it was successful?

Gratitude. Pure gratitude. And relief that my daughter was okay too. We had made it through together.

FOR YOU (CAREGIVER):
What was the waiting like during surgery?

I just wanted to get to transplant day so that we could focus on moving forward. The waiting felt like a million years, and when the day actually came, it was very exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. My brother was taking care of my kids and home, so I was at ease knowing that everything was being handled. Having worked with liver patients in the past as a nurse, I knew a lot could happen during surgery and post-op, so I was very nervous about the outcome.

Who was with you?

My husband Andrew, my dad, my mom’s best friend, and my uncle (mom’s brother). We were all there supporting each other through the wait.

What was the moment like when you heard it went well?

The biggest sense of relief. There is no better news because if you’re anything like me, you play all these scenarios in your mind. The words “Your mom did amazing” gave me the biggest sense of relief I’ve ever felt.

What did you feel when you first saw her after surgery?

I wish you guys could see the video! The coolest and best experience ever. In fact, it was amazing because she was doing better than I was! I say that because here’s a woman who just went through almost a year of chemo, radiation, and procedures, and she came out of that surgery swinging!

SECTION 8: RECOVERY & LOOKING FORWARD

FOR MOM:
How has recovery been so far?

Recovery has been going well. I’m healing nicely, my labs are great, and I’m regaining my energy. I’m dealing with some normal post-transplant issues like constipation and anxiety, but overall, I’m doing much better than I ever imagined.

What are the challenges now?

Managing the medications and their side effects, and learning to trust my body again after everything it’s been through. Also, managing the anxiety that comes with being a transplant recipient—worrying about rejection or complications.

What are you most looking forward to?

The holidays! Making meals, decorating my house, spending time with my grandchildren without worrying about drains or being too sick. I’m looking forward to all the normal beautiful moments that I took for granted before.

What dreams or plans do you have now that you didn’t think were possible?

I want to travel with my husband. I want to watch my grandchildren grow up. I want to be there for all the big moments—graduations, weddings, births. I want to live fully and make every moment count. And I want to help other people going through this by sharing my story and giving them hope.

SECTION 9: WISDOM TO SHARE

FOR MOM:
What do you want other cholangiocarcinoma patients to know?

You are stronger than you think. This cancer is incredibly aggressive and scary, but there is hope. Trust your medical team, especially if you’re at a major medical center with experience in treating this cancer. Do everything they tell you to do. And hold onto your faith—whatever that looks like for you. Also, find joy wherever you can. Name your drains. Put on your lipstick. Look for the sunshine. These small acts of defiance against the cancer matter.

What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?

Get to a major medical center that specializes in cholangiocarcinoma. Don’t wait. Time matters with this cancer. Ask all your questions. Build a relationship with your care team. They are your village. Take it one day at a time. Don’t Google everything—it will terrify you. Trust your doctors. And remember: you have a purpose. Whether your outcome is transplant or something else, your journey matters. Consider participating in research studies—you might help save someone’s life.

What resources or information were most helpful?

My care team at University of Chicago was the most valuable resource. They explained everything, answered all our questions, and guided us through every step. Also, connecting with other patients and caregivers who understood what we were going through was incredibly helpful.

What do you wish you’d known earlier?

That I was stronger than I thought. That there would be good days mixed in with the bad days. That it was okay to find humor and joy even in the darkest moments. If you could go back and tell yourself something on diagnosis day, what would it be? “You’re going to make it. It’s going to be the hardest thing you’ve ever done, but you will make it to the other side. You are stronger than you know, and you are loved more than you realize. Trust your doctors, trust God, and trust yourself.”

FOR YOU (CAREGIVER):
What advice would you give to other caregivers?

You can still take care of yourself. In fact, it is imperative that you do. If you don’t know how to take care of yourself and you need support, always know that you are not alone and there is someone who wants to help you. Don’t lose yourself in the caregiving. You matter too. Eat well, move your body, maintain your relationships, and ask for help when you need it. Also, build a relationship with the medical team. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or advocate for your loved one.

What would you tell someone whose loved one just got diagnosed?

You are not alone. The pain is heavy—find support because we can’t do this alone. Get to a major medical center immediately. Time matters with this cancer. Hold onto hope, but also be present for every moment you have with your loved one. Don’t leave anything unsaid. Take care of yourself too. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

FOR BOTH:
What’s the most important message you want to share?

MOM: There is hope, even with cholangiocarcinoma. This cancer is aggressive and scary, but there are incredible doctors and treatments available. Trust your team, never give up, and find joy in every moment you can. Life is precious.

DAUGHTER: Never underestimate the power of hope, love, and community. We couldn’t have made it through this without all three. If you’re facing this diagnosis, know that you’re not alone. Reach out, ask for help, and hold onto hope with everything you have.

What gives you hope now?

MOM: Waking up every morning and being able to do things I couldn’t do a year ago. Seeing my grandchildren. Planning for the future. Every day is a gift, and I’m so grateful for it.

DAUGHTER: Watching my mom thrive. Knowing that we made it through the storm together. Seeing her pick out pumpkins and decorate for the holidays. These simple, beautiful moments give me so much hope.

Is there anything else you want people to know about your journey?

MOM: I want people to know that participating in research matters. When I signed up for the clinical trial, I hoped it would help someone else. Every person who participates in research is contributing to finding better treatments and maybe even a cure someday. Also, to the families who don’t get the outcome we got—I see you, and my heart breaks for you. This cancer is cruel and unfair. But every fight matters. Every day matters.

DAUGHTER: To the medical community: thank you. Thank you to every person at University of Chicago who took care of my mom and took care of me when I was a donor. You are heroes. To other families: this journey will change you. Let it make you stronger, more grateful, and more compassionate. Turn your pain into purpose. That’s what we’re trying to do. And finally: there is life after cholangiocarcinoma. We’re living proof. Hold onto that hope.

END OF INTERVIEW
With love, hope, and gratitude, Alexandra Feliciano – Cholangiocarcinoma Survivor & Liver Transplant RecipientChrissy Putnam – Living Liver Donor & Caregiver