I was diagnosed unexpectedly after feeling pain while on a work trip in Boston. Well, the pain started suddenly and my years of WebMD self diagnosis told me that it was nothing more than a gluten intolerance. “Stop eating gluten, Katie.” “You’ll be fine!” As the trip continued, the pain got worse. And then came the swelling. I remember standing in the hotel room one night trying to put my golf skirt on and it wouldn’t button. I thought to myself that there was no way I gained all this weight in the course of a two week work trip. Eventually, I got to the point where I couldn’t ride on a golf cart withoit crying. I couldn’t walk up a small flight of stairs without feeling the worst pain I’d ever felt in my life. Eventually, my boss said enough was enough. I was booked on a flight out the next morning. 

I texted my older sister, Laura and asked if she could pick me up from the airport. She knew immediately that something wasn’t right. Remember, at this point, we were still under the impression that I couldn’t eat gluten... 

The flight home was the scariest thing I’ve ever experienced. I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t stop crying, I could barely lift my suitcase. Somehow I made it back. My sister picked me up and we went right to the emergency room. The doctors ran their tests. Before the results came back, they told me not to worry. Their suspicion was diverticulitis - very common and very treatable. A few hours and a lot of pain meds later, the doctor came back and turned off the tv. She sat down and started crying. Then she said the one word I never thought I’d hear : Cancer. 

After surgery and six rounds of chemotherapy. After losing my hair and what feels like myself, at times... I can say now that I am in remission. I am so grateful to the people that have supported me throughout this unfortunate journey.