Yesenia’s Story: If Something Feels Wrong, Keep Pushing for Answers

The 30 Stories Podcast · May 14, 2026 · 44m

When Symptoms Are Dismissed as Anxiety

Yesenia shares how her thyroid cancer journey began with symptoms that felt alarming but were repeatedly dismissed as anxiety. She describes hair loss, air hunger, mood changes, irregular periods, hot flashes and extreme fatigue, yet says multiple providers told her she was young, healthy and simply stressed. After seeking support through online thyroid communities, she learned about thyroid ultrasounds, pushed for one and eventually discovered thyroid nodules that led to surgery and a cancer diagnosis.

The Toll of Not Being Believed

A major theme in the…