“March 13” with Kate Rowbotham
Kate Rowbotham is a mom and professor who was diagnosed at 47 with de novo Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. In this episode Kate reads her essay “March 13” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Family” issue.
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Embracing the Legacy of Love and Resilience: A Journey Through Generations of Cancer
Kate Rowbotham has shared a deeply personal narrative that traverses generations of her family’s battle with cancer, leading to her own journey as a young breast cancer survivor. Her story, featured in Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Family” issue titled "March 13," explores the profound impact of family legacies and personal decisions on her path through cancer.
A Legacy of Decisions and Love
Kate begins her story on March 13th, 2013, a date etched in her memory as the day her father underwent life-saving surgery for Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. What started as a small spot on his hand had, unfortunately, spread to his lymph nodes. The recommended treatment was an amputation of his finger — an unimaginable choice for someone who had devoted his life to music as a conductor, composer, organist, and pianist.
Kate’s father faced his own father’s shadow. In the early 1980s, her grandfather had to choose between losing his leg or his life due to a similar diagnosis. Choosing to keep his leg, he passed away shortly after, leaving a legacy of complex emotions and decisions. When Kate’s father was confronted with a similar choice, he chose amputation, viewing it as a way to extend his time with his loved ones. This decision was not just about survival but a profound act of love.
From Caregiver to Survivor
As Kate reflects on her father’s struggles, she reveals how his battle with cancer deeply influenced her own journey. Over the years, her father faced seven types of cancer, numerous treatments, and the isolation of pandemic restrictions. Despite the challenges, his grace and determination left a lasting impression on Kate.
In April 2022, after her father’s passing, Kate’s family faced a significant turning point. Genetic testing revealed a BRCA2 variant, prompting Kate and her sister to engage in a breast cancer screening program. Just months later, Kate was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, a blow that felt like a painful echo of her father’s experiences.
Embracing a Legacy of Strength
Kate’s father’s legacy was not merely in the genetics but in the spirit of resilience and love he exhibited. Kate draws strength from his example, finding inspiration in his grace and patience. When faced with her own treatment decisions, including a potential amputation, she felt a deep connection to her father’s journey. Her own surgery on March 13th, 2023, exactly ten years after her father’s surgery, symbolized a heartfelt tribute to him.
Navigating the Intersection of Cancer and Career
As a professor and assistant dean, Kate discusses the complex intersection of her professional life and cancer. She grapples with balancing work and personal health, often feeling the tug-of-war between her professional responsibilities and the impact of her condition. Despite the challenges, she finds solace in being authentic with her students and colleagues, sharing her experiences to foster understanding and connection.
Kate emphasizes the importance of supportive work environments. She highlights how workspaces that accommodate and support employees’ health journeys can enhance overall well-being and productivity. Drawing from her own experiences, she advocates for workplaces to be more inclusive and empathetic, acknowledging the personal struggles that employees may face.
Writing Prompt Inspired by Today’s Episode
We encourage you to reflect on the intersections of love, decision-making, and personal legacy in your own life. Here’s a writing prompt inspired by Kate’s story:
Write a letter to a loved one who has impacted your cancer journey. Reflect on the decisions they made and how their legacy influences your own path through cancer. How do their choices shape your perspective and actions today?
Thank you for joining . Remember, every story shared helps build a stronger community. Stay tuned for more heartfelt conversations and insights in our next episode of The Burn.
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