Swimmer's 'Pressure' Sensation Led to Shock Cancer Diagnosis
Lindsey Cartwright, a competitive swimmer, describes the unusual feeling that prompted her diagnosis and subsequent health journey.
Lindsey Cartwright, a dedicated swimmer, experienced an unexpected and alarming sensation during a pool session that ultimately led to a shocking cancer diagnosis. The 45-minute workout in February 2025 was interrupted when Cartwright felt a peculiar 'pressure' she had never encountered before.
"I'd never felt like that in my life," Cartwright recounted.
Cartwright, who had been a competitive swimmer since childhood and represented South Africa before moving to the U.S. on a university scholarship, found the sensation deeply concerning. The unusual feeling prompted medical investigation, which resulted in a cancer diagnosis.
Following her diagnosis, Cartwright and her husband, Greg, faced the challenge of discussing her illness with their daughter, Addison. They aimed to balance transparency with protecting their daughter.
Cartwright is now prioritizing her health and adopting a more deliberate approach to self-care. She also reflects on the experience and what she hopes her daughter will learn from it.
Her husband gifted her a long-desired trip to Peru, which included a nine-day trek through the Andes, reaching altitudes of 5,100 meters.
After surgery, Cartwright began rebuilding her endurance by training with friends.
