kathleen O'Dea

Beloved family and friends,

As some of you know, I had a partial hysterectomy on August 10 to get rid of some painful fibroids. The surgery was successful, but on investigation, Kaiser and UCSF pathology both confirmed uterine leiomyosarcoma, a rare, unpredictable, and aggressive cancer.  As you can imagine, I am stunned.  I have always been very healthy, taken good care of myself, and I come from a family with longevity in our genes. 

So, what am I doing to try and make lemonade out of this very big bag of lemons?
   * Following the dietary suggestions of Dr. Donald Abrams at the UCSF Center for Integrated Medicine. Art has embraced the role of personal chef, and I am grateful!
   * Pursuing western medicine through our Kaiser health system. I begin a four day course of targeted external beam radiation to my manubrium, in the area of the sternum, on Monday, October 10. 
   * Getting acupuncture to support my immune system during this journey. My dear friend Paula will be one of the acupuncturists to support this part of the journey.
   * Investigating other forms of medicine and complimentary medicine, such as a consult at Stanford, Chinese herbs, meditation, visualization, massage, Qi Gong....

I am already receiving outpourings of love and prayer.  I can feel it. Please keep it coming - for me, for Art, for my children, and for all those who love me.  This is so difficult for everyone.  If you want to know what else you can do, please follow your own inner guidance. I trust it will lead you to exactly the right action at the right time.

I will use Caring Bridge to post updates on what is going on since it is difficult and tiring to repeat the story. If you do not want to know, simply do not open the links. 

I close with a prayer of St. Patrick of Ireland:

I arise today through the strength of heaven
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth,
Firmness of rock.

Love in abundance,
Kathleen