How My Sick Kitten Taught Me to Heal: A Cancer Survivor's Journey of Hope

After I was diagnosed with cancer, I became fixated on physical recovery alone. I rejected anything that wasn't aimed at a complete cure - no coping techniques, no life extension methods, nothing about "quality of life." Just when my treatments had finished and my relationship had ended, I found myself alone at 39, trying to convince everyone (including myself) that I was fine, even while privately terrified about my future.

That's when I found Flora - a sick feral kitten hiding under my car. Despite her scratching me to shreds, I brought her home. She was covered in ringworms, fleas, and ear mites, with ulcers in her mouth. Nursing her back to health gave me a purpose, something to focus on besides my own fears. We bonded, and she became my loving companion, greeting me at the door each evening.

Then came the cruel twist: Flora was diagnosed with feline leukemia. The vet gave her the same grim prognosis I'd received - one to two years to live. My reaction shocked me later: I immediately emotionally abandoned her, trying to protect myself from the pain of her eventual death. I stopped playing with her and could barely look at her. But Flora wouldn't let me retreat. She kept reaching out, touching my cheek at night, purring beside me, refusing to be ignored.

One night, it hit me like hailstones: How could I claim my cancer wasn't a death sentence while giving up on Flora? I realized I'd been living a "half-life," turning away from pain and honest feelings. I lit a candle and made a vow to Flora - I would love her completely for whatever time we had together. In doing so, I found a way to love myself too, poor diagnosis and all.

I started trying everything - acupressure, vitamins, homeopathy, music therapy, crystal healing - for both of us. My friends thought it was "mumbo jumbo," but it helped me find joy and even humor in our healing journey. It wasn't just about getting better anymore; it became about living fully.

Today, Flora is seven years old and healthy, having tested negative for leukemia three times. She taught me the most important lesson: turning away from love accomplishes nothing. She wasn't just a cat who needed healing - she was my healer too, showing me that healing is more than just physical recovery. It's about opening your heart, even when you're afraid.

Adapted by the story “Soul Menders” written by Susan Chernak McElroy featured in Chicken Soup for the Surviving Soul.