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Lindsay’s Experience with Thyroid Cancer (Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma)

Lindsay C., Thyroid Cancer (Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma)

Symptoms: Lightheadedness to the point of fainting, low blood pressure, loss of menstrual period, weight loss, brain fog, joint pain (old injuries and surgeries hurting), soreness and stiffness of legs, depression, severe anxiety, trouble concentrating, sweaty palms, dry eyes, sensitivity to light and sound, tingling in hands and feet, hair loss, weak nails, tiny bumps on legs, digestive issues (soft stool and diarrhea), rapid heartbeat, fatigue despite sleeping for long hours, insomnia, nightmares/night terrors, temperature dysregulation/burning sensations, (burning hands but feet and ears ice-cold)

Treatment: Surgery (thyroidectomy)

Pushing to be Heard: Lindsay’s Experience with Thyroid Cancer (Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma)

Lindsay shares her story of being diagnosed and treated for thyroid cancer. When she turned 27, life was filled with exciting milestones — celebrations with friends, a recent work promotion, and the thrill of living in New York City. But things took an unexpected turn when she fainted on the subway one summer day. What seemed like a one-off incident snowballed into a series of debilitating symptoms: extreme fatigue, cognitive difficulties, muscle pain, and lightheadedness.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Lindsay visited her primary care doctor, specialists, and even holistic practitioners numerous times, but they thought she was experiencing anxiety, dehydration, or even an eating disorder. This, in addition to the physical toll of her condition, made her journey incredibly challenging. Unbeknownst to her and her doctors at the time, these symptoms were early signals of an underlying condition that would eventually lead to the discovery of thyroid cancer (papillary thyroid carcinoma).

Lindsay C. thyroid cancer

Through it all, Lindsay became her strongest advocate. She pushed for more tests, sought second (and third) opinions, and refused to accept dismissive answers. Eventually, a holistic doctor’s test revealed an elevated C4 level (C4 is a blood protein that helps protect the body from viruses and bacteria) — an indicator that something serious was going on. This validation was a turning point, not just medically but emotionally, as someone finally acknowledged her experience.

Further investigations led to a diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), providing some clarity. But the real revelation came unexpectedly during a routine ultrasound needed for POTS-related cardiac assessments. A nurse suggested checking Lindsay’s neck arteries, which led to the discovery of thyroid nodules. Doctors initially thought they were benign, but a follow-up appointment expedited by sheer persistence revealed the truth: thyroid cancer.

The diagnosis of thyroid cancer was both shocking and oddly validating, as Lindsay finally had a name for her condition. She underwent surgery to remove part of her thyroid, and fortunately, the cancer had not spread beyond nearby lymph nodes.

Today, Lindsay openly shares her story to empower others. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, the value of support systems, and never ignoring your intuition. Her experience highlights the critical role of persistence in healthcare. Lindsay’s journey is a testament to how relentless advocacy can lead to life-saving diagnoses, including conditions as serious as thyroid cancer.

Watch Lindsay’s story and find out more about:

  • How one fainting episode led to a life-changing thyroid cancer diagnosis.
  • After being told it was “all in her head,” Lindsay found the truth.
  • The power of self-advocacy — Lindsay’s inspiring health story.
  • The nurse’s simple question that uncovered hidden thyroid cancer.
  • Why and how her persistence saved Lindsay’s life.

  • Name:
    • Lindsay C.
  • Age at Diagnosis:
    • 27
  • Diagnosis:
    • Thyroid Cancer (Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma)
  • Symptoms:
    • Lightheadedness to the point of fainting
    • Low blood pressure
    • Loss of menstrual period
    • Weight loss
    • Brain fog
    • Joint pain (old injuries and surgeries hurting)
    • Soreness and stiffness of legs
    • Depression
    • Severe anxiety
    • Trouble concentrating
    • Sweaty palms
    • Dry eyes
    • Sensitivity to light and sound
    • Tingling in hands and feet
    • Hair loss
    • Weak nails
    • Tiny bumps on legs
    • Digestive issues (soft stool and diarrhea)
    • Rapid heartbeat
    • Fatigue despite sleeping for long hours
    • Insomnia
    • Nightmares/night terrors
    • Temperature dysregulation/burning sensations (burning hands but feet and ears ice-cold)
  • Treatment:
    • Surgery: thyroidectomy
Lindsay C. thyroid cancer
Lindsay C. thyroid cancer
Lindsay C. thyroid cancer
Lindsay C. thyroid cancer
Lindsay C. thyroid cancer

This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.


Lindsay C. thyroid cancer
Thank you for sharing your story, Lindsay!

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