You may have noticed that things have been quieter than usual around here. If you’ve been a regular reader for a while, you know that I try to post two to three design finds a day, but lately the news has been sparse. Well, four months ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m very lucky, they caught it early and it was a common and easily treatable type. I’m at the end of my treatment now and plan to get right back to business as usual as soon as my energy returns.
I took this life experience as a wakeup call to re-evaluate what’s important, and the one constant, of course, has been my cats. You can learn so many lessons from them in a time like this. They know how to relax, how to live in the moment, they don’t stress out over unnecessary things. They love you unconditionally.
I understand this is off-topic for Hauspanther, but I do also know who my readers are and, unfortunately, now knowing the statistics, I realize that many of you have already been through this or will face it in the future. It’s scary but it can also be life changing, in a good way. It forced me to make some significant changes to how I live that will hopefully keep me healthy and cancer-free for the rest of my life.
So all of this just drives home our main message here at Hauspanther, that pets enrich our lives, in both good times and in challenging times. Take a moment and spend some quality time with your furry family members, they possess more wisdom than you can imagine.
Sending healing thoughts your way. So happy to hear you were diagnosed early and that treatment is finishing up. Do you mind being asked how you were diagnosed, i.e., self-examination, regular check-up, mammogram? The answer might help others get life-saving, early diagnoses as well. I know I get complacent about mammograms and am currently overdue. Looking forward to seeing you fully back in the Hauspanther saddle!
I’m happy to share the details. They found it during my annual mammogram. The previous two mammograms showed nothing. The tumor was 1.7 cm. I’m 42 years old.
For those of you who speak cancer, it was IDC, grade 1, stage 2, ER/PR+ HER2-. I tested negative for BRCA. They did a lumpectomy and sentinel node removal. There were cancer cells in one node so I did 7 weeks of external beam radiation. I do not have to do any chemotherapy. They are recommending Tamoxifen for 10 years.
In addition to all my regular doctors, I’m also working with a terrific naturopathic oncologist in Scottsdale, AZ Dr. Daniel Rubin. I highly recommend an integrated approach to cancer treatment, it makes it easier to get through the treatment and recover after.
I too had Lobular Carcinoma Insitu approximately 4 years ago. I too am cancer free today. Funny how life’s little curve balls make you look at what is truly important in life, and believe me, things and money is not it!! I am sure you are discovering all types of things to be greatful for that you may not have even thought about before the diagnosis. Best of blessings to you……………….
another survivor
I really admire you for sharing your breast cancer experience with your readers. My sister went through virtually the same at age 47. She has been completely cancer-free for three years. May your beloved cats and your wonderfully positive spirit speed your healing and complete recovery. This is a message all women need to hear: mammograms can save your life.
Thank goodness it was caught so early! I just wanted to chime in on the Tamoxifen — keep an eye out for blood clots if you take it. My mother had a clot in her foot. It took a week to figure out why because it’s an unusual place to look for a blood clot. Tamoxifen is good stuff — just need to be watchful. Good luck!!
I am a regular reader and my thoughts and prayers go out to you. Not a day goes by that I don’t spend quality time with my 2 kitties. They are truly amazing animals and I for one am grateful to have then in my life. All the best!
Wow!
You already inspire me! Now I must admit, I am amazed. Your blog,news, and site in general, give me such joy.
I look forward to hearing from you…even when I don’t ” win”!
Thank you for everything you do. Sometimes I need to be reminded that I am not the only cat lady! (we have four).
Our prayers & sweet light for you & those you love. Thank your support team for taking care of you for us!
BTW, they say laughter is the best medicine.
I have chronic health challenges & while that may not be entirely true, but it sure does help!
I am just finishing a book that I guarantee will have you laughing!
I started while taking my infusion, and was laughing so much ( out loud, in public!) that the rest of the “gals” insisted we take turns reading it out loud for each other!
What a hoot! It is titled : “Kitty Cornered, How Frannie & Five Other Incorrigible Cats Seized Control of Our House & Made it Their Home”. It is by Bob Tarte.
Picked it up at the library & have been meaning to tell you about it. I hope it will lighten your day. I
I am so happy you shared with us & it sounds like you are truly on the mend.
Blessed Be &
So sorry to hear of your troubles, but glad to hear you’re on the mend. I’m sure your fur-babies were a constant comfort. I know my 2 were especially attentive while I was recovering from knee replacement surgery. Hang in there, do what you need for yourself and know that many, many people are sending good thoughts your way.
Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you blessings moving forward. I agree, cats are amazing! You do learn so much from them. What I have learned is to take life a day at a time and enjoy all the sites from where I am sitting.
Thank you for sharing with us. And you are spot on with “I took this life experience as a wakeup call to re-evaluate what’s important, and the one constant, of course, has been my cats. You can learn so many lessons from them in a time like this. They know how to relax, how to live in the moment, they don’t stress out over unnecessary things. They love you unconditionally.” I am CONSTANTLY looking to my cats and being reminded of all those things.
Rest, be well, snuggle with your cats and thank you for sharing.
I love your finds and your posts! Thanks for all you do for us cat lovers. I am constantly inspired by your dedication and even more now knowing that you still have that spirit after things have been rough. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hang in there strong lady, wishing that you’re back on your feet very soon.
so sorry to hear that- wishing you a speedy recovery!
Kate, I’m very glad to hear that the worst is behind you and that you had an early diagnosis. Thank you for sharing your story here. It is a good reminder to us all, and no one is “too young” to be susceptible, unfortunately (and that includes men!).
If I may, I’d like to recommend that anyone who’s interested check out the Army of Women (http://www.armyofwomen.org). It is run by Dr. Susan Love, a pioneer in breast cancer research, whose aim is not simply finding a cure or better treatment, but to discover what actually causes breast cancer in the first place. By joining the Army of Women you are made aware of opportunities around the USA to take part in medical research that may one day lead to new discoveries. Studies vary and can be seeking those who’ve never had a cancer diagnosis to those who are currently in treatment, and those who have completed treatment in the past. People living near big cities with research hospitals probably have the most opportunities to volunteer (I have only ever qualified for an online survey).
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for sharing your story. I was diagnosed with ITP(loss of platelets) two years ago. It is an autoimmune condition that causes your body to gobble up the platelets that are produced. I was and=mitted to the hospital with no discernible platelets. Normal is 150,000 to 450,000. Platelets are part of the process that helps your blood to clot. No platelets can cause severe bleeding and possibly death.
I have come a long way having had treatment and medication for over a year.
My cats helped me through many dark hours. They are the light of my life.
I hope you continue to keep stress under control and that your cats keep watch over you
My friend Pat San Pedro, wrote The Cancer Dancer about keeping light, love and hope in your heart and keeping music and dance by your side.
Good luck and I await each day for your posts of unusual cat items
So delighted that you are well. What would we do without our pets?!!! Our two cats are both doctors and so when we get sick they nurse us. Sending you meows and purrs!
Praise God that they found it in time and that He provided doctors who are kinowledgeable and skillful. Yes, this does bring it all home. I am a rescuer who is also a senior citizen and I realize that what was important at 25 no longer bears any relevance in my life or my prioriities. One of the first things I did was to make arrangements for my animals should I leave this planet before them. For me, it’s all about the animals – people are second. May God bless you richly.
