Wendy’s Story: Rare Cancer, Deep Trust and Self-Advocacy

The 30 Stories Podcast · Apr 30, 2026 · 47m

A Doctor Who Felt Right

Wendy opens the conversation by reflecting on a life she genuinely enjoys: retirement, travel and reading anything she can get her hands on. That sense of fullness makes what came next feel even more jarring. After noticing a small lump in her cheek, she found herself moving from doctor to doctor without real answers. One of the most interesting parts of her story is how clearly she trusted her own instincts. Even before she had a diagnosis, she knew she needed someone who would not dismiss her and that search led her to a surgeon whose kindness, honesty and…