Welcome — I'm Melissa

The unexpected day that turned my world upside down

I remember this day so vividly. The months prior leading up to my T1D diagnosis I had so many signs that were missed:

• ›No appetite
• ›Washing hands repeatedly
• ›Nausea
• ›Weight loss
• ›Fatigue
• ›Just wanted to sleep

The turning point — I woke up unable to breathe, was rushed to the hospital, and had a blood sugar over 500. So many questions…

The diagnosis that changed everything

I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Life instantly became about carb counting, blood sugar checks, insulin shots, and the fear of “getting it wrong.” I went from carefree to cautious overnight. I even attended a special diabetes camp — a place that taught me how to survive, but also reminded me I was different. It was the start of a lifelong journey I never asked for, but one that would shape who I am today.

When I didn't think it could get worse… well, it did

I had just started a new job, and a few months in I remember one day going to work barely able to make it upstairs. I had pains in my legs, was out of breath, and the fatigue was setting in. I questioned what was going on with my body. Was I doing too much? Was I not eating well enough? I went to my endocrinologist because I intuitively felt something was really off.

The appointment that changed my life: my doctor did a general physical, asked about my symptoms, and checked my neck. His words were, “You have a nodule in your neck.” I felt the panic — heart racing, in shock mode. Now what does this mean?

Bloodwork, a biopsy, the works…

Talk about emotional overload for someone in her early twenties. This was the icing on the cake.

Diagnosis: Hashimoto's & Papillary Thyroid Cancer.

What came next… more bloodwork and surgery

I had so many questions, so many emotions; my nervous system felt depleted. The questions constantly in my head: Why me? Why diabetes? Why Hashimoto's? Why thyroid cancer? Why is my body failing me? What did I do to deserve this?

I can't tell you how many times I told my mother, “I'm not getting any surgery; I can't handle anything else.” The Type 1 diabetes was enough — a chronic autoimmune disease with no cure in sight. My pancreas doesn't work; now I will have no thyroid as well… WHY??

After the surgery came the hard struggles

Due to the spread of my thyroid cancer, I underwent the removal of 20 lymph nodes. I also received radioactive iodine treatment to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

As I began to recover, I faced several challenges. My fingers would feel tingly from low calcium levels — a common issue for many thyroid patients, but mine turned out to be permanent. Consequently, I was diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism, a small risk associated with the surgery, adding another chronic concern to my life.

I also dealt with irregular hormone levels — one day I'd feel fine, the next I experienced weight fluctuations, edema, hair loss, brain fog, constant chills, anxiety, fatigue, and a hoarse voice. Honestly, the list goes on.

Searching for real answers

After my thyroid removal, I encountered numerous struggles, yet all my test results appeared “normal.” I placed my trust in the doctors at the time, but I couldn't understand why I still felt unwell. I knew I needed to find balance, but even after years, I still didn't feel like myself.

Everything changed when I met “the love of my life” in 2011. He introduced me to the world of organic, wholesome foods and connected me with a naturopath who has since become a dear friend. This experience prompted me to question everything I had previously accepted as truth — I needed answers.

I had faith in Western Medicine, believing they possessed “all the answers.” How could I dare to question their expertise? Oh, how mistaken I was. Working with a naturopath opened my eyes completely; I began to learn how to truly heal my body and embrace new possibilities.