After discussing it at some length with each other and following encouragement from family and friends, we have decided to use this blog as an outlet to inform loved ones of our thoughts, feelings, struggles, and our victories and life lessons of Katie being diagnosed and treated with breast cancer.
This is also a therapeutic exercise for Katie and I because I have wanted to keep a record of the unique experience that this has brought to us, not only for myself and our family, but in hopes that it might inspire or help in the healing process of those that are going through relatable trials. I also have found that with all of the doctor and hospital visits, I need something constructive to pass the time.
This may be a shock to some readers, as we have not been able to talk with many of those that we have wished to. And while we love all of you, it has been a daunting task keeping everyone informed and up to date on Katie’s treatment. For those that are closely acquainted with Katie, this will be a shock because of her remarkable good health and her relatively young age to be diagnosed with this disease. Those who have met Katie, know that she is one of the most cheerful and comforting people to be around. It is a gift that she has always had and continues to develop. It seems from my own experience, I have noticed that the kindest and selfless people, always seem to be challenged by the most unsolicited trials that would crush the unprepared.
We knew about two months ago that something was not quite right.
Katie had complained that something felt weird in her left side, in her description it had felt like she was lactating on one side, which of course didn’t seem possible since our two year old hadn’t nursed in well over a year. It continued to bother her, but like most minor physical ailments, the approach at first was to wait it out and see what happens. Over a short time it was not going away, and if anything it was continuing to bother her even more than before. She made an appointment at our local family doctor, and miraculously they had an opening that afternoon (which never happened that quickly before). The nurse originally said that they were scheduled three weeks out but at the last minute she had an opening. It just so happened that one of our families friends had just got back in to town that day and offered to watch our 6 children during the time that she set the appointment.
After talking with the doctor, and following a suspicion from him that it might just be a cyst, he decided to order a mammogram, “just to be sure”. The mammogram was scheduled 3 weeks out, and we continued with life and summer fun. (We found out later on from our oncologist that this ordering of a mammogram is not common from family doctors in this situation and was pivotal to getting Katie diagnosed early).
Following the mammogram, we learned that she did in fact have what they called a “mass” in that area, and a biopsy at the end of the week was ordered. We were reassured that these masses were typically found to be 80 – 85% benign, and that the mass was more than likely just an “annoyance” that could be removed if needed.
We proceeded to go through life as normal that weekend. Katie received her biopsy on a Friday and would not hear the results until Tuesday. We didn’t talk a lot about the possibilities because they mainly seemed still so remote, even though naturally in the back of our minds we feared the worst. We went back to school shopping that Saturday with kids in tow. We saw some friends at one of the stores we went to who had heard some recent news that he had just been diagnosed with cancer, we talked and offered some comfort and help and felt very suspicious of the timing. That evening Katie went to work at the hospital (Katie had been working as a CNA at our local hospital while beginning nursing school at a community college). After coming home, she mentioned that she had received 3 patients that night who were diagnosed with cancer, previous to this night she had never cared for a cancer patient. She asked one of her patients, who was an older gentleman, if his wife would be coming in to visit while he was staying there. He said that his wife had passed away many years ago after battling breast cancer, and that she had left him 6 children to care for. This was not the most comforting information, but in my wife’s eyes she mentioned that maybe this was Gods way of showing her the worst of what could happen, and that her experience would be different. Still not knowing any results, we waited for Tuesday.
Tuesday came, and I proceeded to teach that morning at a summer LDS seminary program. (I teach seminary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints). After teaching about a hundred high school students the importance of understanding the creation and our Heavenly Fathers Plan for us, I ended my lesson and almost immediately received a phone call from Katie. About 10 minutes prior to the phone call I received a welcomed but suspicious text from my 13 year old telling me that he loved me. When I heard the trepidation in my wife’s voice on the other end of the phone call, I knew the worst had happened. She had been contacted by the hospital and they had diagnosed her from the biopsy that the mass was indeed malignant. More tests were ordered for that week, including an MRI and appointments with an oncologist and breast cancer surgeon.
I rushed home immediately to comfort Katie, but I felt very little comfort myself. Our families core beliefs affords us faith in the Savior and that God has a plan for us and is very much involved in the details of our lives. I took comfort in knowing that without any breast cancer history in both sides of Katie’s family, and the fact that she is young, healthy, exercises regularly, never had a previous surgery or major ailment, that this was not just random or mere happenstance. This was a guided trial that our family needed to go through. And through subsequent discussion we have recognized the amount of preparation that has been occurring to provide Katie the tools that she and our family needed to get through this. Katie has been serving this past year in our local church congregation as a counselor in the Relief Society presidency. (The Relief Society is an organization of women who look after and provide spiritual, emotional, and physical relief to those in our community.) She has been looking after, and tending to those in our area that have been in need of comforting on multiple levels. In addition, she has been working as a CNA and completing biology courses that had just finished covering a unit on cancer cells. Not to mention, that we had just finished an expansion on our home, which allows family and friends to come stay comfortably at our house and help care for her throughout the treatments.