I’m so glad to hear that they caught it early, and that the future looks good for you. And kitties are definitely an important part of the healing process. 🙂
sorry to hear this, but glad that you in recovery mode; I too had a “life-changing” experience – I had open heart surgery at age 52 to replace a defective heart valve. I remember getting really upset on the bus one when two older ladies were complaining for about 20 minutes that their newspaper boy just threw their papers on the porch – I felt like getting up and shaking them, telling them to shut up and that it really did not make any difference in the grand scheme of things! An experience like that really does help put things in perspective.
And, I can say that I am still here, almost 6 years later, better than ever.
Head bonks and purrs of comfort and healing. I hope my secretary can meet mew next year at BlogPaws. Mew.
Glad to hear you’re on the mend and that you’re taking whatever positives are available from the experience.
Sending healing vibes your way.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us, not only about kitties and accessories and the like. For us long-time subscribers, it adds another dimension to your posts, your work – makes you more “real” and personal. And yes, I am sure the kitties gave you comfort. They know instinctively when something is amiss and their very presence is comforting.
Sending you good thoughts all the way from Berlin, Germany!
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.
Thank you for sharing your experience with your readers, I hope that it pushes at least one person to take more time for their health. My thoughts are with you as you continue through this journey and time of your life. My mother was diagnosed at 44 and has been cancer-free for 9 years. I know that she would not have come through as well as she did without her pets. Our cat would never leave side while she was ill from chemo treatments and we still believe that our dog lived as long as he did only to ensure she made it through healthily.
I hope that your cats continue to provide the peace and love you need and we will continue to send our support!
My kitty and I are sending well wishes to you and are sorry to hear about your troubles. We love your posts and look forward to them. I am also going through trying times of another sort. My kitty is my calming spot. When I start to get overwhelmed, I go to her and remember the lessons they teach us. Relax, don’t take things too seriously, breathe, rest, and treat yourself well.
Hang in there, hope you are stronger everyday, and hug those kitties as they are medicine of another sort!!
Sending you healing energy! I really enjoy your posts and open all of them! Thank you for your love of cats and good design.
Your strength and open sharing of the details is an inspiration and I wish you nothing but the best. Please know that you’re not alone. You’re in my prayers and thoughts. I hug my cats daily as I know they know when I need their love the most. I’m glad yours were there for you when you needed them most.
I wish you all the best in the recovery and Ialways look forward to posts – now -when you can and want to post.
Re-evaluation is valuable and horribly under-rated. I am glad that you caught it early and had the treatment required.
all the best, kitty power, you go girl!
Dearest Kate, thank you for being so open with your followers. Sharing helps us connect & is very therapeutic, we truly are friends who care a great deal about you & look forward to getting your emails. Please continue to stay in touch, and know you are loved. Sooo glad you are in a place you can receive successful treatment to have a long life ahead of you. Hugs sent to you, please let us know how we can help too!
Selina & I wish you the best! And we are so glad you caught it early. I get breast exams religiously every year (I’m 48 but my mother had one breast removed for it in the early ’70s). I’m glad that hopefully the worst is behind you and you are totally on the mend.
Thinking of you ..
Laura Carter & Selina the One-Eyed Wonder
PS – We LOVE Hauspanther!
I also was diagnosed with skin cancer, and it wasn’t the simple type. I was lucky also to have caught in the very early stages, and even more lucky that only surgery was required. What ever type of treatment you have had, well, it wasn’t all fun. It takes a lot out of you, I am saying prayers for you, that you are free and clear from here on out. Take care.
I’m joining with everyone else who are sending good and healing thoughts. Not only that, your story inspires us to make mammograms part of our health routines. So glad to hear you were diagnosed early and your prognosis is good. Your attitude is wonderful and truly an inspiration. Yay for good outcomes and yay for the kitties who love us!
All the best to you!
Sending you love and healing thoughts from California. I love your blog, and our community of cat lovers!
Your words were so touching — I wish the best for you and your cats and more important, thank you for a website that brings so much joy!
You and your work are inspirational, fun, provocative, and healing in the most meaningful ways. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us.
Sending healthy and happy vibes your way,
A loyal reader
Hi there. Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m glad to hear you’re doing ok, and I wish you the very best!
I am proud of you sharing such a deeply personal event with your readers to raise awareness and of your strength. Health and happiness to you and your family. Especially the furry ones.
You are an inspiration. My father had breast cancer and once he got over the worst of the treatments, he got back to doing those things he loved. Those things pets etc are your driving force and make your life worth living. May God bless you.
As a 10yr survivor…I wish you the best of luck. My cat was a constant comfort during my treatment and helped keep me calm during a very stressful time. SHARE has wonderful support groups…I highly recommend it! Feel good.
I am so glad to hear they caught this early. That really is the key to beating it. I wish you a speedy recovery and hope this will be your last battle with cancer. Thank you for bringing so much joy to so many people and cats around the world!
Hope that your health continues to improve and I so agree with you that cats are the epitome of being “in-the-moment.” May you and yours be blessed. Thank you for this website. I look forward to receiving these design ideas as I love the fact that living with our precious ones can be artful and lovely and work well for both the human and the furiend. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Simply thank you for what you do.
Thank you for sharing your deeply intimate and personal experience of the (bad) “C” word with all of your fellow cat people. I think that sometimes such a bad situation (as this) can actually be a blessing in disguise – I was diagnosed with advanced stage lymphoma when I was 20 years old and now 10 years later, I can’t imagine cancer not being a vital part of “me.” Being diagnosed with cancer puts you in a unique position to continue to inspire others, not only through your love for cats (the good “C” word), but also through your experience with, and overcoming, cancer! You ROCK!!!!
I am so sorry you are going through this, even if they caught it early it’s still a scary time.
It sounds like you’ve chosen to look at the silver lining of this, that is a great quality to have and I am thrilled for you to do so.
I wish you all the best and send lots of healing thoughts your way. And lastly, thanks for this great site – don’t think I’ve thanked you before… About time, right 😉
Thank you for sharing. So glad you are in recovery. Rest well and re-energize with your furry nurses.
Bless you! I am glad to hear you are in recovery mode. It is eye opening to a whole other world most don’t even know about. May you continue I. Your walking forward into your new life as a survivor.
And yes, animals are amazing I. Helping us heal.
Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I’m glad they were able to find it early and treat it. Please keep well.
So sorry to hear you are in/have been thru a challenging period but so wonderful to hear you are on the upswing. I will ask the Universe to shower positive and healing energy upon you and your furry loved ones.
I wish you healing, health, and happiness…bright blessings on you. God bless you for sharing your story and helping others learn. Strength to you.
So glad you are all right and glad you’re kitties made the treatment go by better.
Well said, and thank you for sharing. I’m wishing you the very best! I know that my cats can get me through just about anything, bless their hearts. They know how to live, and we must pay attention.
My thoughts and prayers are with you for a speedy recovery. I’m so glad you have your kitties to help you along; they’re the best healers!
