Your mom has cancer.
Words you never, ever want to hear.
If you’re a reader of mom’s blog, Friend For The Ride (which ironically focuses on menopause and women’s issues), then you may have heard that she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer this summer. Yes, that’s the same cancer that my mother-in-law Karen has battled twice now, although they had different kinds. Karen is doing well these days and we are hopeful she has beaten cancer twice.
Mom will be sharing more details about the warning signs and her diagnosis on her blog in the coming weeks. The short story is that she had some bleeding that prompted a D&C to look around, and the pathology came back with cancer. Her doctor scheduled a hysterectomy for mid-July. This was her first major surgery, so she was very nervous. But she described a feeling of calm as well. Luckily the surgery went well, and she had no complications and a fairly easy recovery.
We waited for the pathology report to come back after the surgery with our breath held. If the cancer had penetrated the uterus she would have needed radiation and chemo. If it was contained, the hysterectomy alone should be enough to "cure" her.
We were able to visit her in Hillsborough just a few days after her surgery – I’m sure time spent with sweet Mazen helped with her recovery!
After a long week of waiting, she got the news: her cancer was slow-growing, detected early and was limited to the endometrial lining.
We paid a second visit on our way back from the beach for more healing hugs.
I hope this is the last time our family has to fight cancer.
Hopefully "my mom had cancer" is what I’ll be saying from now on.
Julia says
Kath, thanks for sharing this very personal part if your life. I’m glad your mom got such great news and that she is healing well. We will keep your family in our prayers. Here is to more hugs and fun family time!!
Courtney says
Sending positive thoughts to your family. My mom also just had a hysterectomy for endometrial cancer. Luckily, she shouldn’t need any further surgeries or treatment as it was caught early. Scary stuff, but focusing on the positive now.
KathEats says
Glad to hear your mom is ok as well!
Mom says
My best to your mom!
Courtney says
So sweet, thank you! 🙂
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says
Kath- My thoughts are with you, your mom, dad, and family. Thank you for sharing a very personal matter. Momma Kath, you’re in my prayers.
Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out says
This is such a scary situation to go to through, but it is such a blessing that everything is looking good. I will keep your mom in my prayers! I’m sure having such a sweet grandson helped her feel better!
Ella P says
A load of healing hugs from me as well.
Keep tight,
Ella
Leah (goodnightcheese) says
I’m so glad both the mothers in your life are doing well! I hope Matt is handling it as well as you seem to be.
Farah says
Sending positive thoughts to your mom and family Kath – hoping she has a speedy recovery!
Karen says
Wow, I’m so glad she’s ok. We’ve also had a lot of family and family friends’ moms with different cancers lately…scary…makes you want to do everything you can to preserve your health, although some things can’t be prevented! So scary, but again, glad she’s doing good.
Katie says
Those are the worst words to hear. 🙁 I’m happy to hear she got good news from it! My dad had advanced prostate cancer and is in remission 2 years now. I still remember that phone call when he told me he had cancer. 🙁 Your family is in my thoughts. 🙂
Kate says
Hi Kath-
I am very glad your mom’s cancer was caught early and that she and Karen are doing well. I was dx with endometrial cancer 4 years ago and I had a radical hysterectomy at the age of 48. I too am doing well. I had bleeding for a few years actually and was told my PCP that I was in peri-menopause. I now know that no out of the ordinary bleeding is normal. There is such an emphasis on learning about breast cancer that I think many of us are in the dark about the gynocological cancers. Thank you, your mom, and Karen for sharing their stories as it can be so helpful to others. Best of luck to you and your moms. Kate
KathEats says
Thanks for sharing kate. Xo
Mom says
Yep. We need to get the word out! So often endometrial cancer comes in the midst of menopausal madness, and we’re not sure what the deal is with the blood. Always best to check.
Cindy says
Kath, I am praying for your mom and your family.
Erica House says
So sorry to hear about this. Cancer SUCKS. I’m grateful to people like your Mom who are so open with sharing their experiences with it.
Colleen says
Hugs to you and your family. No one should have to go through cancer. Preventative care and early detection is definitely key. It is never too early to get to know your body and point out changes to your doctor.
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Oh god truly something no one ever wants to here…hopefully Karen’s strength and previous experiences will help your mom somewhat and fingers crossed for a speedy recovery in terms of the mental impact of it all.
My mum had a hysterectomy about 12 years ago due to having large fibroid’s…even then it was a major operation but my Gran had one last year and they did the whole thing by keyhole.
sonal says
I generally do not comment but this time I have to. Hugs to you; you are so inspiring in many ways. Prayers to your family.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
Such a scary thing to hear – but I love your attitude. I also hope that “had” will always be the tense you use to talk about her cancer!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
So many happy thoughts and love headed to you and your family, but especially to your mom! My mom has had a few bouts of skin cancer, some very minor and some more serious but thankfully never to the point where she’s needed chemo or radiation. Regardless, it’s always a little scary but makes you so very thankful when it’s caught early and you can change the sentence from “has” to “had.”
