Kathleen’s Healing Journey

Hi, my name is Kathleen Pratt and I’m a 39-year-old mom to two (very soon to be three- thanks to our angel surrogate) sweet kids and wife to my loving husband. Three months ago, our world got flipped upside down. I’m finally at a place where I can begin to process and share the news. After lots of nudging from my amazing support group, I decided it was time to create this page, share my journey, and ask for help.

 

I have battled Ulcerative Colitis since age 11. On December 26, 2023, I had a planned colorectal surgery and full hysterectomy due to ongoing pain from that disease.

 

To everyone’s surprise the surgeon discovered Stage 4 Colon Cancer that had already traveled to my bladder and part of my small intestines. On January 1, 2024, I had a second 9+ hour surgery to remove both the tumor and my bladder. I’ve had a colostomy bag for over 17 years, and now have a urostomy bag as well that both have to be attached to and carried with me at all times. This would be a good time to insert a joke, so feel free to call me “Bag Lady.” 

 

Despite a lifetime facing a chronic illness, I was still in complete shock to hear the word cancer. However, I feel like sharing this news couldn’t come at a better time because it’s Colon Cancer Awareness Month and my wish is for each of you to get screened.

 

Now having said that… I had been receiving regular scans (CT’s, MRI’s), colonoscopies, scopes, and bloodwork year-round for years. Doctors had seen what they thought was inflammation on my scans – unfortunately, some of that “inflammation” was actually cancer. The type of cancer I have (mucinous adenocarcinoma) is incredibly difficult to diagnose, especially in someone with a chronic illness like mine, which means that, as it turns out, the December surgery saved my life! But for that surgery, the doctors say that I likely would not have lived for more than a few more months.

So why do we need help?

 

Because I have kids and I want to be fully present for them as their mom for as long as possible, but because of my condition, I can’t do that without help (housekeeping, childcare, night nurse and the never ending list of medical supplies and nursing help that is not covered by our health insurance).

 

While in the hospital recovering from two major abdominal surgeries, a fistula track formed that has caused intense pain and has prevented me from eating since January. Thankfully, I’m hooked up on TPN (IV feedings) for 14 hours each night. This provides the nutrition I need to survive and is hopefully allowing the bowel time to heal on its own. I also have another jazzy accessory called a drain that I carry around in… another bag lol! Laughter is the best medicine, right? Unfortunately, another surgery is off the table until my body has time to heal. So this is me - for now.

My main concern is how my continuing pain, weakness, and fatigue will prevent me from taking care of my kids, who are 3 and 4 and have trouble understanding why mom is so limited. As anyone with a chronic illness knows, you get used to doing things while in pain, while fatigued, while feeling poorly – and my kids are used to a mom who can whiteknuckle through her days. But this is another level, and I’m still trying to get to grips with my new normal.

 

I’m still physically weak from the surgeries, from not eating, and from the fistula track. On top of that, I had my first of twelve rounds of chemotherapy last Friday (3/15/24) and I’ve been slowly recovering the past few days.

 

I’m especially concerned with taking care of the baby at night. We plan to hire a night nurse, who I am so grateful for, because there would be no other way to make it through those first months. Because of my illness, my husband is the sole breadwinner of our family and he can’t afford to take time off.

 

If you know anything about me then I’m sure you’re aware of my strength and motivation to get through the next 11 rounds of chemotherapy! I’m also excited to be getting a second opinion from an oncologist specializing in my type of cancer in the beginning of April.

 

I want to thank my family and friends (shout out to my Barbie Dolls) for making my life as bright as it can be and pulling me through the darkness and back into light ✨

 

If you would like to help my family and I please consider donating towards our “help”. Your donation will help ease the burden of this horrible disease on our family. Any funds received will go directly towards medical expenses, childcare and directly impact my ability to focus on what is most important at this time. Please also know that love, prayers, and positive vibes are equally appreciated!

 

Much love,

K