Harmony of Hope: Embracing Positivity Through the Power of Sound
In a heart-wrenching journey marked by loss and resilience, Kim Bate, a pancreatic cancer survivor, shares his experience with this aggressive disease. His story began with a tragic family history, as he lost both his sister and twin brother to pancreatic cancer before being diagnosed himself. This personal battle with cancer emphasizes the importance of awareness, early detection, and hope in the face of adversity.
A Family’s Struggle with Pancreatic Cancer
The Bate family’s ordeal with pancreatic cancer began in 2017 when Kim’s sister was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer after months of unrecognized illness. Sadly, she passed away just weeks after her diagnosis. The following year, in February 2018, tragedy struck again when Kim’s twin brother succumbed to complications from a biopsy revealing a pancreatic tumor. Just seven months later, in a cruel twist of fate, Kim himself was diagnosed with stage II pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Unexpected Symptoms and a Missed Diagnosis
Initially seeking medical attention for what he thought was a harmless skin rash, Kim found himself on a path that would lead to a life-altering diagnosis. His doctors suspected cancer but were unable to identify its source after a negative biopsy. Despite this initial setback, a deeper investigation led to the confirmation of pancreatic cancer.
Determined to fight, Kim chose to undergo treatment at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha, where he met the skilled surgeon Dr. Luciano Vargas. Just ten days after his diagnosis, Kim was prepared for surgery.
Undergoing Surgery and Chemotherapy
Dr. Vargas performed a distal pancreatectomy, successfully removing the cancerous section of Kim’s pancreas along with his spleen and several lymph nodes. Following his surgery, Kim began a rigorous chemotherapy regimen under the guidance of oncologist Dr. Kelsey Klute.
From December 2018, Kim and his wife made the trek from Lincoln to Omaha every two weeks for treatment, enduring six months of chemotherapy. The process was grueling, leading to significant weight loss and challenges with appetite. Despite his struggles, Kim remained committed to seeking every available treatment option at UNMC. Genetic testing was performed but revealed no mutations, underscoring the unpredictable nature of pancreatic cancer.
Finding Strength Through Positivity
During his treatment, Kim faced moments of despair, prompting him to create a list of things he would miss if he didn’t survive. However, he quickly shifted his focus, flipping the paper over to compose a new list of things he would accomplish. This change in perspective played a crucial role in maintaining his hope and determination throughout his battle.
After completing twelve rounds of chemotherapy, Kim experienced a pivotal moment when he rang the "no more chemo" bell at UNMC—a celebration shared with his family and medical team.
Celebrating Life After Cancer
Now, nearly six years post-diagnosis, Kim has been cancer-free for over five years and embraces each day with gratitude. He frequently returns to UNMC for health check-ups and proudly rings the bell, declaring, "That is the sound of hope."
For those facing similar challenges, Kim’s message resonates loud and clear: there is hope. His journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of perseverance against the odds. With hope as his guiding light, Kim Bate continues to inspire others to fight bravely against pancreatic cancer and cherish every moment of life.
