Many people experience aches, fatigue, or occasional discomfort and instinctively chalk it up to stress, long work hours, or an uncomfortable chair. It’s incredibly common to assume minor pains are simply part of daily life. But sometimes, a small symptom that seems harmless can be a sign that the body is trying to communicate something important.
This is what happened to Courtney Liniewski, a 34-year-old mother from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, whose path to a diagnosis began with a type of back pain she initially dismissed. Her experience highlights the importance of listening to your body, seeking medical support when something feels “off,” and advocating for your own health even when symptoms don’t immediately make sense.
Today, she shares her journey in hopes of encouraging others to pay attention to persistent or unusual signs and to pursue proper medical guidance when needed.
The Beginning: A Pain She Thought Was From Sitting Too Long
At the end of 2021, Courtney began noticing discomfort in the upper portion of her back, around the area beneath her shoulder blades. She worked long hours sitting at a desk, so she assumed the pain came from posture issues or a sedentary workday. Many people with desk jobs experience similar aches, and it’s easy to feel like it’s simply part of modern life.
In interviews, Courtney explained that the discomfort would come and go. Sometimes it felt like a quick, sharp sensation; other times it was a dull ache. Because it wasn’t constant and seemed manageable, she didn’t immediately feel it required medical attention.
She told reporters she figured she wasn’t stretching enough or moving around often enough during the day. Like many people balancing busy schedules, she assumed it was just a sign she needed better habits and more daily activity.
But as the months went on, new symptoms appeared—subtle at first, then increasingly difficult to ignore.
Unrelated Symptoms That Didn’t Seem Connected
In January 2022, Courtney noticed other changes that didn’t seem to have anything to do with the back pain. Her hearing in her left ear became inconsistent, and she began experiencing constant nasal congestion. These new symptoms didn’t match her earlier back discomfort, so she didn’t connect them.
Many individuals experience seasonal allergies, sinus issues, or temporary ear pressure, so it was not unusual for her to assume these were unrelated or temporary.
But one morning, she woke up after hearing a loud sound she couldn’t explain—a noise that seemed to come from inside her head. Even after the startling event, she returned to sleep. The next morning, she went to work as usual, but something was unmistakably wrong.
When she looked in the mirror, she saw that one side of her face appeared to droop slightly. A coworker immediately noticed and insisted she go to the emergency department. Because facial drooping can be associated with neurological concerns, her colleague feared she may have experienced a stroke.
A Visit to the Emergency Room
At the hospital, doctors ran brain scans and reviewed her symptoms to rule out conditions related to stroke or brain injury. Surprisingly, all the imaging came back clear. Without evidence of a neurological emergency, and given her documented history of migraines and anxiety, she was told her symptoms might be related to those conditions.
Many people in similar circumstances would also accept such an explanation—especially when urgent scans show nothing alarming. Courtney left the hospital relieved but still unsure of what was really happening.
What she did not know was that another important sign was just weeks away.
A Life-Changing Discovery During a Vacation
In February 2022, about a month after her emergency room visit, Courtney went on a vacation to Mexico. During the first morning of the trip, she woke up and discovered a noticeable lump on the side of her neck. It wasn’t small—it was large enough to feel immediately, measuring over four centimeters.
This moment turned out to be the turning point in her entire health journey.
Courtney later explained that her immune response during travel may have caused underlying issues to become more visible. The sudden appearance of the lump gave doctors the information they needed to begin investigating further.
She shared that she didn’t match the typical profile for the condition she was eventually diagnosed with. That detail made the lump even more important—it was the clue that doctors needed to understand what had been happening inside her body.
Receiving a Diagnosis
After returning home and undergoing further medical assessments, Courtney was diagnosed with Grade 3B Follicular Lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While follicular lymphoma is usually slow-growing and often found in older adults, Courtney’s form was more advanced and required prompt treatment.
She learned that without medical intervention, her condition could have become life-threatening within a very short time. Fortunately, it was treatable, and specialists quickly began working with her on a care plan.