Thank you, Kate, for sharing and for uniting us with our love of kitties.
Peace, love, and good health to you!
Best of luck to you! I lost two friends to breast cancer many, many years ago and I go regularly every year to my own mammogram. Congratulations on your cancer being found early. I have a friend who found her own lump over 25 years ago and has been clear of cancer ever since after doing chemo & radiation. Best wishes.
I want to join with everyone else in wishing you all the best on your journey. I am a 17 year survivor (stage 2C) and
my cat was extremely sensitive to my often depressing emotions. I also got a kitten after treatment who would sit
on my lap and keep me company. LOVE CATS!
It’s wonderful that your shared this frightening, all too common experience. I’m sure your fur babies were a healing element in your recovery. As a chronic pain sufferer, my three beauties are a source of true comfort for me. I wish you continued good health!
Wow! That was the last thing i expected to read,but thank goodness your on your way to a full recovery! Isn’t it amazing what life throws at us,there are always twists and turns,ups and downs,but somehow we find the way to fight back one way or another… thanks for sharing with us,your in my prayers!
Hi Kate, I have been a regular reader for several years and I always look forward to your emails. I am so sorry to learn of your diagnosis, but like everyone else, happy to know they caught it early. My sister was diagnosed at 43 and had a lumpectomy and they removed as many nodes as they could find, which were negative. She then did a round of radiation & chemo to “play it safe”. That was 23 years ago and she is a true survivor as I am sure you will be. She is a “dog person” (except when she visits me & my 2 lovies) & she & her husband lost their sweet Zoe 2 years ago. Whenever she calls me to say she is stressed or upset about something I tell her that it is way past time to adopt another pooch. What our furfriends give us is worth so much more than what we spend to care for them. They are a remedy worth more than any Rx. I have 2 boys, 13 & 11, and I can’t imagine life without them. One is the neediest cat I have ever known & the other is a “Dennis the menace! So different, yet both so loving. After a hard day at work coming home to them is a real stress-reliever. I am sure your “crew” has helped you in more ways than you know.
Thank you for sharing and I am sending healing thoughts your way.
Take care, Frances
So sorry to hear about your diagnosis! It sounds like things are going well for you though. I also was diagnosed with breast cancer, but a fairly advanced type. My wonderful kitty Princess (and my boyfriend) helped me through all the chemo and radiation and recovery. Princess was my constant guardian, my daemon, and for that I am forever thankful. I am now 5 yrs out, and am hoping for a long cancer-free life. I wish that for you as well. Best of luck! And please keep posting, I love having something from you to look forward to in my email.
If the old saying of “A trouble shared is a trouble halved.” is true then you should be well on the road to wellness. Your site family appreciates you for all the great cat stuff you share with us and for your love of all things feline. Individually and collectively we send positive healing thoughts and prayers your way. Be well – J
Thank you for posting this honest and caring message.
Did you know that a cat’s purr has healing ability? And it’s documented by science?
More than likely, you already know the power of that purr. 🙂
Kate, I used to work with your dad Don at NYSRA…I am so happy to hear that your cancer was caught in the early stage. My husband presently is in Florida with his sister who just had her first chemo for her just diagnosed Stage 3 breast cancer. It was really coincidental that he called when I started reading your blog. I am happy that you are doing well and hope my sister-in-law can do the same with the help of her dog (she is not a cat person….but I believe that pets are one of God’s most important healing tools)
Best wishes for your continued well being, Ellen
I certainly can identify with you and thousands of other. In spite of annual mammograms and breast exams every 6 months, I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 27 June 2013, just 3 months after my last mammogram. I discovered it myself while doing a self exam. it was a numbing experience. Very surreal. Without my Kitties, I feel I would have just shut my self away and given up. But I couldn’t. They needed me, and I them. I had a bilateral Mastectomy (both breasts removed), in Aug. 2013. I am extremely blessed. Because of early detection, I am not having to undergo Chemo or radiation. After the drain tubes are removed, I am thinking about having reconstruction, but still not sure at this time. At my age, (70), breasts just don’t seem that important. I as still an active woman and my cats and family
still love me with or without them. Also I really don’t look forward to another surgery. I can’t stress enough to all you ladies out there the IMPORTANCE OF SELF BREAST EXAMS. Do them!!! Do them every week or even every day, No one knows your breast like you do. Don’t depend on someone to save your life!!!
I will keep you and all those before and after us in my prayers..
I am very sorry to hear that you are going through such a stressful time with your illness and diagnosis. Am so thankful that they caught it early. Will keep you in my prayers for healing and strength. This year marks 10 years after I had a life-changing accident at work and suddenly became permanently disabled unable to sit or stand due to excruciating constant pain. If it were not for my cats, I think I would have just called it quits and died from all the physical and emotional suffering. They are angels right by my side who have helped me see the beauty in each day. Just like you, I learned so much from them and have leaned on their grace and strength to help me get through the rough times, Thank you so much for sharing your story. Your site here is such a blessing to so many of us. Thank you.
So glad to hear that you are on your way to recovery! Being a cancer survivor myself (Hairy-cell Leukemia) and having gone through chemo and then a scary stay in the hospital because my immune system was so shot afterwards that the “bad guys” took over. I can say that having my 2 babies around me helped my get through it all, along with a wonderful husband and family support. Love and Light to you and yours, look forward to more from you as things get better in your life.
Glad you caught it early and you’re doing well.
Jan
I am a stage IV Melanoma surviver. After 122 biopsies all over my body and 18 mayor surgeries thank God I’m still here.
I am mexican, live in paradise Cancun and I am a redhair.
I love your site and I am a first cat owner 3.5 years now and you are absolutly right, we have so much to learn from them specially in such moments.
I just want to share that last week I had my 18th surgery, some big tumors on both my legs, but what amazed me most was that for four days my beautiful female cat, Mawi, a Lynx Colorpoint stood by me in my bed day and night just being there for me, taking care of me.
Every body that hasen’t had the experience of living and sharing with a cat says that they are detached, not loving pets and weared, NOT SO; they are amizing creatures of God, wisdom souls and the most fun and loving furr family member (as you mention).
Thank God for your healing and for sending you, as he did with me, this loving paws that will sleep with you just to make sure you don’t fill lonely and you are doing well. Once they sure about that, they will turn around and keep being cats.
A prayer for you!
C is for… Cat, Cancer, Care!!
I’m so sorry to hear about your health problems, but am glad that it was treatable. I’ll be praying for a speedy recovery for you and NO recurrence. Take care of yourself–hope you can keep your life low stress, too.
Thank you so much for sharing with us– yes, we are an army of survivors. Five bouts with cancer myself (breast [two times], cervical, uterine, & skin malenoma) during the past 35 years, but still here and still loving life. Two great cats to help me with the joy and the sorrow.
Sending all good thoughts your way.
I read your news while on a break in activity at a yoga retreat in North Carolina for breast cancer survivors. I gasped, but am glad yours has been caught early, and wish you all the best. I was stage 3c (cancer in 15 lymph nodes) and am doing great 7 years later after being surgically put into menopause and still on Arimidex.
