Tears streaming down my cheeks as I read this one Kate. Beautifully written, you really took us readers on this journey with you - vulnerable, raw & oh so tender. I held my breath hoping to hear the results and am so glad & relieved to hear you received good news!! I hope you can now relax and enjoy your holidays! Sending so much love and hugs your way. Xxx Miss you!
So glad to hear that your results were stable! I’m not exaggerating when I say that your narrative was so gripping and suspenseful (cliche alert! I know, but I don’t have any better words to describe it) that I actually felt my chest tighten and my breathing started getting ragged. I love suspense novels by writers like John D. MacDonald and Alistair MacLean, but I’ve had to stop reading them because they keep me awake all night. This brings back memories of my own cancer treatment fifteen years ago. I didn’t have surgery or chemo, just radiation, but the machine is similar to an MRI. I’ve had MRI testing before and since, and I know just how claustrophobic it feels. Your falling asleep was just the thing you needed because of your high level of activity and your responsibilities as a mom to four active kids.
My, my, young lady, can you ever write! Maybe in the near future you will be conducting writing workshops instead of just attending them. God bless you and your dear ones, stay safe and strong, and keep your readers up to date. Cheers, hugs and good vibes to my friend in far off Tasmania!
Dear Rafael, thank you for reading and for your beautiful message of support and thanks. I love the way writing connects me with others, often with a shared experience like illness and recovery. I am glad you are well and thank you for sharing some of your journey here too. 🙏
When you launch your own writing workshops I think you should conduct them in Tasmania. In addition to your guidance, the attendees will undoubtedly draw inspiration from the landscape and seashores about them.
Thanks Jodi, it was a relief and now I can relax into the school holidays, knowing all is well. I hope your holiday time with your tribe is off to a good start. I’m hoping to get to the Tamar Valley Writers festival in a few weekends time, let me know if you are going, it would be lovely to see you. X
Thank you for your beautiful words. I know this feeling too well. Your writing connects the reader in such a way that whether this feeling is familiar or not, it resonates. Thank you for writing and thank you for sharing. I wrote a poem entitled ‘This is Scanxiety’ only 2 month ago, so I am looking forward to reading more of your words.
Celebrate well and make sure you reward your strength. None of it is easy.
Thank you so much also for sharing my writing. The fact that it meant something to you means a lot to me. x
Thanks Bel, for your beautiful comments here. This is why we write I think, to share the experiences of life, and connect with others. So glad I found your Substack. Scans can be terrifying. I'd love to read your poem, when and if you are ready to share it with others. Kate x
Thank you for your wonderful description of the physical and emotional aspects of an MRI. I am almost 10 months into my brain cancer journey with a recent recurrence. I am having another MRI in 2 weeks to see if a second surgery might be helpful to my prognosis.
I am inspired by you to write about my experiences, especially my feelings, as sometimes my head is overflowing with thoughts and overwhelmed with emotions. Like you I find beauty and joy in the natural world and as I am Tasmanian your wild places resonate with me.
Thank you for inspiring me to write this comment. Stay strong and stay well.
Hello Meredith, how moved I was reading your words here, thank you for sharing some of your brain cancer journey here. And how lovely that we are both from this beautiful island of Tasmania. I want to write the words 'I hope you are doing okay' but I know hope is a difficult thing. I will be thinking of you as you navigate the next stage of your treatment.
In the early days of my illness I kept a diary, most of my writing was raw and unfiltered, but it served as a record of my experience and feelings. With a little time, I felt able to read my writing and write in a way I could share with others. I also enjoyed reading the writing of others going through a brain cancer journey.
Thank you for reading and may you find joy in the small things around you as you recover.
The fragility of life never ceases to amaze and terrify me. I can only imagine what it would be like to be haunted by such a fear and am inspired by your strength, Kate. I'm happy to hear your tests continue to be clear. I have only been inside an MRI machine once, and not for anything life threatening like yourself, but I remember feeling impossibly rigid trying to hold still. You really do have to transport yourself to another place to get through it.
Oh what a relief it must be to hear your scan results are stable, and what joy to celebrate by going on holiday. I hope you have a wonderful time. I really love your writing, Kate - I've never had an MRI but your descriptions took me right inside the machine.
Thanks Rebecca, for coming on this reading journey into the MRI machine and for your lvoely comment here. I enjoy reading your letters from your Island too. x
Thanks Emma for your wishes and comments. I am so keen to hear about your incredible Sri Lanka trip. I will pop over to your Substack to read all about it, thank you for sharing this. I am a few chapters into Brotherless Night, tension and suspense is building. I am learning so much too about the history of this country.
The second half is very powerful! If you want to learn more after finishing, our other set text was This Divided Island which uses interviews from all sides of the conflict to illuminate the cultural impact following the war.
The ending here undid me Kate, still blinking away the tears. Your writing is so alive and yet you bring us to all that is tender, transient , fragile..
May you play and rest deeply on your holiday and laugh your way through your challenge with the chooks!
Tears streaming down my cheeks as I read this one Kate. Beautifully written, you really took us readers on this journey with you - vulnerable, raw & oh so tender. I held my breath hoping to hear the results and am so glad & relieved to hear you received good news!! I hope you can now relax and enjoy your holidays! Sending so much love and hugs your way. Xxx Miss you!
