FSS 4 LIFE - our journey with cancer

In March, 2014, following over 4 grueling months of extreme pain, and constant back and forth from hospital chasing a diagnosis, Katie was diagnosed with Stage 2 Bowel cancer. She had a major surgery removing most of her bowel and spent the next 3 weeks in hospital (totaling one month pre and post surgery), learning to sit up, walk and gradually eat again. All doctors were pleased with her progress, certain that cure WOULD happen. Following this, she underwent 6 months of intense chemotherapy. At the end of her chemotherapy, awaiting to hear she was in remission, she found out this sadly was not the case, as she had a recurrence. The tumor had regrown in the area it first began, this time growing towards her left kidney, blocking the ureter. At the time of this recurrence, Kristal was battling her own demons, the very next day (following Katie's recurrence), she was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, stage 3! Katie and Kristal were scheduled to have surgery on the same day, December 5th, 2014, however Kristal's was postponed due to enormous size of her tumor. As Katie and Kristal were preparing for the future surgeries and treatments, Cassie was hiding a secret from everyone, just 5 weeks following Katie's news of recurrence, she too was diagnosed with breast cancer! While Kristal and Cassie are (thankfully) on the road to recovery, unfortunately Katie's battle continues, as she faces her second recurrence, with her future treatment plans unknown. We decided to create this page to keep everyone updated on our progress and beautiful trip kindly given to us by Kyle, Jackie O and Cathay Pacific. Thank you also to Woman's Day for running a feature article about our battle, to help spread awareness, in line with Pink Ribbon Day. As well as to thank everyone for the kindness and support and beg you to continue to give us your kindness and support for the fight to keep Katie alive!