DJ's Fight Against Cancer

Hi, My name is Abhijeet Nikam. I am fundraising for my dearest friend Dhananjay Managaleker - "DJ", as most of us fondly call him. DJ works tirelessly to provide for his family and is an amazing father and husband. He is always surrounded and blessed by his two beautiful children - Ishaan and Aaryan and his loving and caring wife - Rupali, back in India his mom and dad, and his brother, among his many other family and friends. He is always ready and willing to help anyone in need. All those who know DJ know that he has never hesitated to help others in any way he could, whether it be a friend, a family member, or a stranger. DJ's calm demeanor endears him to all those who know him. He is strong, positive, and grateful for his life and we know he wants it back.

 

This past September 2021 DJ was diagnosed with Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer) and a 7cm tumor in his liver. DJ had been having abdominal pain for couple of months prior, which the Gastroenterologist believed to be diet-related since his Endoscopy reports were normal, until one morning his eyes and body turned yellow with severe abdominal pain. Swift MRI revealed the worst- a tumor of 7cm on the liver was pressing over his bile ducts, which lead bile into his blood turning his body yellow. Biopsy revealed tumor was malignant and lymph nodes biopsy in bile duct results came back positive as well.

 

In order to start chemo and the surgery, to remove the tumor, DJ's bilirubin which had spiked very high, had to come down to normal levels, which lead to multiple endoscopy procedures to put stents in the bile tubes for bile to flow normally. Doctors had to put drain bag as last stop measure, as the stent procedures were not providing good results as expected.

 

Finally his chemotherapy started this past week and will go on for next six weeks, before his team of doctors can decide if it's safe to undergo surgery to remove his tumor. He is very weak, but in great spirit and looking forward to quickly bounce back on his feet.

 

DJ is so grateful for everything everyone has done and continues to do for him and his family. He is humbled by all the help, the outpouring of love, prayers, friendship, food, and the countless acts of kindness everyone has shown during this very difficult time. We believe in the power of prayer, so please continue praying that God blesses our friend and heals him quickly.

 

Thank you for reading this and donating to help cover his medical bills.