Tierney Acott was your typical, 21 year old junior in college, studying at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI – where schoolwork, grades, and the weekend nightlife occupied her mind. All of that changed when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in March of 2011.

It all began when Tierney had discovered a lump on her neck three years ago. Doctors assured her that it was nothing but a swollen lymph node, but to watch it anyway. After years passed, it was still there. She underwent various blood tests, ultrasound, CT scan, and biopsy tests, all of which revealed that it was only a benign cyst, which her doctors felt should be removed to prevent infection.

Upon removing the mass, Tierney’s doctors discovered through an immediate pathology report and against all prior testing, that it was a malignant affected lymph node. After further testing it was determined that Tierney had thyroid cancer that had already spread to her lymph nodes.

After a seven-hour surgery, Tierney was left with nerve damage in her left arm and a 10-inch long scar on her neck – in addition to the one from the first surgery. But nevertheless, the surgery was successful in removing her thyroid and the seven lymph nodes the cancer had actually metastasized to. Tierney underwent radioactive iodine treatment and was in isolation for ten days. She spent the rest of her summer recovering from both surgery and radiation while working part time at two jobs.

Since day one of diagnosis, Tierney refused to let cancer take control of her life – spending the majority of her time in recovery catching up on schoolwork and the rest of the time with family and friends.

One might think that this would be too much to handle for anyone, let alone a college student. Not Tierney Acott. Everyone around her, and even her doctors, were amazed by her determined optimism and perseverance. Tierney takes whatever life throws at her and maintains her amazing sense of humor and unwavering faith. Needless to say, in every aspect of her life, Tierney swims against the current and continues to inspire everyone around.

Salmon Cove interviews Tierney

What does swimming against the current mean to you? Or, how do you embody the “against the current” way of life?

I’d say the number one way I swim against the current is by not being preoccupied with everyone else’s opinions of me. It is so liberating and is confidence boosting. I do what makes me happy and what I enjoy doing. For example, as I’m preparing to enter the job market, I am less concerned with a typical entry-level desk job where I could potentially make a lot of money but be unhappy or unfulfilled. Instead, I’d rather struggle for a while in order to build the career that I will enjoy. After all, work isn’t work if you’re doing what you love!

Who or what inspires you?

A few things really –

There are the celebrities/famous people who’s careers and determination I aspire to, like Tina Fey, and countless other writers, but on a personal level, I am inspired by those who surround me daily. I have great relationships with my family and friends and they inspire me to be the best sister, daughter, or friend that I can possibly be.  And even life inspires me – everyday is considered special because I know that eventually they will run out.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Anything surprising or unique?

I guess other than the typical activities or hobbies, like hanging out with friends or reading, a large portion of my time is consumed by finding things that will make myself or other people laugh. It usually ends up being funny clips, videos, or articles that either I find or make myself – I usually have more fun making them myself.

In such difficult times in your life how do you maintain such a positive attitude?

I have never afraid to laugh at myself. Thyroid cancer has become part of who I am, so I need to be able to laugh at it, like I can with the rest of me. If I make light of the situation, it makes me feel better about it. Having to tell my family and friends and watching their reactions was worse than the actual diagnosis, so humor made everything better.
Do you have any guilty pleasures?

Yes, I think too many sometimes … shopping is probably my biggest.