I’ve been diagnosed with cancer. While my body works to quell the growths, words tumble out. Words of pain, words of healing, words trapped inside for too long.
Welcome to my blog. I’ve created this site to share my writings as I embark on my cancer journey. The stories you’ll find here aren’t about cancer necessarily. But much like the cancer cells, they have multiplied inside me over time. Unlike the cancer cells, they have far more purpose.
I was diagnosed in August 2021 with colon cancer. I’m young in the cancer community (it seems whenever I think I have moved beyond being a so-called young adult, I find myself in another situation where the term applies). I’m 34, about to turn 35 soon. I’ve taken good care of myself with daily meditation, regular exercise, a blossoming healthy relationship with food, meaningful pursuits, and a strong network of friends/community. I’m hopeful this otherwise healthy body will see me through the treatments… but it will be a tough slog.
You’ll find some stories here, mixed with poetry and meditations. I’ve been most fascinated with science fiction since being introduced in University. My boyfriend at the time lent me his copy of Callahan’s Crosstime Saloon by Spider Robinson and my stereotype of science fiction was transformed. While I’d grown up in a household that loved Star Trek and fantasy, I’d long poo-poo’d science fiction novels as mere pulp. Now, I love the imagination and metaphors in the stories.
I’ve had stories brewing in my head for years, but other pursuits and a fear of a not being good enough left me with few words on the page. While my main priority now is healing, I’m taking the opportunity to write when I need to, releasing it into the world, and maybe even letting the writing be a source of healing.
Kat Dornian 