It was thanks to one of my kitties that I found the lump, just in the nick of time, and though she has since passed away, I thank her often for saving my life. And the kitties stayed in bed with me for hours through the chemo, surgeries and radiation – they really helped get me through it. I had two at the time and now I have three! Love my cats!
I hope you get well soon! Best wishes from us and our cats!
Your cats will be the best way of getting through the tough stages!
I am so sorry to hear about your illness. I am sure your kitties have helped you through some of the hard times. I am so glad to know that you are doing better now and look forward to more of your great finds. Know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers for full recovery. God bless you and keep up the great kitty work.
Wishing you peace and healing — and lots more quality time with those kitties! Love reading your site.
May God bless you and heal you completely. I recently lost my husband unexpectedly and all I can tell you is that I don’t know what I would do without my beautiful and sensitive, Bella. I never feel alone in the house and she has been a tremendous comfort to me. Whenever I cry, she comes up and taps me on the arm as if to say “It’s Ok – I am here and will take care of you.”
Thank you for sharing your story. I applaud you for your positive attitude and inspiration. I wish you well as you continue to heal.
Wow I am so sorry to hear. I cannot even begin to imagine what this would feel like. I have friends and family members who have suffered cancer, and I am glad to hear they caught it quickly enough to get rid of it. You are an inspiration for making the life style choices you’ve needed to, to stay healthy. I wish you nothing absolute happiness and the best of health from here on out! Take as much time as you need to heal! *hugs*
Ash,
I am so glad you are well and caught it early. It is a very scary disease.
Our pets do give unconditional love. Even when I am terribly busy, I take a few moments for a hug and special words with each one of mine. They are always there for me!
Best wishes .
Mary Hammons
Thanks for sharing and here’s wishing you a speedy recovery. I know my cats always make me feel better, and the make me laugh. 🙂
I love your blog, and have found many cool things becuase of it.
Keep us posted on your progress.
-Sue
I’m thrilled you’re on the recovery! Also a regular reader, thank you for sharing your insights on topics feline and personal. Your spirit is inspiring!
I am very happy to hear you are on the mend, and hope it doesn’t take too much longer. Your great attitude – and of course, the kitties – worked like magic!
Sorry to hear about your difficult journey – the “big C” is no fun. It does get better so have patience. I am 2 1/2 years out from stage 4 throat cancer. The cats are a G (and the boyfriend and Mom!) Prayers to you for healing – I kove your emails!!!!
dsend
Take care my blog writing, cat loving friend. We may never meet in person, but I send you prayers for a long, healthy, happy life, filled with kitty kisses.
C is for CATS as well – and glad the ones with such nurses and friends!
Just wishing you a fast, smoothy and complete healing to your problem.
Theres someone in Brazil praying for you .Just because of the cats,Otherwise I will never know you.
My furry and beloved baby arrived right after a BIG Retina detachment, it was 5 years ago and I thank everyday for her presence here since them
Angels , nurses,and psicologists 24 a day – cats are the best
Kate, Your story is unfortunately a terribly familiar one – you would not remember me, but I have the only cat sanctuary in Israel that rescues cats who are handicapped, have been abused or tortured, or have a chronic illness – in short, I take in the cats nobody else wants. My salary pays for the food, veterinary care and medical supplies for over a hundred cats and I have always been glad to do without so that they don’t and for a few years now, I am also the only person caring for them (this country isn’t much for cats). I was diagnosed over a year ago with lymphoma and for months I dragged myself to the cattery to care for them in between chemo treatments and work when all I wanted to do was give up the ghost and go to bed for the next half a year at least. I would surely have thrown in the towel, but they pulled me through, because if I didn’t take care of them, they would die. These cats gave me the will to go on, and seeing how cheerfully they deal with blindness, cancer, FIV, being minus a limb (or two), paraplegia, the permanent results of torture and abuse…….it gave me new insights on how to deal with unpleasant realities and still relish being alive and in the moment. They have a phenomenal gift for uncomplaining acceptance and can still find a way to be content despite pain, severe physical limitations….they are truly amazing. Their innate strength gave ME strength at a time when I had none within me to draw upon and helped me rise above fear, grief and physical discomforts – and carry on cheerfully and without complaining. I don’t know what will be for me in the future (though I am making sure theirs will be secure!) but whatever comes, I couldn’t have got this far without my cats (including the highly annoying one currently sitting on my keyboard…..). You hang in there, girl. Friends and family will get you just so far, but it’s the cats will bring you home. Count on it. Best of luck to you.
Kate,
I am so glad to hear you are on the mend and your prognosis is positive. Until this moment I’ve never fully appreciated what a treat it is see a new email from hauspanther in amongst all the work stuff.
I have two awesome cats at home, I volunteer with 9-Lives Cat Rescue as well as the local Humane Society. I agree that cats make our lives richer and hauspanther always inspires me to be a better cat daddy.
Thank you for all you do and best wishes for a long and purrrfect life.
Robert
Thank you for sharing this, Kate! I’m sorry to hear you’ve had to go through this, but really glad you’re on the healing end of it. Our pets really are wonderful, especially during the hard times. Sending healing thoughts your way!
Thank you so much for your beautifully written message. Even during this ordeal, you managed to share your feelings with us. I wish you the very best as you continue your recovery.
Sending positive thoughts your way for a speedy recovery!
Thank you so much for sharing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I’ve been following you for years (as ModernCat and now as Hauspanther) and have always loved your design sensibility and obvious affection for felines. I’m so sorry you had to go through with this, but am so happy that the cancer was caught early and that you are taking this experience as a way to reconfirm what is important!
Thank you for all you do for this online community. Take your time, be gentle with yourself, let folks who care about you, care for you!
Squeaker, ShyGirl, Clawed, Robert, and I are thinking healthy thoughts for your continued improving health. We, too, use our cats as life lessons in many ways.
Congrats on your early detection and treatment. A Naturopath is the way to go to stay healthy. Less fried and processed food with plenty of natural antioxidants will help. Don’t forget exercise!! lol
Best wishes for you.
I have seen firsthand the endurance and strength it takes to get treatment for breast cancer. Having helped someone through it has made me more vigilant about my own health. But more than anything it has opened my eyes to the wonderful gift that I’ve received to have a healthy body and mind. I was relieved when I read that they caught yours early and that your treatment is almost over. Hopefully your story will inspire folks not only to get a thorough checkup, but to walk in their next local Breast Cancer walk. We always have room foe more 😉
Be well and take very good care of yourself…and don’t be hesitant to allow others to take care of you, too! I know your kitties have been a blessing and some of the best healing medicine for you!
Thank you for sharing with all of us…I know your story will be such a help to others who are facing the same struggle.
Kate,
Warm and healing thoughts go out to you. Thank you for sharing with such grace and candor; may it be reminder to all of us to take a lesson from our little friends that give so much!
I love what you said, “They know how to relax, how to live in the moment, they don’t stress out over unnecessary things. They love you unconditionally.” We should do the same!
Best wishes for a full and strong recovery.
