Davrené's Fight Against Liver Cancer

Hello Everyone,

My name is Davrene Coles and I am a 31 year old female from Washington, DC.

On May 25, 2023, I was told to go the ER by my PCP because my bilirubin levels were elevated (4.3). Normal levels are generally less than 1 mg/dl. Once I got to the ER, I had a series of test run on me. It was later determined that I had blockages in my bile ducts which were cause for concern and was told that I needed to be admitted.

I was hospitalized for one week. During my stay at the hospital, I had an endoscopy, several biopsies, an ultra sound, multiple CT scans and two stints placed inside my bile ducts. After waiting for about another week to receive the results of all the procedures, I was diagnosed with Bile Duct Cancer on June 7, 2023, a rare form of liver cancer.

The tumors are not able to be surgically removed because they are directly in the center of my liver. As a result, I must go through a series of aggressive chemotherapy treatments in hopes of shrinking them and stopping the cancer from spreading. My first session was June 15, 2023 and although it went well, this transition has been very hard on me.

I have been out of work since May 24th. The chemotherapy and the various medications I am on have made it difficult for me to return. My hospital bills are accumulating and my day to day living expenses are increasing because my insurance isn’t covering everything. I have applied for financial aid but was denied by the hospital due to the fact that I have insurance. Any funds or support that you are able to provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

It has officially been a year since my diagnosis, and none of my chemo treatments have been effective. I am currently taking no treatments as a result because the chemo not only depleted my magnesium levels but it also gave me severe peripheral neuropathy, increased my bilirubin numbers, and caused me to gain 2 more tumors. Please continue to keep me and my family in your prayers as we continue to fight each and everyday.