A surprising diagnosis leads to a less invasive liver cancer treatment

When now 81-year-old Daphne Decker began experiencing digestive symptoms in fall 2025, she thought she might be dealing with an infection or another minor health issue.

But during a visit with her primary care provider, an examination raised concerns about discomfort in her torso. Additional testing, including imaging and a biopsy, revealed an unexpected diagnosis: liver cancer.

“Being diagnosed with liver cancer came as a total shock,” Daphne says.

Because of her medical history, common treatments like surgery and chemotherapy weren’t considered the best fit for her situation. Instead, her Aurora Health Care team developed a plan designed to target the cancer while limiting the impact on her overall health.

That plan included Y-90 radioembolization, a minimally invasive procedure used to treat certain types of liver cancer.

Unlike traditional surgery, the treatment is performed through blood vessels. Tiny beads containing radiation are delivered directly to the tumor using a thin tube called a catheter. The targeted approach allows radiation to reach cancer cells while reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue.

Daphne underwent the procedure in January 2026.

“This minimally invasive treatment is a great option for patients, and in Daphne’s case, avoided the need for surgery and chemotherapy,” says Dr. Nathan Thompson, an interventional radiologist on her care team.

Another benefit of Y-90 radioembolization is that it’s typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can return home the same day. For Daphne, that was especially helpful.

“It was important to me to be able to get this treatment and then return home same day,” she says.

A month later, follow-up imaging brought encouraging news: There was no evidence of active liver cancer.

For Daphne, the treatment allowed her to focus on getting back to the activities she enjoys.

Since completing treatment, she’s celebrated her 81st birthday and is looking forward to another season of cheering on the Marquette Golden Eagles men’s basketball team, one of her favorite pastimes.

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