After talking it over at length, we decided that we wanted to inform all of our family and friends as best that we could. We reached out to our parents first and had them start the phone tree to our siblings. Our approach has been to not be too private about her condition, but to allow others to sympathize, experience, and serve in any way needed. We have a wonderful community, and we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and service from those that we have associated with. The process of accepting help has been unnatural for us at times, but it has been a source of healing and uplifting that we have needed. In quiet moments I have felt overwhelmed with providing for this large family of ours, but to add on the last two weeks, it has been some of the hardest moments I have experienced. The help and care from others has been humbling. The placement of very dear family members and friends has been some of the most faith building evidences of preparation we have seen.
Very shortly after hearing the news, Katie received a phone call from her sister who has been living with their other sister down in Arizona. She pledged to finish up her job in the next few weeks, pack her things, and move up with us in our spare bedroom we had recently added on to the house. We recognized this as an amazing sacrifice by one of the most unselfish people we know. It filled a void of uncertainty that we were not sure how to help. We are forever grateful to her for even offering, but more so for her acting on it.
To let you know of what we have learned through many trips to the hospital and after multiple tests I will now use some technical jargon to describe Katie diagnosis. In recent days we have learned the she has stage 2 cancer in the left breast. It is a type 3 cancer that is positive to both estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors, and in addition, is positive to HER2 protein receptors. It is known as a triple positive cancer, in short, it is a very aggressive fast growing cancer. The chance that she was able to detect it and diagnose it so early was a miracle. We have learned that the cancer is in the lymph nodes (3 lymph nodes so far). Unfortunately it is not a tight easily measurable mass, many cancers are typically a small golf ball size that can be easily removed through surgery. Her cancer is spread out in multiple masses, that along with it being HER2 positive, the best course of care recommended is an aggressive chemotherapy to stop the spread and get the cancer down to a manageable size that allows the chance for surgery to remove any remaining cancer growths. While we hate the idea of chemo being introduced to the body, the fact that this cancer is so aggressive requires the use of an aggressive treatment. The path of treatment for her is 18 weeks of chemotherapy followed by a reevaluation with the surgeon and a possible lumpectomy or mastectomy that includes the removal of any remaining cancer cells.
Our hope and prayer now is for the cancer to shrink from the chemo, and no further spreading to occur. The chemo, undoubtably will be very difficult on her body, the list of side effects is long. Her immune system will be attacked, her body functions will be affected, her hair will more than likely fall out, and there is a chance that her reproductive organs can be affected. While we are being very forthcoming in this blog and description, we also appreciate the sensitivity and privacy that should naturally occur with this information. We have felt that allowing others to understand many details of her treatment, provides the best possible ministering.
I will use this blog to update (weekly hopefully) the treatment, struggles and victories that we will be experiencing over her path to eventual cure. We hope that our family and friends will visit this blog often to read about our family and gain some understanding of what we are experiencing. We love all of you who have reached out, brought over food, gifts, painted our house, watched our children, offered support, offered a hug, called on the phone, sent a text message, and even took the time to read this blog. We never want to forget the kindnesses that have been shown to us, so that once again, we might be in a better position to show that same kindness to others. We love the Lord, and are very aware of his guiding hand through all of this. We have seen the tender moments of Him reaching out, and recognize that at times He has been reaching through the subtle promptings from our friends and family to come to our aid.
Daniel Spencer Smith 
Dan, I am so sorry to read this. I know you and the family will do everything humanly possible to fight this! I am sending healing thoughts your way❤
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Thank you Kathy!
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Katie I am so sorry to hear of your news. I know your a strong person and cancer picked the wrong person. I myself just went through stomach cancer and fought it and am in readmission even thought I lost 80% of my stomach I now survived and leaving with more experience to learn from how far our strength as a person can go through. I know you can beat this and be much more stronger then you are already. If your family needs anything let me know.
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Thank you Tatiana
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Dan and Katie,
As I read your post I’m at a loss for words. Im grateful for the miracles you have already received. We are blessed with a loving Heavenly Father who has us in the hallow of his hand. I know God loves you all and there is peace to be found through our Savior , Jesus Christ.
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We love you Petersons!
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Dan, Katie and family….
I’m without words as I read through this.
Words alone are not a great enough tool to portray all the feels this information stirs inside me.
The impossible is possible and I urge you both to continue to let your faith and positivity lead you on this journey.
#cancercanknot has been such an inspiration to me in life and has shown that there is so much illness cannot take from us!
I have you all in my thought- know that the world is sending positivity and healing vibes your way
Xoxox
Love from VT
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Thanks G! We have been feeling the VT love.
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Oh Katie. I am so sorry that you are going through this! And I wish I was there to give you a squeeze and be a support to you through this. You are strong and amazing and will come out the other side even more so. Love you!
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Thank you Miriam!