Shelley
Thanks for sharing, I am praying for you. Just live life to the fullest and enjoy loving those around you. Sometimes we take so much for granted and it takes something serious to get us back to they way we should be living our life. Best wishes! Barbara
Bless you!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you. I just have to share with you that I am a 4 time cancer survivor. I’ve had dialysis, and a kidney transplant. I’m still here alive and kicking. My cats are and were a major part of the reason I’m still here. For the cancers earlier in my life when I was still single, they were my reason to keep going and for the cancers later in life after I married, they and my husband continue to be the reason I fight to survive. I’m so glad to hear you’re doing well and there are so many of us who prove that you can beat it and have a great life 🙂
(Expletive deleted), Kate — a shocker and I’m sorry to hear this, but very glad you caught it early, and *PRAYERS* for it to be gone forever. You have the absolute best C.A.T. (Cat-Assisted Therapy) and we know how important that is, for each and every day! Through all the drama, I always know my beloved cats will be there for me and they are the reason I am here today, going strong and working for other cats whose loving, forever homes have not found them yet. Aren’t those of us who know this fortunate? 😉
I am do glad yours was caught early and am glad you are on the mend. I’ve had a lot of medical problems & gone thru multiple surgeries & the biggest constant in my life was my kitties. Their love, companionship, and silliness kept me grounded, calm & laughing. And yes, I do believe that laughter is the best medicine. It’s gotten me thru many scary & trying times. Sending lots of love& prayers your way.
I’m so pleased to hear you caught it and you are on the mend. What you wrote is timeless and inspiring.
We’ve been doing animal rescues for many years, and of course adopt all that we can. However, any that cannot be adopted out because no one else is willing to deal with their physical maladies or psychologial issues end up having a forever home with us, Which is why we have numerous cats at both my hmoe and at my office. And of course probably the most important thing that we’ve learned from all of our cat (kritter kids) is that, “There is no day so bad, that it cannot be made better by a nap.”
Glad you are feeling better.
V:)
Prayers for you. Keep your positive attitude and love for cats. I’m so happy you are on the road to recovery and being a cancer survivor. Several people in my family have been diagnosed with some type of cancer and I lost one of my treasured kitties Cinnamon to cancer. Thank you for sharing and please keep us updated. Karen So Fla.
Thank you for sharing your story. Wishing you complete healing and lots of love from your feline family.
Oh Kate – I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you know how much joy you bring into our lives, and that you and your kitties spread so much joy and love! I hope that brings you some comfort in what I know must be difficult times. I hope you are getting great care out there and that we just adore you and I’m praying for you and a speedy recovery. God bless you and be strong.
So sorry to hear, but very happy to hear that you are on the mend. I know how you feel about your cats, because my little kitties are always there for me when I am feeling my worst, they just seem to know and they come snuggling, purring and mewing even more then usual!! My mother passed away from brain cancer when I was 17 and my aunt a couple of years ago from stomach and lung cancer. When I hear of a victory likes yours, it gives me hope that maybe one day a cure will be found for all cancers. Sending much love and hugs to you and your kitties from me and my kitties, Zen, Claude & Medusa.
I’m glad they caught it early and it’s been taken care of. Don’t worry about sparse postings. Take care of yourself first. I’m glad you have cats to help you get through this difficult time. You’re right – pets do possess an amazing amount of wisdom and empathy.
I’m so sorry you had to go through this. I thought something might be up because it really was kind of quiet around here. My niece is going through breast cancer now. She’s 37, was Stage 2, and had 2 different types of cancer in one breast. She opted to have a double mastectomy because she doesn’t really want to experience this twice. She will need chemo, no radiation. She’s also having her eggs frozen for later because she doesn’t have any children yet and would like to.
I sincerely hope that you don’t feel alone. You’ve got a lot of wonderful readers who enjoy your page and your energy. You’re a positive-thinking person and that goes a very long way. My very best wishes to you and, God Bless.
May God give you the health and strength to do the things you love in this life. We don’t pass this way but once, and I am proud you have shared yours with me. I pray for healing blessings and strength as you continue on your life’s journey and mission in life…<3
So glad to hear you are coming out the other side of this stronger.
C is for Courageous, and that is what you are. You have touched
all of our lives through these furry little loved ones. May your blessings
be returned ten fold. =o)
^..^
Kate: you are now on my nightly prayer list.
Yes, you are so right.. pets (cats etc.) provide us with the buffer we need to get past the “hard & tough” times;
they enable us to clear our minds and focus on the road ahead & how we can perhaps change the path we are taking or even make it a clearer path without so many obstructions. There was a reason they were created & I believe somehow they show us that they know that by the way they just soothe our fears and frustrations & allow us to heal & release the stresses which hinder “true healing”. Take care of yourself and know you are loved.
Mariana the Nurse & her 3 lilac-point Siamese, 1 chocolate point and 3 little black socialized kittens.
Thank you so much for sharing with us.
A very close friend of mine was diagnosed with cancer last year.
Now after his treatment he is cancer free!
We now remember it as a reason for being closer to each other and more mentally aware.
Letting it out, don’t being afraid of it, receiving and giving love is part of the treatment 🙂
Keep warm in your furry family hugs!
Thank you for sharing this.
You are very brave and I commend you.
Connection is what we need at these times and our pets sure provide us with healing.
People do also but really not the same.
Give those kitties a hug and kiss and as a “people” I hold you in my thoughts and prayers.
I wish you all the best in life.
Jayne (Shaman and Shilah too!!!)
So sorry to hear the news. Thank you for sharing. My thoughts are with you. Isn’t it great, though, to have your cats around you? 🙂 Speaking about cats’ power to heal… I just saw this today: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWXigjFm4TM. How appropos!
Thanks for sharing this passage with us. It is hard to do yet ultimately cathartic, and so helpful to your readers. I too went through treatment for breast cancer, dcis & lcis and had a double mastectomy three years ago. I agree that holistic treatment is valuable too. It. was not easy to speak of this while taping the My Cat from Hell show yet I’m certain it was helpful to some of the viewers. Iearned of your site from Jackson, too. Wishing you lots of inspiration and good heth as well as loads of kitty love! Best, Melissa
I know from personal experience that having my cat by my side when I’m sick or in pain has been the best medicine. I’m glad you’re doing so well after what must have been an awful ordeal. I love Hauspanther and want to thank you for all the fun stuff and information you provide. I wish you the best of health.
Take your time recovering! Glad to hear you caught it early. I love Hauspanther!
Sending prayers your way!
I look forward to you postings everyday – they inspire and make me smile. Thank you for sharing – I am so glad they caught the cancer early, and you are well on your way to recovery. Cats are a girl’s best friend – and I know from experience that fur therapy indeed have healing powers.
Best wishes for you – for a long and healthy life.
Wishing you continued improvement and good health in the future. I know how much of a comfort my cats were to me following a stroke and later a heart surgery. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
God Bless you for the fear, pain and awakening that you’re just now coming out of and blessings of hope for the remainder of your life to be long and cancer free. A few of my friends have already been through this nasty cycle, with one – sad to say – not making it. How wonderful that the cancer in your body was detected when it was still treatable.
