‘Whatever it takes to get you through it, do it’
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Kate Gornick resting after receiving a round of chemotherapy with her buddy, Rooney, at her home.
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Gornick enjoys the Gulf of Mexico in Florida.
The treatment for breast cancer is pretty much limited to a handful of options – surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, medication and hormone treatment are all standard – but how we cope and deal with the disease is unique.
As someone who has been there, my advice is this: whatever it takes to get you through it, do it.
Everyone has opinions and advice. “Eat this. Don’t eat that. Drink this. Don’t drink that. Try a holistic approach instead of chemo.” It can be exhausting and overwhelming.
Unless you are asked for an opinion or advice, my recommendation is don’t give it.
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Gornick dances at a party celebrating her sister Carol Wallace’s 50th birthday.
Some individuals have genetic factors, while others don’t. Some women follow all the guidelines to stay healthy and to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, and still do. While people who offer advice are trying to help, what works for one individual might not work for another. The risk factor of developing breast cancer is one in eight. There are certain areas in this country that the percentages are higher. Washington, D.C. ranks number one and the state of Pennsylvania comes in at 15th. Other factors include pesticides on our foods and environmental pollution.
One thing we do know – cancer does not discriminate.
If you want to give anything to someone diagnosed with cancer, give love, support and encouragement. Sometimes it’s the smallest token of kindness that means the most.
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Chemotherapy impacts not just the hair on your head, but your eyebrows and eyelashes, too. Gornick pencils in her eyebrows before leaving her home. She has since had eyebrows permanently tattooed on.
And, whether you are in the battle or watching someone in the battle, you are not alone. There are a number of support groups out there where you’ll find people who are dealing with the same things.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2011, at the age of 45. I had no family history of the disease. My course of treatment was surgery then radiation for seven weeks, along with daily medication I would take for the next five years. I am cancer-free today.
It was a difficult time, but with the love of my family and friends, I got through it. I dug deep into my faith, which helped me gain a greater perspective of gratitude for my life.
These photos are my close friend, Kate Gornick, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. I’ve have been documenting her journey from the beginning.
Kate lives in the moment and appreciates every day. Her attitude is truly remarkable and inspiring. She lives in her faith and believes life’s about living, not worrying.
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Kate Gornick spends a quiet moment praying after she lights a candle at St. Maurice Church in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Pittsburgh.
Kate’s cancer has metastasized to different parts of her body. She has had several types of treatments, along with a multitude of side effects that have caused changes to her hands, feet, energy level, endurance and sleep.
Kate doesn’t complain about treatments or side effects because she witnessed her mother go through treatments. It was brutal. Her mother died in 1996 after five years with the disease. Kate says what she endures will never compare to what her mother went through. She is now taking capecitabine and CBD tincture and drinks chaga mushroom tea, which seems to be working for her.
The treatment options are better than they once were. But, no matter what decisions those with breast cancer make, we all have to take the journey on our own path.
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Celeste Van Kirk/Observer-Reporter
Gornick grabs a handful of Van Kirk’s hair. Gornick’s hair has just started to grow in again.