Audrey, a 26-year-old speech-language pathologist from Fort Worth, TX, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer (papillary thyroid carcinoma with tall cell variant features) in October 2023.

Audrey’s cancer journey began after a series of health complications in late 2022. Initially, she suffered from respiratory issues and pneumonia, followed by persistent symptoms such as night sweats, fatigue, and severe chest pain, which led to multiple visits to the ER and various specialists.

Despite early dismissals by some doctors, Audrey’s persistence paid off when a CT scan revealed a pulmonary embolism. This marked the start of a challenging summer, during which she was diagnosed with a blood clot, pericarditis, and tricuspid valve insufficiency or tricuspid valve regurgitation. However, Audrey felt there was more going on and sought further testing. In August, swollen lymph nodes in her neck prompted her to request a full-body PET scan, which revealed a tumor on her thyroid.

With a family history of thyroid cancer, including her mother, Audrey underwent a biopsy in October 2023, confirming her cancer diagnosis. She sought treatment at the Mayo Clinic, where further tests revealed lymph node involvement but no vascular invasion. Audrey underwent surgery in November 2023, which included a right central neck dissection to remove the tumor and affected lymph nodes. Post-surgery, she faced complications with calcium regulation, leading to ongoing supplementation.

Despite these challenges, Audrey’s tumor markers have decreased, and she was told she was in remission in February 2024. Throughout her journey, Audrey credits her faith, family, and supportive friends for helping her navigate the uncertainty. She emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself in healthcare and maintaining hope, even in difficult times.