For all males reading this today, know that you too are potential victims; one of my dearest of life friends let me recently know that the reason for his being out of touch for so long was due to having been diagnosed with breast cancer, and treatment following there of. Talk about my shock.
Grateful for your continued healing and your grace in continuing to be such a conscientious ‘cat’ sharer here on Hauspanther. Stay well, upbeat, and always give in to the love offered up by your cats! xoxo CATherine
So happy you are feeling better and on the road to feeling well! Good that you are using natural methods to support your system.
Thank you for sharing such open and honest information. I’m so glad you were diagnosed early and it is treatable. I, too, find that my cats remind me to stay calm and centered in tough and troubling times. They are natural healers! Prayers and thoughts are being sent your way for the last part of your recovery!
Thanks for sharing your story with us and for thinking of your readers–who should of course be the least of your concerns as you continue to heal! I love the site and your finds, and I’m impressed that you’ve kept up with it as well as you have during your treatment.
I wish you continued improvement and a quick return to full health. Hugs to you and your cats.
I am sorry that you had to go through this, but I am very happy that the outcome was good.
Kate, it’s so good to hear that they caught your cancer early and that you’re treatment was not too difficult. I really appreciate you sharing your story with us. I will be 40 next month and like Etymomel (first comment), I’m overdue for my own exam. Did you know that men can also get breast cancer? I just found that out a couple of years ago when my husband had a little scare. Anyway, I’m super impressed with how positive you are about all of this and if your readers take only one thing away from your experience, it should be to follow your lead and remain positive. My husband has survived skin and throat cancer and he’s told me that a person’s attitude makes all the difference. Of course, it does help to have some furry goodness by your side. I’ve seen first hand how healing those purrs are. 🙂 Keep your head and heart where they need to be and you’ll be good as new before you know it. Keep up the good work! All of my blessings are with you. Love and Light, Robyn
Thank you for sharing, Kate. You mentioned that this was off topic, but it truly isn’t. After all it is your creation, but most importantly, your kitties were part of your healing. Congratulations on getting to this stage of your recovery and simultaneously continuing Hauspanther…that is no small feat.
The power of collective thoughts, prayers, and energy is strong. You have that as well as collective purrs.
Take care of yourself however you need to. We readers will be here for you and we’ll be grateful for your posts.
Janet
Kate, I am so sorry to hear what you have been going through. I am glad that you have treatment. We look forward to your continued recovery. You are such an important part of the car world here in Phoenix. Bev Brinkman
Thank you for sharing your story. I’ve been a reader and cheerleader of yours for years. May your good health continue.
Chelle
My best wishes to you. Thanks for sharing your story– I’m not on many list serves but this is one that I get so excited to open and read. I know our little fur-babies do so much for us. Thanks for being so open. We are all here to support you.
congrats on catching it early and, it sounds like, doing well now. I wish you everlasting good health… and cats. Lots & lots of cats!!
Diagnosed with DCIS last November, and had partial onco-plasti Dec. 16 (removal, reduction, reconstruction). Follow-up radiation, NO chemo, and I chose not to take tam.
I had no risk factors, and in my mid 40s.
I can totally relate to everything you wrote.
Sending you good thoughts & well wishes. xo
I am truly impressed with your sincerity and feeling and have just gone through a TAH and ovaries adn tubes removed and my beloved cats were wonderful…I could not have made it without them.
To celebrate I adopted a third!
They help us and give us their healing love.
You will be in my thoughts.
The site is wonderful and I so enjoy it…perhaps it will bring new energy with it as well!
Your spirit is wonderful and melds with the cats!
Be well, be strong!
felice
I look forward to your emails. I wondered what happened. How scary and real. Thank you for sharing. Many wishes of good health and joy from Teva, Valley, Lil’ Boy, Rusty, (all rescued and family) and me.
Sending loving thoughts your way for a speedy recovery. Enjoy your cats I know mine are always a great comfort to me…
Thank you for sharing. I wish you all the best and I’m sending healing thoughts your way.
I really enjoy Hauspanther & all the cat related content 🙂 Thank you for sharing your story. My Mother is a breast cancer survivor & I expect you to join the group of survivors out there. Best wishes & healing to you from this fellow cat lover.
Thank you for the post, Kate. The honesty truly makes this blog personal and personable. Wishing you a speedy recovery and continued remission.
Wishing you health and happiness!
I hope that you recover from your treatment and can go back to doing the things you love. I know our cats (all rescues) have helped us through many hard spots. I wouldn’t be without them.
It’s wonderful that you are on the mend! Cats are a great comfort always but especially when we are ill.
I am so sorry to hear this. I am glad they caught it early. I was diagnosed with a different type of cancer last year, and my lovely grey Tati was a wonderful companion as I was recuperating from surgery. Pets are the best.
So glad to hear of your early diagnosis and treatment. Be well. Our thoughts are with you.
Beautifully stated and well written post. While I am sorry to hear this news it sounds like you are handling things very well. You have inspired me to go home and sit on the floor with my cats and turn off technology for the night! Best, and speedy recovery!!
You go girl!
I was diagnosed with breast cancer as well – mine was bilateral (both breasts.) I had all the treatments and tests – sentinel node procedure, lumpectomies (actually 3 of them), one mastectomy & reconstruction, radiation treatment, chemotherapy, and then medication for 5 years.
My diagnosis was made 7 years ago – so I am considered a breast cancer survivor.
I am delighted that you won’t need chemo – that really is wonderful news. And the naturopathic oncologist – great addition.
May your furry angels help you in your quest to heal (mine sure helped me!)
And before you know it, you will get more energy, you will keep on truckin, and you will join the ever growing group of survivors!
And yes, there is definitely healing power in a purr.
Audra
Its always a pleasure reading Hauspanther, and it was great reading this post today. I am glad you came out of this well and really strong, not only in body but strong in mind as well. Yes animals are such a blessing and it is amazing how unconditional there love is. Also the true power of healing they have by simply loving us and just being themselves. I wish you the best and stay healthy.
Thank you for being so open about this and I’m very glad to hear you are doing well! Great idea to include some alternative therapies along with traditional medicine! Take good care of yourself and congratulations for seeing this as an opportunity! P.S. when I saw you at CatFest you looked awesome – I would never have known you had undergone any physical issues!
Kate, you are in my prayers. I was diagnosed with DCIS when I was 41, and it was a similar size to yours. That was 9 years ago and I’ve had no reoccurence to date. You are so right when you say it’s a wakeup call to re-evaluate what’s important. I so agree, and cats are a big part of what is important. God protect and keep you always.
I’m so sorry to hear of your diagnosis and troubles, but so glad you are on the mend! I have missed you, and will look forward to seeing more of you in the future. Take as long as you need, and know my thoughts and prayers are with you!
Dear Kate,
I was very sorry to learn of your illness but so glad that you were able to catch the cancer early and that treatment has gone well. Thank you so much for your wonderful blog and Hauspanther products. I’m wishing you and all of your cats a calm and healthy future.
Warmly,
Katharine
Hey, Kate, Although I enjoy reading your posts, and always love seeing you on My Cat From Hell, I wouldn’t be interested in your blog without you being you. I love knowing some things about your life – how important your cats are, seeing how you have styled your home to accommodate both the cats and your personal design sensibility. So to me, hearing that you have been fighting breast cancer is not off-topic!
