Leeann Noye: Living Forward with Grace and Grit

By Stacy Hall

5/3/25

Leeann Noye, of Langley, British Columbia, isn’t just a survivor of uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS)—she’s a seasoned warrior, an advocate, a creator, and above all, a testament to resilience. As she approaches her 56th birthday, Leeann stands tall with 11 years of experience facing a rare and aggressive cancer—one that doesn’t follow rules, rarely announces itself, and is often misunderstood, even in medical circles.

Her story began in 2014 with what was supposed to be a routine hysterectomy for a 14cm fibroid. Two weeks later, Leeann and her husband sat in a family doctor’s office, casually handed a pathology report the doctor hadn’t even read yet. What followed was a shocking Google search for a word neither of them understood: “morcellation”—a surgical procedure that, unbeknownst to them at the time, can significantly worsen the prognosis for hidden cancers like uLMS.

Leeann’s tumor had been morcellated, effectively scattered within her body. It was a hard and lonely start to a long journey.

Although declared “no evidence of disease” (NED) shortly after surgery, Leeann would face three recurrences over the next decade. The first 2019, was a tumor under her belly button, surgically removed by a sarcoma-savvy surgeon who finally “spoke her language.” The second 2023, was even more invasive—a tumor (16cmx11cmx11cm) lodged between her ribs that destroyed part of her eighth rib, leading to a complex, life- altering surgery that removed sections of three ribs and her part of her diaphragm muscle. The third recurrence, in August 2024, marked the beginning of her first

chemotherapy: six intense rounds of doxorubicin, the maximum lifetime dose.  Results were good, two tumors disappeared, others responded to the chemo by shrinking and others are stable.

Despite the physical toll—numbness from surgery, allergic reactions to contrast dye, and ongoing fatigue—Leeann holds fast to her emotional wellness. She learned to process the fear, the anger, the grief. Through therapy, yoga, and self-reflection, she found a way to move forward without ignoring the weight she carries. She now honors her emotions instead of pushing them away, and she credits this emotional shift with being one of her most powerful survival tools.

By her side through it all has been her loving and patient husband, whose calm strength and emotional steadiness have made him Leeann’s rock. “He allows my emotions to run their course without taking them personally,” she says. “That patience has been everything.” Together, they’ve raised two adult children—a 30-year-old son and a 28- year-old daughter—both of whom have been witnesses to their mother’s enduring strength. Leeann lights up when she talks about them!

The family also includes two beloved dogs— from Turks and Caicos, one of Leeann’s favorite travel destinations. She has a long-standing love for the Caribbean, with Turks and Caicos topping the list. Other cherished travel experiences include exploring the beaches and cultures of several Caribbean islands, feeding her adventurous spirit and offering peaceful escapes during difficult seasons.

Leeann’s art

Perhaps one of the most surprising gifts cancer gave her was creativity. Once a self- described “non-artistic” person, retirement—medically forced but ultimately welcomed—opened a door she never thought she’d walk through. Today, Leeann paints, draws, and creates intricate floral art using 3D painting techniques, finding mindfulness and peace in every stroke and swirl.

She’s also a steadfast advocate for self-education and self-advocacy. She fought for every scan during her early years and continues to insist on being part of her own medical decision-making. “This isn’t a journey for the weak,” Leeann says plainly. “And, never give up hope.” Her motto reflects her pragmatic strength: brace yourself, but don’t let go of the possibility of healing.

Support groups have also played a crucial role in Leeann’s experience—especially those for metastatic and incurable cancers. While watching fellow warriors pass on has been painful, the shared understanding and emotional kinship of these spaces offer validation and comfort. She continues to urge the need for not only new-diagnosis groups but ongoing emotional support for long-term survivors navigating an unpredictable future.

When asked what advice she’d give others, Leeann is crystal clear: know your options, learn enough to speak with your doctors intelligently, and always bring someone to appointments. And for caregivers? Be patient. Understand that while you walk this road together, you each do so from different perspectives—and both are valid.

Leeann has used her voice to help others become aware of this rare disease. Over the years, she has shared her journey through interviews with media outlets including radio, television, and magazine features—particularly highlighting the dangers of morcellation and advocating for informed hysterectomy conversations. Most

recently, she participated in an interview with the Canadian Cancer Society, offering her perspective on access to treatments like trabectedin and doxorubicin in Canada. She hopes her advocacy contributes to systemic change for others walking this path.

Now, stable with no tumor growth since her last chemo, Leeann finds joy in the little things: walking 10,000 steps a day, playing with her Cricut machine, traveling to warm shores, and simply having the freedom to live life on her terms.

“I didn’t want to be beat by this cancer,” she says. “I may not be able to change the diagnosis—but I sure as hell can choose how I live through it.”

And live through it, she has.