By Charlotte Gill for The Mail on Sunday | 22:18 04 Nov 2023, updated 02:03 05 Nov 2023
Katie’s Unforgettable Decision
When Katie Barson received the devastating news that her breast cancer had returned and spread throughout her body, she faced a difficult choice. Rather than pursuing further treatment, the 36-year-old single mother decided to focus on creating lasting memories with her 13-year-old daughter, Freya.
A Rollercoaster Journey
Katie’s battle with breast cancer began in March 2020 when she was diagnosed with an aggressive and hard-to-treat form of the disease. She endured surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, which caused severe side effects such as skin rashes, muscle weakness, and swelling. However, the treatment was successful, and she was declared cancer-free in December 2021.
Relief turned to despair when Katie experienced pain in her shoulder and chest in September of the following year. Tests revealed that her cancer had returned and was now incurable. Rather than undergoing treatment again, Katie made a bold choice to live life to the fullest with her daughter.
Embracing Life’s Adventures
In the year since her decision, Katie and Freya have embarked on numerous adventures together. They enjoyed ice-skating at Disneyland Paris during Christmas, fulfilled Katie’s dream of skydiving, and even participated in a charity mud run despite Katie’s collapsed lung.
Katie expressed her pride in attempting every obstacle, symbolizing her approach to life. She wanted to make the most of her time and create joyful memories for her daughter.
A Mother’s Love
As Katie nears the end of her life and enters hospice care, she reflects on the importance of being present and recognizable to her daughter. She didn’t want Freya’s lasting memory of her to be of someone unrecognizable due to the effects of treatment.
Though facing the challenge of planning her own funeral was difficult, Katie found it therapeutic. She wrote cards for important milestones in Freya’s life, ensuring her presence and guidance even after she’s gone.
Raising Awareness for Secondary Breast Cancer
Katie’s story is part of a YouTube film produced by the charity Breast Cancer Now, titled “Stories Of Secondary.” The film aims to shed light on secondary breast cancer, an incurable form of the disease that affects an estimated 61,000 patients in the UK.
Katie emphasizes the importance of highlighting the reality of breast cancer, challenging the notion that any form of cancer is “good.” She believes that raising awareness can bring about better understanding and support for those facing this devastating diagnosis.
Inspiring Others to Embrace Life’s Opportunities
The film also features Jacqueline Tolfree, a 57-year-old mother-of-four who shares her own experience with terminal breast cancer. Despite the shock and horror of the diagnosis, Jacqueline remains determined to live her life to the fullest and seize every opportunity.
Jacqueline even wrote and directed a play called “Glass Cage” to express her emotions and thoughts about her battle with breast cancer.
Katie and Jacqueline both serve as inspirations to others, reminding everyone to make the most of each day and embrace the beauty of life, even in the face of unimaginable challenges.
