Advocating for Yourself When Doctors Dismiss You | Cara Martin

Fan Mail: Tell Wendy how you're saying yes to yourself!Space to Dream Retreats: Whether you're craving rest, adventure, or soul-nourishing connection, there’s something beautiful waiting for you at the Phineas Wright House. Book your space to dream today.Entertaining with Ease Series: Join Wendy in her kitchen as she shares the magic of how to host each of these magnificent holiday experiences for your loved ones. $47 each or purchase the bundle for $150. Nov. 30: How to Host a Tree Trimming PartyDec. 3: Holiday Food GiftsDec 10: How to Host a Cookie Exchange Dec 17: How to Host a New Year's Eve PartyThe Entertaining with Ease BundleWelcome to the Say YES to Yourself! Podcast—the show for midlife women, empty nesters, and anyone navigating life after divorce, burnout, or big transitions. If you're ready to shed cultural expectations, reconnect with your true self, and put your joy first—you’re in the right place.In this episode, Wendy sits down with longtime friend Cara Martin, who shares her journey from mysterious symptoms dismissed as "just perimenopause" to a life-saving diagnosis of Cushing's disease caused by a pituitary tumor. After being told by multiple doctors she didn't "look sick enough," Cara advocated relentlessly for herself, sought multiple medical opinions, and ultimately found the right surgical team that performed the complex brain-adjacent surgery that saved her life.They explore:How to trust your body and advocate for yourself when medical professionals dismiss your symptomsThe practice of "the bare minimum" without apologizing, and why it's not weakness to ask for helpWhy hope comes in the morning, and how Cara's 5am practice became her lifeline through illness and recoveryThis is a conversation about resilience, self-advocacy, and learning to say yes to yourself even when—especially when—your body is asking you to slow down. Press play and discover the power of trusting yourself above all else.Connect with Cara:Her Blog: Gayle Force(d) Wisdom________________________________________________________________________________________Connect with Wendy:LinkedinInstagram: @wendy.harropFacebook: Phineas Wright HouseWebsite: Phineas Wright House PWH Farm StaysPWH Curated Experience and TravelInterested in being a guest on the show? Send your pitch to [email protected] Production By Shannon Warner of Resonant Collective Want to start your own podcast? Let's chat!If this episode resonated, follow Say YES to Yourself! and leave a  5-star review. It helps more women in midlife discover the tools, stories, and community that make saying YES not only possible, but powerful.