Kate - A Story of Hope

by Mary Lou
(Upstate New York)

Last May I learned that my best friend, and co-worker of 20 years, had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Kate had an attempted whipple, but it was stopped when cancer was found in her liver. I was so scared for her future and felt that, in the middle of the night, God had led me to this site filled with hope - so that I could carry that hope forward!
Kate has had treatment over these past 10 months consisting of a trial - gemzar, abraxane, and a hedgehog inhibitor (she had to exit the trial when a purple rash appeared and spread rapidly.) She continued on gemzar and abraxane, which was discontinued because of serious neuropathy in her feet. It was then gemzar alone until the next scan showed no liver lesions and the pancreatic tumor reduced in size. Kate then had radiation - 6 weeks of it, combined with Xeloda - an oral chemo. She has not been on any pain medication, nor chemo, for the last month. She feels as if "she has her life back" at least until her next scan in April. Meanwhile, in August last year, her husband, a family court judge, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. He's had surgery, radiation, chemo and is now on a second chemo, as the tumor has started to grow again. Through it all, Kate and her husband and their four adult children have NEVER lost hope. They refuse to let negativity slip into their lives from any direction. Right now, Kate is spending the week with their daughters and Peter is at the Mets Spring Training Camp with their sons and grandson. Quality time, making memories, ever hopeful and faith-filled! We've all been praying for a miracle for them - and regardless of what the days ahead bring, we believe that they ARE a miracle!
Last May, I came across this website and contacted Jane. Thank you, Jane for your kind and calming words. Thank you for allowing me to be filled with YOUR hope in sharing your journey. And now - thanks for sharing all these hopeful journies, as well! I will always be grateful that the Lord put you in my path!