When Lynne Ewington, 62, from Walsall, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, she feared her active lifestyle was over. Running, cycling, and attending concerts seemed out of reach after facing surgery that left her with a permanent colostomy bag. However, three years on, and even after a second primary cancer diagnosis, Lynne continues to live life to the fullest and is passionate about urging others to get tested early.
Lynne’s story came to light at a Bowel Cancer Awareness event held at the Hive Community Hub in Willenhall on April 29. The event included medical professionals, cancer survivors, and representatives from the West Midlands Cancer Alliance, highlighting a worrying trend: many patients arrive at Walsall Manor Hospital as emergencies with advanced-stage bowel cancer, drastically reducing their chances of survival.
Recalling her experience, Lynne said, “I had a massive bleed and knew I needed to get to hospital immediately.” At A&E, Dr. Muhammed Tayyub quickly performed surgery, discovering that a ruptured tumor was the cause. Further tests revealed additional polyps, leading to surgery that resulted in a permanent stoma.
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Interestingly, Lynne had no typical symptoms before her emergency admission in 2023. “I was getting up more often at night, but I thought it was just age,” she explained. After an emergency operation in May 2023 and major surgery in November, scans found a benign ovarian cyst, but no further cancer.
Facing the diagnosis was daunting, yet Lynne found strength in trusting her medical team. “It’s not the death sentence it used to be,” she shared. “Now, three years later, all my tests have been clear.” Lynne affectionately calls her colostomy bag her “Little Volcano” – sometimes unpredictable but manageable.
With support and a structured recovery programme starting just two days after surgery, Lynne gradually returned to running, cycling, rowing, and even going to concerts. “At first, I thought I’d need to sit down during concerts, but now I’m right in the middle of the crowd,” she said.
In March this year, Lynne faced a second cancer diagnosis after finding a lump, which fortunately was identified as a new primary cancer. After surgery, she is back on her feet, reinforcing her message: “The sooner people get tested, the better. Early detection means less invasive treatment, sometimes just a colonoscopy. The hardest part is overcoming the fear of the test.”
Lynne’s courage and zest for life offer hope and a clear reminder of the importance of early screening and trusting in modern medical care.