Khiem Tran, 34, rectal cancer with metastasis to liver, Watertown, with Dr. Doug Rubinson, PHD, gastrointestinal oncologist, Dana-Farber

After visits to his local doctor and urgent care, it was believed that Kheim’s rectal bleeding and extra fatigue could be attributed to hemorrhoids. Instead, learning the news through a phone call, Kheim was diagnosed with rectal cancer with metastasis to liver at age 32 after receiving additional scans and examinations. Once at Dana-Farber, with the help of his oncologist, Dr. Douglas Rubinson, Kheim beganchemotherapy infusions, but his nurses noted that he always seemed a bit “off.” After his family found Kheim at home, nearly unresponsive, it was later discovered that a genetic quirk caused Kheim to metabolize the chemotherapy. In collaboration with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Kheim’s care team developed a protocol to continue chemotherapy, without continued toxic metabolic products. He also had surgeries to remove cancerous parts of his liver and rectum. Kheim remained cancer-free for two years until a recurrence occurred a few months ago on the lining of his liver. Kheim has since returned to chemotherapy treatment, with four additional rounds scheduled. A graduate of Boston University, Kheim works as a healthcare analyst manager. He also enjoys playing jazz guitar, collecting records, cooking, gardening, and meditating. Kheim makes it a priority to focus on his personal wellness, through mental health, lifestyle, nutrition, and mindfulness changes, as much as his health care. Through working on this relationship to be a positive one, Kheim hopes to improve his quality of life with cancer.