Kelly says
I’m sorry to hear that news about your mom Kath! But, I bet she’s going to be just fine! Thoughts and prayers for you and your family!!
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says
Keeping your mom and your family in my prayers!
Ashley says
Hi Kath. I am so sorry to hear about your mother. I will be praying for you and your family. Cancer is a horrible disease, one no one should have to ever experience.
Nicole says
Thank God. I’m so sorry. My dad had cancer of the esophagus when I was in high school and it was terrifying. Thank heavens he made it through with surgery, chemo and radiation and has now been cancer free for 13 years! My mom just had a scare when she came down with what you described your mom was having and I was so scared, but thankfully she has been given a clean bill of health as of last week. Counting my blessings for sure. So happy that Karen and your mom are both doing well! Cancer is such a scary thing!
Chelsea @ Designs on Dinner says
I have so many family members living with cancer and so many family members who have lost their lives to cancer (most recently my Uncle Andy last Christmas Day at the age of 55), that cancer has become a common word in my life, but it never gets less scary. I’m so glad to hear your mom and Karen battled through it and are doing well. Sending lots of happy thoughts that they stay strong!
Joy says
Really sorry to hear this news, but so glad that the outlook sounds so positive. Thanks for sharing this very personal story. Cancer is such a scary, scary thing. Prayers and blessings for your Mom, Karen and the rest of your family.
Sophie says
I’m sorry to hear about your mother. All your family are in my heart, and special best wishes to your Mother!
Tanya says
my thoughts and prayers are with you, your mom and your family love
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
So relieved to hear she came out of this okay! Thank you for sharing your/her story. It’s a scary thing for sure!
Laura says
So sorry to hear this. I hope both moms continue to recover well.
Sarah says
Hi Kath,
I am a regular reader who rarely comments. Thanks for sharing this personal story. I’m very glad to hear that cancer is in the past tense for your mom! I thought I would share a book recommendation for this general topic. I imagine you have many readers, myself included, who have not been so lucky in the parent-battling-cancer ring. The Long Goodbye by Meghan O’Rourke is a memoir by a beautiful poet/writer about her experience with grief in losing her mother to cancer. This review (http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2014/06/09/meghan-o-rourke-the-long-goodbye/) gives a better synopsis than I ever could. For any of your readers who felt the tug of loss in reading this post (or anyone who happens to want to read about grief…), I really recommend the book. It can act as a sort of literary comfort during difficult times. I hope everything keeps headed in the right trajectory with your mom and Karen. Take care.
Mom says
The passages quoted in the article are beautifully composed. Thanks for the heads up about a powerful book on grief (and cancer).
Theresa says
I don’t comment often but just wanted to let you know I’m sending prayers, hugs and love to your family. I’ve dealt with a bunch of cancer throughout our family and most recently dealt with my husband going through testicular cancer this year (his 2nd battle with cancer at the age of 35…but happy to say he is now in remission!), I know how tough and scary it is. Thank you for sharing!! <3
KathEats says
Oh wow so scary for you. I’m glad to hear he’s in remission now xo
Joni says
I can’t even imagine how scary this must have been for you, your mom, and your family. I’m so happy that she is doing well, and I truly hope that it stays that way. Sending best wishes and prayers for her!
Caitlin says
I could have written this, except for it being uterine and not endometrial. And everything’s fine, But I recall the moment I found out and crying behind sunglasses. Everything becomes real, real quick. Your mom and family are in my thoughts for a healthy present and future, Kath.
Christine says
So glad Mazen has two healthy grandmothers, they have way too much to share with him to waste time being sick!! Much good health and happiness to you all!
Laura @ She Eats Well says
Thanks for sharing such a personal story with us. Sending positive vibes to you and your family. I admire you for putting this out there and thinking positively! So glad that this was detected early.
Lisa C. says
Praying this all behind her now.
Erin MacMillan says
Kath – Thank you for being so open with your readers. So sorry your family has had to go through this again. I’m so glad to hear things are looking good for your mom.
Erin m. says
I’m so glad to hear that your mom is ok. My thoughts are with you and your family!
Tracy says
Sending my blessings and positive thoughts to all of you!
Alexa says
I’m so sorry to hear this, healing thoughts your way.