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Oh Brother Smith 😞 I wish your wife and family the best and will make sure to keep you in my prayers and fast!!! ❤️
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Thank you Bailey 🙂
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So much love and compassion sent your way. You have the faith to beat this and if it is His will, I know you will. God Bless you on this difficult, trying journey. Your family has been on my mind. Is there anything I can do to help?
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Thank you Marleigh. We are doing ok. Been thinking of your family.
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Guys, Addie told me of your news over the phone today as I was driving home from work. We both sat in silence as we processed the information together. I know we have only met briefly, but please know that my love and admiration for your family is real. They can do some pretty remarkable things these days with cancer treatment and you are going to kick. Cancer’s. Butt. Thank you for everything you do for my family and everyone around you. I am sending all the good vibes your way. ❤
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Thank you Celeste. I miss your awesome boys. You raised some good ones. Thank you for your kind words. We will take all the vibes.
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Please feel free to contact me. We’ve been through this. Venting helps. We had/have a blog. Helps to keep everyone who loves you all informed. We love you guys.
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Thank you Ricki. You guys are awesome!
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Prayers coming your way!
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Thank you Millie
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Dan & Katie,
Thank you for sharing the information & keeping us updated on this blog. You are loved more than you know! You will be continually in our thoughts and prayers.
Uncle Lee & Aunt Cathy
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Thank you Lee and Cathy. We love you guys.
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Katie and Daniel, I, too, had cancer—mine was of the colon. I was 36, and my 6 children were between 2 and 15. That was over 30 years ago. I’m so sorry you have to go through this, and yet I know you and your family will become intimately acquainted with the Comforter. There will be blessings no matter how this progresses. Our love and prayers to all of you—Denise (and Greg)
LeCheminant
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Denise, that sounds all too familiar. Thank you for sharing that with us. We appreciate the prayers.
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Our love and prayers are with you during this difficult journey. You have written a enlightening journal of your journal. It is a blessing to hear of the Tender Mercies which have been given you as you deal with this earthly trial. You have the knowledge and comfort of knowing your Father in Heaven loves you during this very difficult days ahead. I know there will be many fasting and praying for Katie and each and everyone of you! May you continue to be filled with Tender mercies, peace and strength!!
We know you are being lead by your strong Faith …
Wish we were there to help in some way- your names will be in our Temple continually ❤️
Much Love,
Sister Franzen & Carl🙏😘
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Thank you Sister Franzen and Carl. We love you guys.
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“Journal” -meant to say experience 😭. It is therapeutic for some of us to write – We certainly understand how difficult it is for all and the purpose to help others who care about you all , contribute our love and prayers in your behalf! We are family 😘
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Daniel, so sorry to hear this news. We are praying for Katie and the whole family. Please let us know if you need anything.
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Thank you Darin. We wish you well today!
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Chris and I are so sorry to hear this! Please know we are here to help in any way needed. We think the world of you both and your family. You have been such an inspiration to us. We will pray for your family and we want to help in any way we can.
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Thank you Ceci and Chris! We appreciate you guys.
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My friends. I wish I could just stomp cancer away. I just hate the stuff. You have such a beautiful family, you are so strong in every way, you got this girl. We will keep you in our prayers for sure.
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Thank you Pam
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I am at a loss for words. I’m so sorry that you are going through this terrible disease. Will you please email me your address so I can send Katie a card in the mail from time to time? My email is hrackham3@yahoo.com, I’m Katie’s cousin Holly, Uncle Blaine’s daughter.
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Thanks for sharing this Dan. I’m going to follow this closely. We love you guys!
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We miss you guys. Thanks for the love.
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Thank you Holly!
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Dan, I just texted Katie a little while ago certainly not expecting a reply but you know Katie, she replied!! Please know we are here for you guys!! We would love to take Sammy and spoil him a little!! We will be here for any needs you have!! We love your beautiful family!! As many are, we too are here to help bear your burdens. With so Much Love,
Mark and Carol
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She’s pretty awesome isn’t she? We appreciate amazing primary teachers like you guys for our children right now. Thank you for all you do for us.
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Sending positive vibes to you Katie and your family!!
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Brother Smith and family,
I am so deeply sorry you all have to endure this trial. But knowing your wonderful family, you will push through with faith, grace, and love. Heavenly Father is watching over you all, as you already know, and you can find peace in that. He has a plan for you all. I love you guys, let me know if there is ever anything I can do to help. I’m a heck of a babysitter! ❤️❤️❤️
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Smith Family,
My heart aches for your family. Please know that we will fervently pray for Katie and strength for you during this time. Love to you all!!!!
Matt and Rebecca Nelson
(From BYU-Idaho years ago….)
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Brother Smith I was a student of yours at Hillcrest— I am so sorry to hear of the news. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family!! Just as you taught me, I do know that our Heavenly Father has a plan for us and will guide us through that in the best way possible. He has only your best interest at heart. Keep pushing forth with faith— God is very good!! 🙂
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