‘Active’ woman who was diagnosed with aggressive BILE DUCT cancer at AGE 23 reveals the early warning signs she IGNORED before doctors found a ‘sizable mass’ growing in her stomach

An ‘active’ woman diagnosed with bile duct cancer at the age of 23 has revealed the early warning signs she ignored.

Sydney Towle, from California, was diagnosed in early August after doctors discovered a “significant mass” in her stomach that had been growing for four months.

“I’m usually an active person, but suddenly I started feeling short of breath and a strange burning sensation took hold in my stomach,” she said.

The young woman admitted that she initially overlooked her symptoms and is now urging others not to skip their regular health checks.

‘After ignoring my symptoms, I finally decided to go to the doctor. They did an ultrasound, then an MRI and a biopsy,” Sydney explained.

‘When I received the first MRI results and they indicated a solid mass in my liver, I just knew it was cancer.

‘I immediately called my family and tears streamed down my face. It took a long time for me to fully understand the reality of my diagnosis.”

Bile duct cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma, is an aggressive form of cancer that begins in the bile ducts.

The disease can affect people of different ages, but is more commonly diagnosed in adults over 50 years of age.

Sydney, whose tumor stemmed from a genetic mutation, admitted that dealing with the unknown was the most challenging aspect of her journey.

“It’s hard for me to even plan for the future or expect anything when everything is so fragile surrounding my diagnosis and treatment,” she said.

‘It’s also very difficult to make short-term plans, such as going out for dinner or hanging out with friends, when I don’t know how I’ll feel physically or emotionally on any given day.

‘There are so many things I want to do now as I don’t know how long I have left, but I can’t plan my bucket list or fun trips while I’m receiving treatment and not knowing where the surgery will take me. ‘

Sydney is currently undergoing aggressive treatment targeting the tumor with a variety of treatments, including chemotherapy and experimental drugs.

‘One thing I have continued to do during my treatment is stay active. I still enjoy hot yoga, long walks and surfing with friends,” she added.

“It’s also helped me keep busy and take my mind off my diagnosis.”

“The oncology nurses at my chemo center are such a blessing. I am so grateful for their positive attitude and smile every time I go for treatment.

“The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation has been especially helpful in providing resources and connecting me with other young people around the world battling bile duct cancer. It helps to know I’m not the only one.’

Sydney started documenting her cancer journey on TikTok from the day she was diagnosed.

“I’ve always shared every part of my life on TikTok – it gives me a place to express and share my emotions and hope that others can connect with me or be inspired in some way,” she said .

“This has taken on a life of its own throughout my journey as countless people have reached out with their personal stories and how they have been inspired by my journey so far.”

Looking to the future, Sydney has big plans in mind.

“Australia and New Zealand are calling my name for starters, and I’ll be ticking off my bucket list like it’s a to-do list – but it’s not just about me,” she said.

‘I want to continue to inspire and help others. Volunteering in a chemo center seems like a worthwhile option to me.’

She advises others, “Don’t skip regular health care checkups and never ignore any health problems you may have.

“I did that, assuming that youth could protect me from serious trouble, and it taught me a hard lesson.

‘To my friends and followers: just be yourself – there is no need to change because of my diagnosis.

‘Let my journey inspire you to live life to the fullest and be as happy as possible.’