The Many Thoughts of a Reader says
((())) My mom had melanoma removed earlier this year and that was very very scary for me. <3
sassygirl says
sending your Mom the most positive thoughts
and blessings! happy to hear that this was
detected early.
ade says
My thoughts and prayers are with your Mom and your family. So scary, and hopefully all behind her now. Xoxo
Lori says
Oh what a scary thing to go through, and with your mother in law AND your mom! So glad they are both ding well right now and hope it continues that way. All the best to you and your family
Polly says
My father (healthy, vigilant with his health, no family history of cancer) was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer and died less than 8 months later. My sibling and I were in our 20s at the time. I hope you truly, completely, understand how lucky you are. Best wishes to your mother during her recovery.
KathEats says
I’m so sorry xo
Randy says
My thoughts/prayers are with your mom and you and your family.
Angela says
Thank you for sharing Kath. My mom had cancer too. She had an irregular mole and found out it was skin cancer the week before my wedding two years ago, so I didn’t find out until later because she didn’t want to ruin my wedding weekend (moms, they never stop protecting us, right?). Thankfully, after removal surgery, she has been cancer free since then and once she hits the 2 year mark she doesn’t have to go in and get checked by her derm as often. Here here to no more cancer!
Meredith says
There is no scarier word than the “C-word” – I’m sorry that you, your mom, and your family have to go through this. As someone who went through it myself (my dad battled lung cancer for 19 months), I know how scary it can be. But your mom is healthy, and I’d bet anything she’s willing to do whatever it takes to be there for her children and her grandson. The thing about cancer is that it is scary, and it can be devastating, but there’s one thing it cannot do: kill the human spirit.
Prayers for you and your family.
Stefanie says
Hey Meredith, so sorry to hear about your Dad. Four years ago my Dad lost a two year battle with lung cancer. Breast cancer seems to get the most attention, however, breath cancer (aka lung cancer) kills more women each year than breast and colorectal cancer combined! It is the leading cancer killer of both men and women. Raising awareness about lung cancer is very important me as I don’t ever want another family to hurt like mine, or your. God bless you and your family.
Kori says
I cannot believe not only has Karen battled it twice but now your mom has it! I am very hopeful that they did indeed “cure” her. I’m so incredibly sorry, but you all are an amazing & resilient family who will definitely get through this! XO
Jeanie says
Oh, gosh. My heart was in my throat. I’m so glad that everything appears to be fine and they caught it in time. Blessings to you all.
Ma Fea says
Thank you for sharing. You (and your mom and Karen) do all of us a great service by openly discussing your experiences. Thanks for that.
Paula says
Thanks for sharing this, positive thoughts getting sent your way.
Mom says
Thanks to all of you for your good thoughts! Cancer is a shocker, there’s no doubt about that. But as happens to so many, I’m using this as a time to count my blessings and take on life with a deeper appreciation and exuberance.
Alex @ Kenzie Life says
Oh gosh, Kath, I’m so sorry. Sending lots of love and healing energy to your mom, Karen, and your whole family and here’s hoping you won’t have to write another post about cancer. Lots of love to you all and especially your mom <3
sarah (the SHU box) says
thinking of you and your mom. i’m so glad it was the best-case-scenario diagnosis, and i hope she is recovering well from everything. xoxo
Meghan says
Hi Kath,
I’m a big fan of your blog and been reading it and baby Kerf for almost a year. I’m actually a researcher at the NIH and study the genetics of endometrial cancer. I’m so glad her cancer was detected early, that she’s doing so well now.
KathEats says
I bet the genetics of cancer is a really cool field to study. Thanks for what you do!
Mom says
If I’m correct, it’s the most common cancer of the female reproductive system. I’d like to learn more about its causes and also the chance of my girls and granddaughters being in line for getting it. If you have any articles you could send my way, that would be great. I hope to lend my small voice to educational awareness of the disease. And yes, thanks so much for your research!
Leigh says
So glad to hear that she is ok – God Bless!!!!
Sandra says
Best wishes to your Mum (Australian spelling), hope her recovery is speedy and complete. Sandra
Becky says
Thinking of you Kath. Your love and support for your mother is healing indeed. Take care.
cyndi says
Kath,
I’ve followed you forever.
Thank you for all of your nutrition posts. You’ve inspired me to pursue my education in so many ways – you’ll never know.
But I stop to acknowledge your mother and mother-in-law and their health concerns. I’m sorry.
Keep going.
Erin says
Hi Kath. Thanks for sharing this news. I’m so glad your mom is OK, but man — how scary for you all. Was it helpful to have Matt (who I’m sure understood all-too-well what you were going through) there for support? I’m sending good thoughts to both your mom and Matt’s mom. Take care.
Shari says
Sending lots of well wishes her way!
Sam says
So sorry that your mom has had to go through this. I’ll keep your family in my thoughts.
ky says
Hi Kath,
So glad to hear your Mom is doing better. My brother is actually undergoing surgery this week to remove his right kidney d/t a mass the size of a lemon. Cancer sucks, period.