My brother and my father both died from cancer, my son is being treated for thyroid cancer now, and my best friend was successfully treated for breast cancer last year.
I know purring cats are magically healing – I wish you the best.
Caroline
A loud healing purrr is being sent your way.
Thank you for sharing this personal information and best of luck to you.
Sending prayers your way for rapid return to good health! All you do for the feline-loving community is very much appreciated! Miss Nina and Chloe Cat send purrs and headbutts…
Best wishes for your healing.
Hang in there! We are all thinking of you. So glad you have the kitties too….
So great to hear you are doing well Kate..I remember what a comfort my cats were last year after I had open heart surgery..in fact..they are a comfort every day of my life! Best wishes to you dear.
I am so glad that your cancer was found early & that you are now doing better. Please take care of yourself. The world needs people like you. Your cats need you. I think most if not all of your followers understand & support you.
Sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but glad that you are doing so well. I am a 16- almost 17- year survivor. For 15- almost 16 years now, I have worked with Reach to Recovery. Please feel free to contact me if there is anything you can do. Enjoy your site. Get lots of tips. We have 6 cats (5 of them rescues) and 5 dogs (all rescues). Our animal friends make everything better.
God’s Blessings,
Fonda
Kate, in my world, the “c” word was devastating…. lost the most precious person to me in this world because if it. My brother Paul was also the most loving cat person, and adored his furry precious ones. He is who I started SEEDs for, in the days before we knew his diagnosis….never would I have imagined the possibility of his tragic loss….good thing, because I would have NEVER stared SEEDs…..he was alive and well, when I started it for him. Now I can only hold on to his ability to guide me to continue to do the work I had intended for him…now for others. Cats are the most curing and loving creatures on this planet….they certainly are our healers. I have prayed for you everyday along your journey, and am thankful you are finding comfort and strength to embrace life with the curiosity and playfulness that only a CAT can do!
Sending you healing thoughts and good wishes. This may be an old wives’ remedy, but I’ve heard that applying a warm poultice of purring cats to the affected area, especially on a weary heart, works wonders with any kind of medical recovery…
My prayer for your renewed health, may the Lord pour his blessings upon you. O:)
Good luck and feel better soon!
Thank you for being so brave to share your experience.
Best of luck for staying healthy!!! I was diagnosed almost ten years ago. In fact, my cat knew before I did. He kept digging at my breast—right where the tumor was and stopped after it was removed. I was told to take tamoxifen but had a terrible reaction to it. So I went to my naturopath and got an herbal estrogen blocker called DIM. I also take an herbal immune booster every morning. All my bloodwork has been normal and made my oncologist a believer in herbs. And you don’t get the blood clot risks as with tamoxifen.
Thank you for sharing with us; I have no doubt that readers will be inspired to make that overdue mammogram appointment thanks to your honesty. Sending healing energy and best wishes to you and your feline family.
Sorry to hear about your breast cancer Kate, and our thoughts and prayers are with you. I am a cancer survivor also since 1978, and cancer certainly does give you a huge wake-up call. I had noticed that you were posting less lately, and now I know why. Take care of yourself and snuggle and pet your cats as much as possible to receive their kitty magic healing. God bless.
C is for Catalyst 😉
So sorry to read this Kate. I hope you’re working through whatever process you will make your own. Sending good thoughts and wishes to another cat lover. Take good care of yourself and thanks for sharing. Only good thoughts coming your way.
Sorry to hear that – best of luck for the future and lots of purrs xx
Just adding my very good wishes your way. Thanks for sharing your story. Love your site, and your design sense. Looking forward to many years of fantastic feline finds!
Glad to hear you are feeling better. Love what you do and am standing by for your return. Much love, health and kitty kisses from my Frankie and Percy and from me!!!
Thank you for sharing this with us. One of my best friends just went through this and during her treatment I had a scare. Thankfully it was nothing, but during the wait to find out I got a taste of the loneliness and fear that one can experience. I know that what I experienced was only the tip of the iceberg. I am thankful that my friend got through it and is getting better everyday. Thank God they caught yours and you are getting better too! The best thing is you have the best known salve to the heart known to man, cats. Sending positive thoughts your way!
We are so glad that you are getting better and stronger each day. We will keep you in our Prayers each day. We love your blog! Sending you lots of gentle headbonks and soft purrs. Lakota and the Shadow Dance Ranch Clan.
Thank you so much for sharing. I admire your strength and courage, and I love reading your blog. Sending healing thoughts your way!!
I’m stunned by and thankful for your share. It is very brave of you, and I am very happy to hear that you’re on the road to recovery and have learned some valuable life lessons. Bravo! Although I do not know you personally, I wish you all the best in life, love, health, and happiness. P.S. I simply adore your site and I always look forward to my Hauspanther updates 🙂
Let go and Let GOD!! Let your fur babies take care of your soul, while GOD heals your body! I know it is hard, boy, do I know it’s hard. Just try to stay positive and smile often. When you come out the other side, you will be a completely new and different person. If you ever need someone to talk to, or if you want to borrow some hats to get through ‘bad hair’ days, just shoot me an email.
God Bless You!!
Alex
Dear Kate – All the best wishes for your healing and recovery. xo Kathy
I’m sending healing thoughts your way for a complete recovery. I read Hauspanther often and love it! I’m so glad your kitties are there to comfort you. Kitties are the best! I have two of them.
^..^
I am sending you healing vibes your way and will be adding you to my daily prayers, my cat-loving friend. I know exactly what you mean by pets at a time like you just went through. I have had to have at least 7 (I’ve lost count) major bone related surgeries in the past 6 years: joint replacements, 3 cervical spinal fusions, plates put in to stabilize a broken arm, and more. I don’t think I could have gotten through all of the time I was confined to bed without my cats. They sat and slept on my bed with me. One acted as a “Secret Service” cat, checking out people who used the extra key to come to deliver food and other things to me. He stood there in the kitchen like an armed guard and no one could pass until he heard me call “It’s OK!” Then he would turn around and lead them to my bedroom, but would never leave my side while they were there. He was so protective! He still is even though I am much better, Both of my cats sense when I’m having a bad day and linger nearby or sit on my bed with me all day. A house is just a house until a cat or cats move in, then it becomes a home.
My thoughts and prayers for a completely cancer free life and a life full of happiness and priceless moments! Take care!
I am so sorry to hear your news but thankful you found support and comfort from friends and furry ones throughout your treatment. I, too, am a breast cancer survivor (2 years) and feel blessed that I had such an incredible support network. I had to have a mastectomy and chose immediate reconstruction. It was a long healing process as I am sure yours was too. My family and my family cats gave me strength and encouragement through the difficult times. I enjoy your blog so much and will continue to read it and keep you in my thoughts and prayers. We cannot lose any good cat people. Take care.
