"My diagnosis brought an unexpected sense of guilt, as I didn’t experience the ‘typical’ signs or symptoms people often associate with cancer."

Apart from noticing a small lump in her neck, Emily was largely symptom free at diagnosis. She describes how , at times, this made it hard for her to come to terms with her thyroid cancer diagnosis.

Emily's shared some of the things which have helped her along her journey and to let others know they are not alone.

What type of thyroid cancer were you diagnosed with?

On July 30 2025 I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer.

How was it diagnosed?

I first noticed a small lump in my neck, which I had checked by my GP over the course of two years. I was repeatedly told it was likely just a lymph node, but when I noticed it had started to grow slightly, I pushed for further investigation and was referred for an ultrasound. Following the ultrasound, I was sent for a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. The results came back as non-cancerous, but with some abnormal cells. At that point, the decision on next steps was left to me.

Before I had made a choice, another consultant reviewed my case and recommended that the lump be surgically removed for further testing. Within 10 days of the operation, I received a call asking me to come in for an urgent appointment. It was then that I was told the results were not what had initially been expected, and I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer.

Did you have any symptoms?

I didn’t experience any obvious symptoms. The only noticeable sign was the small lump in my neck. There was a period of around 12 months during which I experienced cystic acne on my face, although I’m unsure whether this was related. Aside from that, I felt completely well and wouldn’t have suspected anything was wrong.

What did your treatment involve?

After the lump in my neck was removed, I underwent multiple scans and consultations to determine the extent of the cancer and whether further surgery, such as a lymph node neck dissection, would be needed. Within five weeks, I had a total thyroidectomy, which involved an overnight stay in hospital. The surgery went smoothly, and the results later showed 3 foci of differentiated thyroid microcarcinoma, with the largest measuring 2.5mm on the right side of my thyroid.

I began taking levothyroxine immediately after surgery to replace the function of my thyroid. Around eight weeks later, following further appointments, we made the decision to proceed with radioactive iodine treatment, which I had in November 2025. This required a night stay in an isolated hospital room and a period of isolation at home afterwards.

Following the treatment, I had additional scans to assess how effective the radioactive iodine had been. Thankfully, the results were very positive. Since then, I’ve been able to return to normal life and will continue with routine monitoring, with my next scans scheduled for September 2026.

What have you found the hardest part of your journey?

The hardest part for me has been the waiting and uncertainty. There were so many periods spent waiting between appointments, scans, operations and results, and during those times, everything felt completely out of my control. I had to really work on switching off and not letting my thoughts spiral, which was often easier said than done. 

Another challenge has been the disconnect between how I felt physically and my diagnosis. Aside from recovering from surgery, I’ve felt completely normal throughout, which at times made it hard to process or even believe. It also brought an unexpected sense of guilt, as I didn’t experience the ‘typical’ signs or symptoms people often associate with cancer.

Alongside this, running my own business meant taking some time off and unexpectedly cancelling clients for last-minute appointments. Work gave me a sense of normality when everything else felt uncertain, and the support I had around me was incredible. Everyone was so understanding and kind, which made a difficult time feel so much easier to get through.

How are you feeling now?

I feel really good. After the rollercoaster of last year, I’ve been able to live life as normally as possible over the past few months. My husband, family and friends have been my biggest support, and I’m unbelievably grateful - they were the reason I got through 2025. 

I know there’s still a journey ahead, with scans and check-ups where I expect emotions to run high again. But for now, I’m taking each day as it comes, and I feel incredibly lucky to be where I am, especially looking back at how I felt after my diagnosis last year.

What would you say to anyone on their thyroid journey?

Be kind to yourself, take time to keep your cup full, and appreciate the little things. Make the most of all the resources and information the British Thyroid Foundation provides. Everyone’s journey is unique and experiences differ, but you’re not alone.

Why Emily fundraised for the BTF

"Having completed the Bath Half before, this time will be a bigger challenge after surgery and ongoing treatment — but it’s my way of turning something difficult into something positive."

Exercise has always been Emily's happy place. She recently completed the Bath Half Marathon next year as a way of showing what’s possible after a diagnosis and to help us support others with a thyroid cancer diagnosis.

Feeling inspired to take on your own fundraising challenge?

Take a look at our fundraising events

Further information and support

BTF thyroid cancer resources

Macmillan Cancer Support