Story
First, the MOST important thing I'd like you to get out of this is - GO get tested, make appointments, self-refer, don't wait for recommended dates or years. Take care of YOU! Now, on with the story... I went in for my routine mammogram. My self-referred, annual mammogram. But this time, the radiologist saw something they didn’t like. A spot at the 4:00 area on my left breast. Small, twin masses that raised enough concern to warrant a call-back. An ultrasound biopsy call-back. Had the biopsy and about 4 days later, I got the results. One mass came back benign—thank you, universe. The other? Not so simple. It was identified as IDC, or invasive ductal carcinoma, with DSIC—precancerous cells, nearby. Breast Cancer. ****************************************************************************************************** TL;DR VERSION Next --> See also FULL STORY https://www.rockstarlibrarian.com/kate-kicks-cancer/ ****************************************************************************************************** Diagnosis: ER+ / HER2- breast cancer — caught early. Genetic testing was negative. MRI shows currently no spread to lymph nodes. That’s VERY good news. My cancer is hormone-positive, which means it feeds off estrogen and progesterone (rude), but it also responds well to treatment and has a 99% survival rate. (Yes!) What does this all mean? I'm going to LIVE! (F*ck Yeah, High Five!) It's just going to be a bit of a rollercoaster of a ride of a journey. Emotionally? It’s been a swirl—appointments, scans, hard decisions. I’m still somewhere between the me before, and the me with cancer. But after LOTS of research, consults and deep listening to my body, I’ve chosen a two-stage nipple-sparing double mastectomy (2S NSM). Surgeries are April 24th and May 7th. Once the pathology report comes back from that, I’ll have a clearer picture of what my actual full diagnosis is. I just might avoid chemo or radiation (fingers crossed), but there’s no guarantee. This ride is just beginning, but I’m facing it. And yes—it sucks. But catching it early gave me options. Power. A path forward. If you’re here to support, THANK YOU. I’ll post updates and have lists of ways to support. I imagine they’ll shift and expand as this tilt-a-whirl ride keeps turning. Most important? → Schedule your mammogram. → Hug your people. Tits Up, ❤️ Kate PS: Click the Follow Page ♥️ up in the upper right corner of this page to get my updates by adding your email.
Special Notes
****************************************************************************************************** How to Support? See Below & Care Calendar ****************************************************************************************************** 1. I will happily receive fun postal mail from you here anytime! There is NOTHING like the sweet surprise of words of encouragement, humor to make me laugh, and support through old fashioned mail. Send to: Kate Houston, PO BOX 22453 Portland, OR 97269 2. PLEASE don’t share cancer death stories with me. I need to say this though it might feel uncomfortable, but it’s important. What I need right now isn’t a story with a crappy ending. I need people who can be with me in the middle. Who can sit with me in the uncertainty, in the quiet, in the weird in-between where I don’t have answers. You don’t have to fix it. You don’t have to say the perfect thing. Just stay. Stay present. Stay real. That’s the kind of support I need most and I’ll remember forever. That kind of closeness is one of the few real gifts that can come out of this whole shit-scoop of a situation. 3. Please sign up on the calendar BELOW to support in whatever way moves you... by bringing over meals, doing grocery runs, dog walks, driving, etc. If you need to change what you signed up for, please also do so there so it updates and others can trade or claim that time. More will be added over time as support is better identified. ❤️ Thank You! ❤️ ****************************************************************************************************** MEALS & MEAL TRAIN: ****************************************************************************************************** For meals I would appreciate any of the anti-cancer foods on my YES list (or just google "er+/hormone positive breast cancer-fighting foods”) See all YES List Food & Meal Train Info here: https://www.rockstarlibrarian.com/mealtrain/ Your favorite, hearty warm or salad Buddha Bowls https://www.feastingathome.com/vegan-buddha-bowls/ are most welcome! ****************************************************************************************************** COMMUNICATION: ****************************************************************************************************** Communicate with Kate via text 503.683.1177 OR email at kate@rockstarlibrarian.com OR old fashioned mail. Send to: Kate Houston, PO BOX 22453 Portland, OR 97269 Click the Follow Page ♥️ up in the upper right corner of this page to get Kate's updates by adding your email. 🎉 Help comes in several forms 🎉 ***Invite Me*** I may be this Kate going through this, but I am still the other Kates you know and love. So invite me, to your gig, that event, the gathering around the firepit. I am more than patient Kate. I *need* to be through all this. Yet, still ask me how I am doing. I don't want to avoid my health reality. I just don't want to wallow in it either. Visit! Watch a movie/play a game. Pick up mail & grocery getter/delivery. Help with household tasks, laundry, some cleaning. Set up a video visit. Make me laugh! Music! Share amazing music with me! Help me discover a new artist, band, style. And likely other ways you will think of to rise my spirits. Also, if you have had a bilateral mastectomy before and you know of something Kate may need post-op, but doesn’t know yet, please reach out to her.
