After being diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer a little over 6 years ago, Leanne took a conscious decision that she was still going to pursue the things that mattered to her. And that included a whirlwind journey into the world of Taekwondo.
Leanne explains here: “Having to adapt my training in Taekwondo, a sport I loved from the start, due to treatments, surgeries, recovery, sepsis, and pneumonia, to name just a few, just seemed to motivate me to try harder.
I took up Taekwondo 13 years ago, just wanting to get fit and lose some weight following a nasty car accident. I have to thank Taekwondo for saving my life, really, as losing weight then highlighted I had an issue with my liver as it began to protrude and become painful during training sessions. Otherwise, I would probably have never known I had any issues. I had no symptoms. This then led to many tests and scans, and eventually, a diagnosis of neuroendocrine cancer with a rectal primary in August 2019, with metastasis to the liver and thyroid.
Treatment and Recovery
I began the octreotide injections every 28 days, and then followed with PRRT (peptide receptor radionuclide therapy) in 2019. This was originally successful and shrank many liver metastasis, although not straight away (some of you will know, it is what is known as a treatment for the long hall, with best results often being shown 12-18 months after completion).
I then had my rectal primary removed in January 2022. And then major surgery to remove half my liver and my gallbladder in June 2022. Then, in Sept, I had half my thyroid removed. I had stability for 8 months, progression followed with approximately 30 new liver metastasis (or at least new, to the scan limitations), leading to me having SIRT (selective internal radiation therapy) treatment in February 2023.
SIRT was successful and began to shrink some of the liver metastasis and gave me stability for a while. Although I did get sepsis as a rare complication of SIRT 10 weeks later, but fully recovered, and life went back to some sort of normal.
Facing New Challenges
I then found a lump in my neck whilst at Taekwondo in August 2024, an ultrasound and biopsy confirmed the worst, it was a neuroendocrine tumour in a neck lymph node. This led to more scans, which showed bone metastasis. Following my case being heard at MDT (Multi-disciplinary Team) I was referred from The Freeman at Newcastle to James Cook in Middlesbrough Oncology Department for bone strengthening treatment (Denusomab) every 28 days (started January 2025) and Everolimus (Chemotherapy) as a daily tablet (started April 2025).
So far, I tolerate them well, although I get tired quicker and have to rest more. I did develop pneumonia in August 2025 and am currently awaiting CT scan results to see if there is any improvement or what’s next.
Mastering the Impossible
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During all of this, I have tried to keep up Taekwondo as much as I can, as I have found it has had and is having a positive effect not only physically but mentally too. I have to adapt some movements, and having no contact now due to bone metastasis. This has been frustrating at times, but with the help and support of my instructors, family, and friends, I am accepting my limitations while still enjoying Taekwondo and instructing other students.
But best of all, I was eligible to take my 5th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo last week.
This has been my goal for several years now. But with my health issues, I didn’t think it was going to be possible, especially as I developed a heavy cold a couple of days before my grading.
Along with the guidance of my instructors, Master Harry and Master Sharon, I have been able to adapt my Taekwondo training to meet the requirements of the grading syllabus. I was able to step on the mats last Saturday and do what was asked.
I’m very proud to tell you I passed my grading and became Master Leanne Armstrong, a 5th Dan Black Belt. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet that I have achieved something I didn’t think was possible. I have got to admit it wasn’t easy, and know it will be the last ever grading I will take, as I now have to put my health first and listen to my body and rest.
I’ll continue to train and instruct students going forward, so my Taekwondo journey will continue. But I hope my journey shows that with determination, a good support network, and medical team behind you, you can achieve your goals, even when living with cancer and the many challenges this brings us all.
Leanne Armstrong
Written October 2025