Sherry Kneece
Dear Kate,
I was so touched by your message and thank you for sharing your personal story! My Mom is a 23-year survivor of breast cancer and celebrated her 80th birthday this year 🙂 Stay strong and tough. You have created a wonderful community here, and we are all rooting for you–even our cats! You are so right about their healing powers: just a couple of days ago, I told some friends I was going home to my “6 stress absorbers.” The calm, loving energy cats provide is like no other.
I hope you continue to heal and feel better each day! I always look forward to the Hauspanther in my inbox, but your health is the most important thing.
Sending warm and healing wishes,
Cindy
My prayers and wishes for your good health! Bless you!
I’m so glad it was found early. My mom had breast cancer and my niece and several friends. They all recovered and are doing well. Tamoxifen was prescribed to several and they tolerated it well. I’m glad you are doing well God bless.
Prayers for you. I am glad your sweet cats bring comfort and love!
I always look forward to seeing the beautiful and interesting designs and products you share with us. I am sorry for this challenge in your life. I know someone else who is experiencing that as well. I am pleased to hear that you are looking for whatever lessons you can learn from this and overall, the positive side. These are the take-aways that hopefully, will stay with us. Best wishes for a speedy, healthy recovery with a new attitude towards your life.
Your message helped with with respect to cats. I have a sick cat and it is very trying to her and I. What you said was correct though and I needed to be reminded of that.
Thank you!
MEWOW we had no idea and are glad mew are going to be all better soon. For women this is such a scary and devastating. Mew have handled it well, with mewz ususal dignity and class. Mew rock Auntie Kate!
Kate I’m happy to hear you we’re diagnosed early and are on the mend. Sending you healing vibes and many wishes for a complete recovery <3. Be sure you put your ear against your cats side while they purr as they will give you healing energy <3
A letter arrived on Friday to remind me my annual mammogram was due July 5th. I'll call on Monday to schedule it <3
Thank you for sharing your personal story. I completely agree what our pets mean to us. I would not be here today without my two furry boys helping me to recover from my illness. Please take it easy and hope your quick recovery. With lots of love.
I hope you are 100% better and cancer-free very soon. Thank goodness it was caught early!
Thank you for sharing. Also, remember to take time out for yourself when you need to.
Happy thoughts and positive prayers coming your way.
Thank you for sharing & your unknown reminder to me to make my overdue appointment. Cats are little gifts from heaven. They do have a lot to remind us in how to just ‘be’. The most beautiful creatures that have brought me personally, much comfort. As they would, take your time coming back to blog, rest, stretch, and curl up. Good healing vibes your way.
i have worked in the cancer field for over 30 years, as a therapy radiographer and now in cancer information.sometimes with any ill health we revalue our life and discover what is really important. all the very best for a speedy recovery, your words are very inspiring.keep cuddling the cats
I’m so glad your cancer was found early & is treatable. I wish you a speedy & complete recovery and quick induction into the survivor’s club. God bless. ^_^
Hello, I’ve been following your blog and posts for a while. I love the content you produce and the heart and soul and passion you put into finding interesting news and products for us cat-lovers. I wish you the best in your fight against cancer.
So glad to hear you are purring your way to wellness. Sending you whisker kisses, Greyce
I wish you a full and speedy recovery. I enjoy reading your emails. Best of luck. Shelley
I hope this finds you recovering well. I just found this website and was exploring. It’s a wonderful site. It’s obviously a labor of love.
Have you read Helen Brown’s book Cats and Daughters? I picked it up because I dearly loved her first book, Cleo the Cat Who Mended a Family. While part of the book is about letting go while still loving a daughter, and adopting a new kitten, Helen is also diagnosed with breast cancer. She writes with a great deal of humor and and even greater honesty.
With best wishes for you.
Best wishes for a continued recovery! Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
Just a little note to say my thoughts and prayers are with you and glad to hear the positive side of this as it was caught early. My two rescue kitties have taught me too, about almost every good lesson in life, so very grateful to have them. Stay strong and thank you for this wonderful site, in peace, Lynda
I was diagnosed 12 years ago,underwent chemo and a bilateral mastectomy. During my recovery, sometimes I’d find myself with my little poodle Rosie curled up under one arm and my cat Mudgie curled up under the other. I used to call them my Angle Wings!
Mine wasn’t caught earlier enough (Ladies, get your mammograms EVERY YEAR!) and 4 years ago it metastasized to my bones. However it has held steady with a once a moth treatment schedule and my oncologist calls it a “Pokey Little Cancer.”
I may not be a survivor, but I am a Warrior Queen and have my furry legion/wings helping with the fight. Though my Mudgie, and some of his brothers and sisters, have become angles themselves, I still have Rosie, and a new group of furry wings at my side!!
Best of luck and I hope each day brings you more joy and happiness.
Hugs,
Jean
Our prayers and good thought are with you as you are mending. May you have a purr-fectly complete and speedy recovery. =^..^=
Very glad to hear that you have a good doctor who will work with you using natural treatments also. I am your age and have been learning a lot about estrogen dominance, xenoestrogens and things like that. I wish you all the best. Will be praying for you! God bless!
Wishing you good health, peace, love & joy. All the best.
Peace and Love to you.
Wishing you a full and complete recovery, resilience, peace & joy. Sounds like you’ve landed on your feet, just like the proverbial hauspanther!
Kate,
Hope the worst is behind you. PurrPower is healing.
I agree that the cancer experience can be life changing, often good changes.
Thank you for sharing your story. I am glad they caught it early and that you have your kitties by your side 🙂
Kate,
I believe in your health and hope that your treatments have been effective!
Your blog has been an important part of my life. I wish I had seen this post earlier. (Damn you, new Google mailboxes!) I will keep your health in my thoughts. I know your brood will keep you warm and give you positive energy – and all of us hope to read about your remission ASAP!
You inspire us everyday.
HAUSPANTHER SPIRIT!
With my support,
Lauren
Kate: I went thru the same thing last year and came out a survivor. It’s a blessing to have our sweet Kitties beside us through this trial. Take care, Kathy
Kate: I am a cancer survivor who appreciates your candid sharing & reminder. I wanted to send you healing thoughts via a photo of my little tuxedo, Tazmanian, whose body language imparts the message to me not be such a control freak. ^..^
Be well. Amy
Kate- beautifully worded as always and an inspiration for all. you’ve handled it all with the grace of a cat (of course) Meow from me and all the furry ones. Cheers to health!
Kate – sorry I am just now responding to this news, but I know that the zen spirit cats have will be of great benefit for your healing/remission. Thank you for sharing and I wish you all the best. My kittes send their best wishes to your good health too!
Best, Ina
You are brave to share what you are going through. Many of us have expereinced the C, wither through loved ones or personally like you. Your community through Hauspanther supports you and send you love. We have been receiveing your love through your passion of your site and your passion form felines, that we share. They too, will return that love, patience, rest and suport.
My best friend and I share photos of our kitties, and she also shares pics of her two girls. She is battling Breast cancer, round two. I send her love everyday, and send that to you too.
My cats give me hope, strenght and love at times when I think no one else understands, and I hope you too can find theat strenght through your passion.
Sending healing energies your way!
I meant to send this earlier. I’m saying prayers for you and your family and friends!
Thanks also for all that you and for the support you get to catlovers all over the place!