Catherine’s Story

Site created on November 29, 2018

Welcome to my Caring Bridge website. My story began in October 2018 when I was experiencing pain in my back and rib area along with a cough. After a couple visits to the clinic the pain seemed to be getting worse. We assumed I had cracked a rib from coughing. I finally decided to go to the emergency room on Thanksgiving day 2018. During this visit, several tests were run and I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma cancer which is the most aggressive stage for this type of cancer. Multiple Myeloma is a cancer that forms in the white blood cell called a plasma. Plasma cells help you fight infections by making antibodies that recognize and attack germs. Multiple Myeloma causes cancer cells to accumulate in the bone marrow, where they crowd out the health blood cells. Rather than produce helpful antibodies, the cancer cells produce abnormal proteins that can cause complications. During that first month I went from being a healthy person who worked full time and took care of my two children to being taken to the hospital twice by ambulance and being admitted 4 times. On Christmas day, as I was sitting in my hospital bed having been told by a doctor and a nurse that they almost "lost me" I was an emotional mess. I spoke with my friend that evening who in turn contacted Dr. Alsina at Moffitt Cancer Center and the plan was to have me transferred to Moffitt's hospital by the end of the week. We managed to get all the doctors to agree to release me with the understanding that I would go directly to Moffitt, which I did and I began receiving the chemo treatments I needed that next week. As a result of the amazing care of Moffitt cancer center along with my body responding so well to the treatments I am now eligible for a bone marrow transplant!! Saturday April 13, 2019 is the first day of the rest of my life as I begin my journey to remission! I cannot begin to express in words my heartfelt gratitude I feel for all the love, support, prayers and generosity I have received. I wish I could speak with each and every one of you every day of this journey, but I know at times it will be difficult and I will have some pretty tough days ahead of me so I will be posting in my caring bridge as much as I can to keep you all updated on the good, the bad and the ugly days of my progress. Please keep me in your prayers and thank you from the bottom of my heart. With love and tremendous gratitude, Catherine.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Jill McBee

I’m late with this post, but yesterday was a huge turning point in Catherine’s healing process. Her WBC showed the first signs of increasing which was right on cue. Also expected, her platelets bottomed our requiring a transfusion so between that and the fluids we were there quite a while. She was able to get a nap in and felt so much better after the fluids.

We had noticed the night prior her hair was beginning to come out. Part of the process of renewal. We went to the salon onsite as they shave the hair for free. Because patients’ platelets get low it is a bleeding risk so they are extra careful with shaving the hair. Catherine told the stylist she felt it was time and the lady asked if she could check. She runs her fingers through Catherine’s hair and comes out with a few strands and says “Oh I think you have a couple more days if you want to wait.” To which Catherine reached into her hair and produced a significant amount to which the stylist replied “Oh I guess I didn’t go deep enough.”

The physical transformation of this disease is always one of the toughest hurdles. In classic Catherine grace and strength she embraced it bravely. Never to discount that she has, and may have “bad” days and deep concerns; her fighting attitude has been unwavering. She is my hero in so many ways. 

In the afternoon Alicia took over as caregiver. Catherine had an excellent afternoon with lots of energy. They were able to enjoy some time together and her appetite has returned again thankfully 🙏

The prayers, words of encouragement and support go a long way in this process ❤️❤️

She is so beautiful 💗 and badass at the same time! 
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