Hi. I’m Kate. Turn ons include IV drips, PETscans, and organic fig newtons. Turn offs include whining, hospital gowns, and artificial sugar.
Let’s see how much life I can squeeze in between work, chemo, sleep, and scans.
That Girl
You’ve seen her shopping for kitten heels in the mall or carefully selecting red peppers in the grocery store. She’s the woman who steps onto the elevator and is able to ignore the whispers and awkward glances. She’s the person who openly embraces the changes to her body and welcomes any opportunity to discuss her new life. She radiates hope, courage, and life.
You should see the way she walks into the treatment room. She’s confident, composed, and even a little defiant. The cancer tried to take her hair, but she stayed in control by shaving her head. She celebrated her hair loss with an armful of new hats and scarves. Sometimes, when she looks in the mirror, she sees a stranger - a person with cancer, pale and bald. She feels strong and vivacious, despite her appearance. Whatever you do, don’t feel sorry for her. She doesn’t want or need your sympathy. She’s proud of who she is and all that she has accomplished. More importantly, she understands that cancer has given her the opportunity (or the motivation) to become the person she always wanted to be.
Make no mistake, she’s not me…not yet at least.
Kate, I can honestly say that I will NEVER look at another cancer patient in an embarrassed way. I look at them with warmth, admiration and kindness. Brian is a Chiropractor, and last year at the first sign of hairloss he shaved his head (I know, an “in” thing to do if you’re a guy). There were a LOT of his patients that stopped coming to see him, after all, who wants a Doctor that is sick? Brian was still Brian, tired and scared, but fighting to survive. He’s here, you’re here and you are both heros.
Again, thank you for sharing your journey with us.
Happy New Year Kate.
Hope. Believe. Dream.
Sheryl
Great Site.
Thanks
Kiki (41)
Dx PC Adeno Jan 05 (don’t believe in stats)
You Go Girl!!!
YES YOU ARE THAT GIRL!!! So beautiful, confident, and loving.
Anyone who can write like you is absolutely that girl!
Happy New Year to That Girl. And thank you for being who you are.
You are that woman! At this weekend’s party you were the most BEAUTIFUL
Hi Kate. I love getting your updates on Twitter, and I finally stopped by here to check out your blog. I believe everyone here is right - you are that girl. I’m so glad to be following your journey through Twitter, too.
Make it a great day!
Dan from Cincinnati
Kate, blessings for the new year to you. I was diagnosed with PC 1 year ago, and I’m encouraged by you sharing your thoughts, and the stories of your fight. Keep it up, and thanks for everything.
You sure are cute in a hat.
Kate~ I came across your blog when I was looking up info on PanCAN and fundraising for pancreatic cancer research in general. My dad died of a form of pancreatic cancer four years ago. This year, for the first time, I am going to participate in the SF PanCAN 1/2marathon/5k event on Feb. 3 in his memory. I will also think of you, in particular, and all of those who are currently struggling with this disease. I am studying for the CA Bar right now, and (if you read my latest blog post) am having a very hard time dealing with having failed the first time and getting re-motivated to do this again. Having read a few of your posts, I am gratefully reminded that every day is truly a gift and life is what we make of it - for better or worse. Thank you for the reality check, and I hope you’ll continue to share your joys and pains with renewed grace and courage that is even now so obvious in your writing.
Hey “That Girl”:
Just wanted you to know that I stopped by. Always impressed by the lifeline you are throwing to others. Love you, missed you last night, looking forward to Sunday!
Dear Kate,
Steve showed me your site several months ago. Like him, I was hesitant to write. I was not sure how you would feel about us reading this and following your journey as you go through life with PC. As a nurse, I care for patients every day who are diagnosed with illnesses, including cancer, and I see how it affects every part of their lives. One thing I have noted in your postings is that you are among those who refuse to take it “lying down”. I truly believe that not giving up is the answer to continuing to live your life on your terms, and not letting cancer run your life. When I read your posts I am in awe that you are so determined to fight with everything you have, and I am so glad that you are. You are truly an inspiration to me, and your experience and your posts have helped me to help my patients, because I can relate your feelings to them, and be compassionate and empathetic in my nursing care.
I have not seen or spoken to you in a while, but I follow your progress through this site and through Steve.
I think about you often, and pray you continue to fight with everything you have.
I hope to see you soon, I was sorry I was unable to be there at Christmas, but unfortunately, I had to work.
In support of your fight, Steve has decided to shave his head, but he’s not sure if the beard should stay, and I am also investigating donating my hair to “Locks of Love”
We’ll send you a picture!
With all of our love and prayers for you,
Amy and Steve
Kate, I am not that girl either. I am blessed to see the eyes of my friends who also do not see me as ,That girl.” I am glad to know that you, me and all the others are on the same page. You Rule! Kim K
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