Dear Nancy Katz,

Just a note to let you know that your column is one of the "highlights" of reading the Cape Gazette.  I can't count how many times I have broken out in a full belly laugh and want to thank you for that. I just finished reading your "Celebrate freedom and the light at the end of the tunnel" column and found that I needed to send a few words of sisterhood your way.

In 1989 I came across a book by Gilda Radnor (late of Saturday Night Live) titled "It's Always Something." Since I was a huge fan, I thought I'd read it.  To my surprise it was a story of her journey battling ovarian cancer, something I had never heard of before.  Two weeks after finishing the book I saw my OB/GYN for a rather intense sit-down consult. 

To make a long story short I was blessed with a doctor who really listened, had my testing done and found out I was already at stage 3.  Nancy, that was 25 years ago when this cancer was relatively unknown, unthought (is that a word?) of and research was non-existing.  No ports, nasty chemo cocktails and yes, nurses and doctors I hated and loved at the same time.

I want you to know that every word of your column brought back memories, emotions and the need to let you know that the light at the end of your journey is blazing.  As you said "hair grows back and skin recovers," but your heart, soul and outlook on living change.  There is a higher power Nancy and he is holding you in his arms as he still holds me.

Wishing you the joy of life (and finally tasting food the way it should be).

Linda Albrand
Lewes

P.S.  The promise I made to myself during the whole journey was to dance at
my grandchildren's weddings.  So far I have danced at two and gained a
great-granddaughter.