The Lynette Williams Story

Lynette’s Story: Living Life Proactively 

Story by Steve Holmes

Lynette Williams’ story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit, the importance of knowledge, and the life-saving impact of exceptional medical care. Her journey reflects the very mission of Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia: to empower patients by providing strategies and resources that better equip and empower their capacity to more effectively understand, engage, and respond from the moment of diagnosis.

This proactive approach is at the heart of what we do, offering patients the tools and confidence they need to achieve the best possible outcomes. Lynette’s resilience, combined with world-class medical care, demonstrates the transformative power of informed and empowered advocacy.

There is nothing in life or the science of life that is not vulnerable to being knocked off its precarious pedestal of certainty. The only certainty in life is that there is no certainty, just obstacles and their possibilities. Therefore, our opportunity is to see the obstacle as it truly is, not as we fear or hope it to be. It is in this clarity that the obstacle transforms into a challenge, allowing us to turn possibilities into our new reality ~ Steve Holmes 

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Beating Cholangiocarcinoma with Knowledge, Strength, and Hope

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When Lynette Williams received her diagnosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in late 2020, her life was forever changed. Like many who hear the words “bile duct cancer” for the first time, she was confronted with a rare and aggressive disease that few people, even in the medical community, knew much about. But Lynette’s story is not one of despair—it is one of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of exceptional care and knowledge.

Early Diagnosis and a Defining Moment

Lynette’s journey began with what she thought was mild indigestion. Thankfully, her diligent GP ordered an ultrasound that revealed a tumour. This proactive step led to an early diagnosis, which Lynette credits as a defining moment in her survival. She underwent her first liver resection at Coffs Harbour Base Hospital, a groundbreaking surgery performed by a skilled Upper GI specialist.

Facing Recurrence and the Path to Hope

Despite completing six months of chemotherapy, Lynette faced a recurrence of her cancer in the final week of treatment. Determined to keep fighting, she sought further care and found herself under the expertise of Dr. Charbel Sandroussi in Sydney. Dr. Sandroussi performed a second liver resection, and Lynette underwent additional chemotherapy. “Dr. Sandroussi isn’t just an incredibly skilled surgeon—he truly cares about his patients,” Lynette reflects. “His passion for treating cholangiocarcinoma and his commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes is extraordinary.”

Under his care, Lynette gained renewed hope. “Dr. Sandroussi takes the time to truly understand each patient’s situation,” she shares. “He’s not just treating a disease—he’s caring for people.”

The Role of Knowledge and Advocacy

Lynette attributes her success to more than medical intervention; knowledge and advocacy were just as vital. “I owe so much to Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia and Steve Holmes,” she says. “The information and support I received were life-changing. When I experienced a recurrence, I knew exactly what steps to take because of the tools and knowledge Steve provided.”

Armed with the Patient Navigator Journal, Lynette became her own best advocate. “This journal is a godsend—exceptionally well-written, easy to follow, and it fills a critical gap for ICC patients. It even impressed my oncologist, who spent a long time reviewing it,” she notes. This knowledge empowered Lynette to act quickly, seek second opinions, and secure timely intervention, which she believed was critical to her survival.

Celebrating Milestones

On 18 August 2024, Lynette marked the third anniversary of her second liver resection, a significant milestone in her journey. “Every milestone is a victory with this disease,” she says. Today, Lynette is celebrating over 39 months cancer-free—a testament to her resilience, the care of Dr. Sandroussi, and the resources provided by Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia.

A Message of Hope

Lynette’s story is a beacon of hope for those facing a cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis. Her message is simple: “With the right combination of skilled medical care, knowledge, and proactive advocacy, it’s possible to beat this disease.” She encourages others to support initiatives like the Patient Navigator Journal, which she describes as essential for survival. “Please support Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia’s patient initiatives—I certainly do!”

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Lynette in the News

Lynette Williams - Cholangiocarcinoma Survivor

Excerpt: 

An Opportunity to Be Part of Something Special:

Uniting Patients, their families, and Communities, Spreading Awareness, sharing knowledge but most of all friendship.

As part of the Light Australia Green campaign, iconic landmarks like Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana will once again light up green for World Cholangiocarcinoma Day in 2025. This day presents a huge opportunity—not just to raise awareness, but to gather and personally meet each other, share stories, and enjoy healthy food that nourishes the bile of life. Under the glow of these green landmarks, patients, survivors, and supporters will come together as a united community.

Participants are encouraged to bring green chairs, picnic tables, and green foods to share, gathering in strength and solidarity. These meetings are more than symbolic—they are a powerful testament to the resilience of the cholangiocarcinoma community and an opportunity to connect, reflect, and support one another.

“We want to ensure that everyone knows about this disease and the advances we’re making in patient education and advocacy to enhance treatment options,” says Steve Holmes, CEO of Cholangiocarcinoma Australia (Cholangio). “Lighting Australia green is a powerful way to honor those we’ve lost, celebrate the survivors, and push for greater awareness. By coming together we are taking the initiative individually and together, this is how we are building a stronger, more empowered, and effective community.”

Source

This article is a variation of an original piece published by News of the Area, highlighting Lynette Williams’ journey. It has been adapted and expanded with additional insights for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation Australia to inspire and empower patients and caregivers.

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