4번의 시한부 선고 넘어온 암과의 동행 17년…“희망이 가장 강한 치료제였다” [건강한겨레]

Being diagnosed with cancer marks a moment when everyone begins to contemplate death. The phrase "cancer is not a disease anymore" is rarely heard at that moment. Negative thoughts persistently resurface, often invoking the word "death." In such times, the greatest comfort is the hope provided by real-life examples. Knowing that someone has overcome the same illness eases anxiety.

"17 Years of Facing Liver Cancer" (translated by 최재영) is such a book. The author, who received five death sentences but survived, shares his experiences with liver cancer patients, friends, and caregivers. Readers will find many questions similar to theirs: Should they continue chemotherapy or stop? How should they interpret test results?

How much pain can they endure? How much should they share their fears with their families. The boundaries between liver cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, and cervical cancer become blurred when facing such challenges. The author, 최재영, was diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B and severe liver fibrosis in 2010.

His cancer journey began then. After receiving a rare 9-hour liver resection surgery, he experienced organ failure, shock, and metastasis, being on the brink of death multiple times. He made every effort to build a strong body to withstand treatments and sought methods to help him endure cancer therapy. The author, instead of claiming their experience as the answer, does not assert it as the definitive solution to cancer.

He emphasizes that what helped one patient may not necessarily help another. This humility contributes to the book's credibility. The author's key principles, distilled into eight, include studying, building a healthy body, confirming through tests, managing sleep and emotions, not pushing oneself too hard, never losing hope of survival, and finding a source of strength.

The author places great importance on maintaining liver function, as compromised liver function can hinder cancer treatment. While he is open to integrated medicine and alternative therapies, he does not prescribe specific foods or treatments as solutions. However, the book is filled with detailed experiences, from handling fever, diarrhea, and blood loss to managing liver function through practices like using broths, vitamin C, and cold noodles.

The author urges cancer patients to remember that they are stronger than they think and that hope is more enduring than it appears. They should continue learning about their condition and maintain hope for "one more day of strength, one more courage to return to the hospital, and one more willingness to live today." The author recommends quietly sharing this book with someone facing an anxiety-provoking cancer diagnosis, as it may provide more steadfast encouragement than grand words of comfort.