Luke Cowan, a 32-year-old tech worker from Cardiff, was given a 30% chance of survival after a dull ache in his thigh turned out to be stage 4 cancer. He has since made a remarkable recovery and is now in remission.
Symptom mistaken for cold
The first symptom was a "dull ache" in the lymph node of his upper inner right thigh, starting around June 2020. He assumed it was a cold, but within weeks his legs swelled and got "progressively worse," leaving him "limping around." In July, he went to A&E and was prescribed pain medication.
By mid-August, his temperature spiked and he was admitted to hospital, where the lymph node was removed for a biopsy. The results revealed cancer, news that "hit really hard," though doctors were unsure of the specific type.
Life-threatening collapse
After being stabilised and discharged, Luke collapsed at home at the end of September and was taken to intensive care with life-threatening organ failure. He had no recollection of his hospital stay until October 6. Doctors confirmed stage 4 anaplastic T-cell lymphoma, and he was "taken aback" by the 30% survival chance.
By then, his weight had dropped from 15 stone to nine, and he "didn't even recognise" himself.
Remission and return to fitness
After eight rounds of chemotherapy, he was told in May 2021 that he was in remission. He recalled the moment: "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."
Before his diagnosis, his health and fitness were "in a really good place," with regular high-intensity interval training and running. By September after his recovery, he was back in the gym and took up running in 2023, signing up for a Cancer Research UK Race for Life event.
Future goals
He has since completed two Cardiff half marathons and the Birmingham Half, and is set to run the Shoreditch Half in September. Despite shin splints and a stress fracture in 2024, he "locked in" on training from December 2024 and now focuses on proper fueling and recovery techniques like foam rollers, massage guns, saunas, and ice baths.
He says he's "probably the fittest I've ever been" and aims to beat his personal best half marathon time of one hour and 48 minutes. He hopes to tackle full marathons, ironman challenges, or ultramarathons in the future.
Reflecting on his journey, he said: "Whatever struggles you're going through in life, (I want people to know) there can be light at the end of the tunnel." He added: "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."