Sending you love in Canada Amanda xxx
So glad to hear that your results were stable! I’m not exaggerating when I say that your narrative was so gripping and suspenseful (cliche alert! I know, but I don’t have any better words to describe it) that I actually felt my chest tighten and my breathing started getting ragged. I love suspense novels by writers like John D. MacDonald and Alistair MacLean, but I’ve had to stop reading them because they keep me awake all night. This brings back memories of my own cancer treatment fifteen years ago. I didn’t have surgery or chemo, just radiation, but the machine is similar to an MRI. I’ve had MRI testing before and since, and I know just how claustrophobic it feels. Your falling asleep was just the thing you needed because of your high level of activity and your responsibilities as a mom to four active kids.
My, my, young lady, can you ever write! Maybe in the near future you will be conducting writing workshops instead of just attending them. God bless you and your dear ones, stay safe and strong, and keep your readers up to date. Cheers, hugs and good vibes to my friend in far off Tasmania!
Dear Rafael, thank you for reading and for your beautiful message of support and thanks. I love the way writing connects me with others, often with a shared experience like illness and recovery. I am glad you are well and thank you for sharing some of your journey here too. 🙏
When you launch your own writing workshops I think you should conduct them in Tasmania. In addition to your guidance, the attendees will undoubtedly draw inspiration from the landscape and seashores about them.
This has moved me more than I expected. Enjoy your time away, my love of the wild parts of the west coast continues to grow.
Thanks Kate, for reading and your lovely message here. X
Positive scan results definitely require celebration on the West Coast by campfire. Enjoy your time away, Kate x
Thanks Jodi, it was a relief and now I can relax into the school holidays, knowing all is well. I hope your holiday time with your tribe is off to a good start. I’m hoping to get to the Tamar Valley Writers festival in a few weekends time, let me know if you are going, it would be lovely to see you. X
Thank you for your beautiful words. I know this feeling too well. Your writing connects the reader in such a way that whether this feeling is familiar or not, it resonates. Thank you for writing and thank you for sharing. I wrote a poem entitled ‘This is Scanxiety’ only 2 month ago, so I am looking forward to reading more of your words.
Celebrate well and make sure you reward your strength. None of it is easy.
Thank you so much also for sharing my writing. The fact that it meant something to you means a lot to me. x
Thanks Bel, for your beautiful comments here. This is why we write I think, to share the experiences of life, and connect with others. So glad I found your Substack. Scans can be terrifying. I'd love to read your poem, when and if you are ready to share it with others. Kate x
Hello Kate,
Thank you for your wonderful description of the physical and emotional aspects of an MRI. I am almost 10 months into my brain cancer journey with a recent recurrence. I am having another MRI in 2 weeks to see if a second surgery might be helpful to my prognosis.
I am inspired by you to write about my experiences, especially my feelings, as sometimes my head is overflowing with thoughts and overwhelmed with emotions. Like you I find beauty and joy in the natural world and as I am Tasmanian your wild places resonate with me.
Thank you for inspiring me to write this comment. Stay strong and stay well.
Hello Meredith, how moved I was reading your words here, thank you for sharing some of your brain cancer journey here. And how lovely that we are both from this beautiful island of Tasmania. I want to write the words 'I hope you are doing okay' but I know hope is a difficult thing. I will be thinking of you as you navigate the next stage of your treatment.
In the early days of my illness I kept a diary, most of my writing was raw and unfiltered, but it served as a record of my experience and feelings. With a little time, I felt able to read my writing and write in a way I could share with others. I also enjoyed reading the writing of others going through a brain cancer journey.
Thank you for reading and may you find joy in the small things around you as you recover.
Kate x
The fragility of life never ceases to amaze and terrify me. I can only imagine what it would be like to be haunted by such a fear and am inspired by your strength, Kate. I'm happy to hear your tests continue to be clear. I have only been inside an MRI machine once, and not for anything life threatening like yourself, but I remember feeling impossibly rigid trying to hold still. You really do have to transport yourself to another place to get through it.
Thanks Ali, and I agree life is one part terrifying and another amazing! Enjoy the rest of your Tassie holiday
Oh what a relief it must be to hear your scan results are stable, and what joy to celebrate by going on holiday. I hope you have a wonderful time. I really love your writing, Kate - I've never had an MRI but your descriptions took me right inside the machine.
Thanks Rebecca, for coming on this reading journey into the MRI machine and for your lvoely comment here. I enjoy reading your letters from your Island too. x
Also! Thank you so much for sharing my post 🤍🤍
Kate! I've never had an MRI but your imagery made feel like I was sliding into the machine myself. Best of luck with your health journey.
Also, we read Brotherless Night for the Sri Lanka trip and I'll be writing about it shortly. Keen to hear your thoughts!
Thanks Emma for your wishes and comments. I am so keen to hear about your incredible Sri Lanka trip. I will pop over to your Substack to read all about it, thank you for sharing this. I am a few chapters into Brotherless Night, tension and suspense is building. I am learning so much too about the history of this country.
Kate :)
The second half is very powerful! If you want to learn more after finishing, our other set text was This Divided Island which uses interviews from all sides of the conflict to illuminate the cultural impact following the war.
Thanks Emma :)
Great news on the scan, and lovely piece of writing. I often share the Summer Day poem too.
Thanks Susan, I'm so glad you enjoyed reading this piece. I hope you are enjoying your mainland holiday with your family. :)
The ending here undid me Kate, still blinking away the tears. Your writing is so alive and yet you bring us to all that is tender, transient , fragile..
May you play and rest deeply on your holiday and laugh your way through your challenge with the chooks!
Thank you Sally, it makes me so happy to hear you enjoyed my writing. I’ll keep you posted on the chooks adventure!