As with any diagnosis, the journey was emotional, overwhelming, and frightening. But Courtney faced it with resilience, determination, and a commitment to understanding her treatment options.
A Difficult Journey—But One That Brought Hope
Treatment for conditions like follicular lymphoma varies depending on individual health, medical history, and progression. While Courtney has not disclosed every personal detail of her medical plan, she has shared that she responded well to the care she received.
Her story emphasizes how developments in modern medicine, earlier detection, and improved therapies have given many individuals greater chances of recovery than past generations experienced.
As of today, Courtney is three years cancer-free, although she continues to visit her oncologist for ongoing monitoring. Staying proactive about follow-up care is a core part of long-term wellness for many individuals who have undergone similar experiences.
Wanting to Help Others Recognize Warning Signs
After everything she has been through, Courtney now feels compelled to share her journey publicly—not to cause fear, but to encourage others to take their well-being seriously.
She hopes her experience reminds people not to overlook symptoms that linger, worsen, or simply feel different from normal. It can be easy to rationalize discomfort or blame stress, sleep patterns, or work posture. But persistent changes in your body are worth discussing with a medical professional.
In her interviews, she stressed the importance of self-advocacy. If someone feels that something isn’t right, it is okay to seek a second opinion or request further evaluation.
Why Some People Ignore Symptoms
Researchers and clinicians note that people often dismiss unusual signs because:
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They don’t want to assume the worst
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They are busy with work, family, or responsibilities
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Symptoms start mild and seem manageable
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They believe discomfort is “normal”
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They are nervous about medical visits or outcomes
Courtney’s story gently encourages readers to take small concerns seriously—not with fear, but with awareness and self-care.
How to Advocate for Your Health (General Wellness Tips)
While every individual’s situation is different, health experts often recommend some general practices:
1. Keep track of symptoms
A simple journal can help identify patterns.
2. Listen to your instincts
If something feels unusual, talk to a professional.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions
Understanding your health is important.
4. Seek medical support if symptoms persist
Many conditions are easier to treat when addressed early.
5. Communicate openly with healthcare providers
You know your body best, and your insight is valuable.
The Importance of Early Care and Preventive Measures
Courtney’s story is not just about one diagnosis—it’s about the power of paying attention. Many health conditions, when found early, give individuals more options and greater flexibility in treatment. Preventive care, routine checkups, and regular communication with doctors are all vital.
Even common aches and pains can be worth checking out if they are new, changing, or persistent. While most symptoms turn out to be harmless, discussing them with a healthcare provider can offer peace of mind and, if necessary, timely support.
A Message of Hope
Today, Courtney continues to share her message because she knows that many people downplay their symptoms the same way she once did. Through openness and awareness, she hopes others will feel empowered to take small steps toward understanding their own health more deeply.
She is grateful for the care she received, the people who supported her, and the opportunity to be present for her family. Her journey is a reminder of how quickly life can change—and how important it is to listen to your body along the way.
Conclusion: Your Health Matters
Courtney’s experience is a powerful example of the value of self-awareness and medical guidance. Although the symptoms she experienced seemed unrelated at first, they ultimately helped her receive the care she needed.
Her message is simple:
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Pay attention to persistent or unusual signs
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Speak with medical professionals when something feels off
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Advocate for yourself if answers don’t feel complete
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Take your health seriously—because early care can make a meaningful difference
We wish Courtney continued wellness and thank her for using her experience to inspire others to prioritize their own health. Beyond her personal experience, Courtney hopes people understand that caring for our health doesn’t always require dramatic steps—it often starts with simply paying attention to small changes and honoring the signals our bodies give us. Even when symptoms seem unrelated or easy to explain away, taking a moment to reflect, ask questions, or schedule a check-in with a healthcare provider can make a meaningful difference. Her journey serves as a reminder that prioritizing our well-being is an act of self-respect. By sharing her story, she hopes to empower others to slow down, trust their instincts, and seek support when something feels unfamiliar or persistent.