Luke Cowan, now 32, was given just a 30% chance of survival after being diagnosed with stage 4 anaplastic T-cell lymphoma at age 26. He has since been declared in remission and describes himself as "super grateful" and "probably the fittest I've ever been."
From a cold to a cancer diagnosis
Cowan first noticed a "dull ache" in the lymph node of his upper inner right thigh around June 2020, initially dismissing it as a symptom of a common cold. Within weeks, his legs began to swell and grew "progressively worse," leaving him "limping around." He visited A&E in July but was sent home with pain relief medication.
By mid-August, his temperature had soared, leading to hospital admission where the affected lymph node was surgically removed for a biopsy. The results confirmed cancer, a diagnosis that "hit really hard," though doctors were unsure of the specific type. His condition was stabilised and he was discharged while further tests were carried out.
Organ failure and a 30% survival chance
At the end of September, Cowan collapsed at home and was rushed to intensive care with life-threatening organ failure. He has no memory of his time in hospital until October 6, when doctors confirmed his stage 4 diagnosis. He was "taken aback" to learn he had only a 30% chance of survival. His weight had plummeted from 15 stone to nine, and he "didn't even recognise" himself.
Cowan underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy, which caused fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. He also experienced an infected PICC line and shingles during treatment. In May 2021, he was told he was in remission. He recalled: "I remember I was walking through town and I got a phone call from my consultant. She said she just wanted to tell me that my Pet scan results came back and I was in remission. There were so many emotions flowing through me and I didn't know what to say... It was just a massive relief. I don't think there's another moment that tops that for me, emotionally. Especially after such a long journey."
Building back fitness and running again
Before his diagnosis, Cowan's health and fitness were "in a really good place," with regular high-intensity interval training and running. After treatment, he had to build up his strength, including learning to walk again, with support from Teenage Cancer Trust. By September 2021, he was back in the gym and took up running in 2023, signing up for a Cancer Research UK Race for Life event.
He has since completed two Cardiff half marathons, the Birmingham Half, and will take on the upcoming Shoreditch Half in September. Despite shin splints and a stress fracture in 2024, he now "fully understands" how to fuel his body and prioritises recovery with foam rollers, massage guns, saunas, and ice baths. His personal best half marathon time is one hour and 48 minutes.
Cowan, a tech worker based in Cardiff, hopes to work up to full marathons, ironman challenges, and ultramarathons. Reflecting on his journey, he said: "Whatever struggles you're going through in life, there can be light at the end of the tunnel. There were so many times during chemo where I didn't feel it was ever going to end and I wondered if I'd ever actually go into remission. But I can tell you there are good things on the other side."
