Sydney Towle, now 25, was only 23 when she noticed an unusual sensation in her stomach—a subtle warning sign that would lead to a life-changing diagnosis. The young woman from New York City is sharing her journey with bile duct cancer, a rare illness, to raise awareness and provide support to others navigating similar challenges.
The Early Signs of a Rare Cancer
In early 2023, Towle noticed a small bump on her abdomen and felt a burning sensation during exercise. At first, she suspected it could be a hernia, a common assumption given her young age and active lifestyle. However, a visit to urgent care and a subsequent ultrasound revealed a shocking discovery—a solid mass in her abdomen.
Doctors diagnosed Towle with bile duct cancer, or cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer that affects the bile ducts connecting the liver, gallbladder, and small intestine. According to the American Cancer Society, this type of cancer typically appears in people over 70, making Towle’s case even more unusual.
"I was stunned. I’d never heard of bile duct cancer. I only knew the major forms of cancer like breast cancer or lymphoma,” Towle recalls.
The Unexpected Journey
Initially, Towle didn't think the bump was a cause for alarm. “I thought I was just young and healthy,” she said. But as the burning sensation worsened, Towle realized it was time to seek medical help. An MRI and biopsy confirmed that the mass was indeed cancerous.
With limited treatment options due to the rarity of her cancer, doctors recommended a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy to reduce the tumor size. Towle endured five months of treatment, struggling with side effects but maintaining resilience. “I feel like I got pretty lucky with the symptoms because I am young and healthy,” she reflects. “I wasn’t getting extremely sick.”
The chemotherapy proved effective, shrinking the tumor enough for surgeons to operate. In January, Towle underwent surgery, during which doctors were able to remove nearly all the remaining cancerous tissue. However, small traces of cancer remained on the liver margin.
A Resilient Battle Continues
For a time, Towle’s scans showed no signs of additional growth. But in August, a routine MRI revealed a new lesion, initially thought to be scar tissue. A follow-up scan, however, confirmed the cancer's return. Due to her low white blood cell count, she is currently ineligible for chemotherapy, so Towle faces the challenging decision between surgery or a clinical trial.
“I haven’t fully processed it yet. I’ve kind of disassociated from it,” she says, voicing the frustration that comes with retesting and new treatments.
Bringing Light to a Rare Condition
Throughout her journey, Towle has used social media as a platform for sharing her experiences. Her candid storytelling has touched countless followers who resonate with her transparency and bravery. “It’s a great way to connect with people. I get messages from others, including people my age or with family members facing similar challenges,” she shares.
Her openness on platforms like TikTok has encouraged others to seek medical care and not ignore warning signs. The messages of support motivate Towle to continue sharing her ups and downs, bringing awareness to a lesser-known form of cancer and helping others feel less alone.
Raising Awareness for Early Detection
Towle’s experience is a stark reminder of the importance of listening to one’s body, no matter how young or healthy one may feel. “If you have warning signs, don’t ignore them,” she advises. Her story underscores the crucial message of self-advocacy and the power of seeking help when something feels wrong.
By sharing her journey, Towle has not only raised awareness of bile duct cancer but has also become a source of hope and solidarity for others facing their own battles with cancer. Through every post and message, she continues to remind people that early detection can make a difference and that no one has to face their journey alone.