Fighting for Answers – Mandi Potter's Journey Through Hair Loss, Cancer & Finding Strength

Some battles you choose. Others come crashing into your life and force you to fight.

Mandi’s story is one of resilience, determination, and never backing down when something doesn’t feel right. It started with what seemed like a minor health issue. hair loss linked to an underactive thyroid. But as she sought answers, she was met with dismissals, misdiagnoses, and a frustrating medical system that didn’t seem to be listening.

Then came the biggest fight of her life. A tiny ulcer on her gum turned into something far more serious. As she pushed for answers, she faced misdiagnoses, delays, and a medical system that nearly failed her. What should have been caught early was brushed off, until Mandi refused to accept “no” for an answer. By the time she was finally diagnosed with stage four bone cancer of the jaw, it was nearly too late.

This isn’t just a story about cancer. It’s about trusting your instincts, fighting for your health, and the emotional rollercoaster of losing and reclaiming confidence. From battling through hair loss to the life-changing moment she heard the words “stage four,” Mandi shares it all, raw, unfiltered, and deeply moving.

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt dismissed, unheard, or powerless in their own health journey. It’s a reminder that you know your body better than anyone, and sometimes, the fight is the only way forward.

Key moments include:

✔️ The emotional toll of hair loss and how it shattered Mandi’s confidence
✔️ The brutal reality of being dismissed by doctors and fighting for a diagnosis
✔️ How a simple ulcer turned into a stage four cancer battle
✔️ The life-changing impact of getting real answers from the right professionals
✔️ Why hair isn’t just about looks, it’s about identity and self-worth
✔️ The powerful lessons Mandi has learned about resilience, health, and hope

🎧 Listen now and hear Mandi’s incredible story of strength, survival, and finding herself again.

Chapter Breakdown & Timestamps:

[00:00] The First Signs – Hair Loss & Confidence Struggles
How an underactive thyroid triggered severe hair loss and shattered Mandi’s self-esteem.

[06:45] Searching for Solutions – The Expensive Gimmicks That Didn’t Work
The treatments that promised results, the false hope, and the money wasted.

[13:20] The Devastating Diagnosis – From a Tiny Ulcer to Stage Four Cancer
The shocking journey of being dismissed for over a year before finally getting the truth.

[19:55] When the Medical System Fails You – Fighting for Answers
How Mandy refused to accept “it’s nothing” and pushed for the life-saving diagnosis.

[27:10] The Emotional Toll – Losing Hair, Confidence & Facing the Unknown
What it feels like to lose control of your body

ABOUT YOUR HOST — SHARNI KNIGHTON

I’m Sharni Knighton, the creator and host of Tell Her. I was inspired to start this podcast after meeting so many extraordinary ordinary women through my hair loss and wig clinic. I wanted to give these women a space to share their stories and help them realize that what they see as “ordinary” is truly extraordinary.

As an educator, I also train stylists in the hair loss industry around the world — and I’m passionate about showing them who these incredible women are. I believe you should only step into this work if you’re ready to truly help and connect with the women you serve.

✨ Connect with my work:

• Hair Loss & Wig Clinic → www.sharniknighton.co.uk
• Training Academy → www.sharniknightonacademy.com
• IntelliMESH Product Line → www.intellimesh.co.uk

✨ Follow on social:

• TikTok → @sharniknighton
• Podcast TikTok → @tell.her.podcast