Kathy Diekroeger

Family and friends,
Welcome to my site! Hopefully this will enable more timely and efficient communication about my cancer diagnosis and treatment.


Ken and I want thank all of you for your outpouring of love and support, for the food, flowers, prayers and everything else.  Words can’t express how loved we feel and how much strength we’re getting from all of you. 


My odyssey began in December before we left for our 2-week South America family trip.  I felt a lump in my abdomen but figured it could wait until I got back. It couldn’t. After several fun days in Buenos Aires, followed by a trip to Iguazu Falls, I decided I needed to get an ultrasound. Thanks to (Kenny’s fiancée) Sarah’s excellent Spanish and patience, we navigated the Argentina health system. When they told us it would be 1,000 pesos for the ultrasound, we tried not to gasp, as it was only $15! The ultrasound revealed a “gigante” tumor on my ovary and they offered to operate immediately. I decided to come home instead.


Fast forward and I was able to immediately see the amazing Dr. Dwight Chen. On January 1, 2020, he operated on me at El Camino Hospital to remove the tumors (there were two) and see what was going on. Unfortunately the tumors proved to be pancreatic cancer. He performed a full hysterectomy and even took out my appendix while he was in there. There is still a tumor on the tail of my pancreas.  Ken was waiting in the recovery room when I woke up. 


I continue to heal day by day from this major surgery. I’m off the narcotics and eating well. The next step of our  journey begins on Monday when we meet with Dr. Margaret Tempero at UCSF.  If you have any other questions or thoughts you can use this site or reach out to Ken directly.  


Thank you again for all your love and support.
Kathy