LAKELAND - With her first chemotherapy treatment only taking place earlier this month, Kathleen Gerlinsky is facing breast cancer head on.
The long-time Racette Jr. High School teacher and coach from St. Paul was recently diagnosed with a grade three, triple negative breast tumour following a biopsy. But with the support of family and friends, and a positive outlook, Gerlinsky is taking on the challenge with her head held high.
Her journey began after finding a lump in her breast. She made an appointment with her family doctor and was sent for a mammogram with ultrasound.
Gerlinsky received the news of her diagnosis prior to heading out on a holiday to New York this summer. At first, she was hesitant to share the news with her family before she left, but once she decided to let her family know, it was a relief knowing they would be facing it together.
Following the diagnosis, there were numerous scans and tests, requiring several trips back and forth from St. Paul to Edmonton, which was a challenge.
“For the first month-and-a-half, I felt like I was in the city every other day and having to make sub plans while I was away was a definite challenge and a bit overwhelming,” says Gerlinsky, who has now stepped away from her work as a teacher while she goes through treatments.
Having her first chemotherapy treatment on Oct. 11, and going for treatments weekly for the next six months, she recognizes that her body will need time to recover and prepare for surgery, and possibly more treatments after that.
“Right now, I am working on finding a routine to keep me busy. I have never been one to have much downtime, so right now I am feeling good and need to keep busy still,” says Gerlinsky.
When asked about her mindset, Gerlinsky says she is fortunate that she is a positive person.
“Negative thinking has never been a part of my thought process. I don’t feel it ever helps,” she says – perhaps a thought process she has developed coaching youth in a variety of school sports.
“Of course, having a great support system makes that easy,” acknowledges Gerlinsky. “Family and Friends have been without a doubt my best support. I truly feel surrounded by love.”
From requiring help to drive to appointments, to receiving home-cooked meals, and feedback from people who have gone through similar situations, the kind actions have all been a huge source of help.
“I pushed to get a port, which will help immensely with my infusions as they won’t need to poke my veins constantly, which was encouraged by a friend's friend saying to ask for one. Another friend helped guide me to ask my surgeon some valid questions that I never would have thought of in the moment,” says Gerlinsky.
There have also been countless people reaching out to share words of encouragement and offers to help, which shows “what an amazing community we live in. People are always looking to help each other out.”
When asked if she had any words of encouragement or advice to share, Gerlinsky offers a simple – yet poignant reminder.
“Always show kindness. There are so many people going through things we can’t see, and they all need support.”
She also encourages people to support Haying in the 30’s if they are able to, a non-profit organization located in the Lakeland that supports people financially who are going through cancer treatments.
“They are a great organization directly helping those in need.”
And, of course, take the necessary steps to take care of your health and “check yourself.”