Sending many positive thoughts to your family!
KathEats says
Oh gosh. .. Best wishes xo
Elisabeth says
So glad to hear Mom’s doing well & hope that’s the end of the C word for your family!
Kim says
So sorry, sending positive thoughts for a speedy recovery.
Lani says
I’m so sorry to hear that your mom had to go through this. I certainly hope she’s well on her way to recovery. All the best to you and your family.
robin says
well im just so sorry to hear this kath. Both of these women are just so awesome, hate theyre going through this. Gods blessings to you all.
Amy says
Thank God for a good outcome. I cannot believe both of your moms had the same type of cancer. I am so happy for all of you that both are doing well. Mazen needs his grandmas for a long, long, long time!
Karen says
Please refer your readers to the following article I wrote: http://www.dailyprogress.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/dignified-death-should-be-option/article_97cc6a68-1690-11e4-b56e-001a4bcf6878.html
It’s time we end the suffering of the terminally ill.
chris says
I subscribe to Friend for the Ride and was shocked to hear about your Mom’s cancer scare. Thank God it was caught early and hasn’t spread. Please give Barbara my love and best wishes and tell her that writing about her experience is bound to help others.
Mom says
Thanks! Working on some cancer posts as I type…
Ondina Maria says
I know the feeling. My mom had cancer twice. First time the uterus was removed, second time it was a part of her intestine. So far she’s doing fine and we are crossing our fingers that she enter the remission period. Her sister had cancer too. Uterus removed and she’s doing pretty well. Her brother had cancer too: larynx. So far he’s doing ok. Their mother had cancer too: lungs. She got rid of it and died of something else a few years later. Maybe I should stop now. Just to let you know that at least on my mom’s side of the family, cancer seems to be the common denominator. We went through very hard times but somehow all seems to good. And I do hope it continues like this 🙂
I’m pretty sure your mom will beat the cancer and will have a long and happy life!
Lauryn says
Kath — I’ve been reading your blog since my college days over five years ago. I’m not sure I’ve ever commented, but I just had to after reading this post. My own mom was diagnosed with breast cancer about two months ago, and boy oh boy does it ever change your life and your world, right? Sending lots of healing thoughts to your mom and best wishes to you and your family too.
KathEats says
xoxo back to you
Kathy W. says
I’m so glad they caught it early! I hope Karen is doing well, too. Hugs to your Mom and Karen (I know it’s a cliche, but I really mean it.) Barbara is doing great good by talking about this on her blog.
Sam says
Kath, I’m so sorry to hear this but very happy and hopeful for your mom about how things have turned out. A few months ago, my mom received news that she had precancerous cells in her breasts that would require five years of chemo or radiation. So she opted to have a double mastectomy instead. It was also her first major surgery. She had reconstruction done during the surgery and recovering from that has not gone well, but that’s all cosmetic at this point. We are thankful that she is overall healthy and hopefully in the clear now. Best of luck to both your moms.
KathEats says
Best to your mom xo
Michele says
Oh my gosh, I had no idea! I pop over to your Mom’s blog every now and then since I am post-menopausal myself but somehow I missed that. I’m so glad to hear that it was caught early and she is doing well. Best to all of you!
Kristen says
Thanks for sharing this. It’s hard to find someone these days that doesn’t have a close friend or family member who has battled cancer. My mom battled cancer off and on for over 10 years and unfortunately lost her battle. Part of the reason I decided to become an RD was seeing her struggles with cancer and weight management. Sending positive vibes your way 🙂
KathEats says
I’m so sorry for your loss
Sara says
So glad your mom and Karen are doing well. My cousin’s father-in-law was suddenly diagnosed with brain cancer. There is no cure but he is doing some therapies to help prolong his life. He battled heart issues at an early age and overcame those but now it is this cancer that is going to take his life. He has a newly born grandson (my cousin’s baby) and granddaughter. So awful. I have a co-worker undergoing a biopsy next week to see if she has breast cancer too. Thank you for sharing.
KathEats says
So sorry xo
Danielle J. says
Sending prayers and love to your family.
xo,
Danielle
Lynn @ The Actor’s Diet says
Hugs, love, and support.
Stefanie says
Kath, sending much love, strength, and hope your way. Cancer can be very scary and heartbreaking, but it can also bring out the best in families and help us to see what is truly important. Four years ago my Dad lost his battle with lung cancer. I can certainly understand and empathize with how you feel. Hope your mom continues to get better and feels stronger each day! For you, I hope that with each day that passes you find less fear and sadness, and more peace and joy. God bless you and your family.
KathEats says
So sorry to hear about your dad. Xo