After a cancer diagnosis Katie is now finding comfort and connection through our Life Now courses.
In 2023, Katie noticed what looked like an ulcer on her tongue. When it didn't heal, she booked in to see her doctor. After a rapid series of referrals and tests, she was told it was stage 3 squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
"It all happened very quickly, they were very proactive," Katie shared.
Katie underwent a 10-hour surgery involving removal of part of her tongue and lymph nodes, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. She describes her recovery as challenging, with ongoing side effects, but she is glad to be alive.
Amid the treatment, Katie was also caring for her mother, who had had a fall and was required to stay for in hospital for an extended period. Katie then found out her mother had developed Alzheimer's.
"It was a lot," she said. "There was all this paperwork, and I could barely see at the time because I needed cataract surgery but had to delay it due to treatment."
Despite the tough year Katie faced, she maintained a positive outlook. In 2024, her last PET scan showed she was cancer free.
"The strangest thing is that throughout everything I went through, I was never worried about the outcome. Friends and family were much more distressed. I think it is because I had absolute trust in all the people who have helped me."
Katie says the support she received from the hospital and Cancer Council WA was amazing and made a huge difference. One of the things that helped her during this time was a Life Now Mindful Art course.
"I thought, I need to stop being a hermit. Having an hour and a half of quiet time gave me focus when I was a bit all over the place."
"The fatigue from radiation therapy can be so intense, people don't always realise. But with the Mindful Art Course, even if I was tired and fell asleep there, it wouldn't have mattered, so I'd still go", Katie shared.
Katie also added how she enjoyed the social side of the class and even made friends through the course. Katie is continuing with Mindful Art and has signed up for an upcoming Tai Chi course.
"I'm looking forward to it. The classes help bring some normality back."
Her advice to others considering a Life Now course is to go openly.
Don't have expectations. Be prepared to be open to things and you might just really enjoy it.
Our Life Now Program offers evidence-based, free of charge introductory Exercise, Meditation, Mindfulness, Mindful Art, Tai Chi and Yoga courses at locations across Western Australia and online.
Applications are essential. Some eligibility criteria apply.
