I was so shocked by the recent health update on Princess Kate Middleton. The news that she has been undergoing cancer treatment is unfortunate, while her courage to fight out every one of them is very praiseworthy. She has been an inspiration over the years, and grace and strength just light up at this adamant time in her life.
It was back in March that Kate announced she was to undergo preventive chemotherapy following an abdominal surgery. To that end, this was a shock to us, as she had always been a picture of health and vitality. Preventive chemotherapy is used to kill the remaining cancer cells post-surgery and reduce the risk of cancer returning. This is otherwise called adjuvant therapy. What's more, this kind of therapy is so tiring on the body and mind. Yet Kate proves in her latest post that she's ready to fight and stay positive.
What grabbed me about Kate's message was the very candid way in which she described the process of treatment. It is a time when some days are better than others; many people can relate to that, whether from having cancer themselves or being close to someone going through it.
Chemotherapy side effects are popularly known: weakness, alopecia, infections, and loss of appetite among others. Kate's openness about bad days and acceptance that it is all right to rest and just listen to her body is essential in itself. It reminds one that healing is a journey with its own pace, and there is no shame in it being slow.
Touching in her update was the gratitude towards the family and the support of the public. She again responded that it is indeed these sweet notes of good wishes that have made all the difference for her and Prince William during this time, which was otherwise emotionally draining. Isn't it wonderful to see how collective goodwill can work to give someone going through such a brutal battle strength and comfort? Her words seemed to say a lot about any community and compassion during times of dire need.
Well, although she's still under treatment, Kate has started taking up some of her duties again. The surprise announcement came that she would join the King's Birthday Parade with the family, the first such outing since diagnosis. In effect, this would be a massive move for her; it means symbolic steps toward showing strength in the face of adversity and that she will not abandon her responsibilities simply because of personal issues at hand. This will also manifest a willingness to go out and live normally like before and be engaged in meaningful activities, endowing happiness in life.
Probably one of the more poignant lines in Kate's update was her reflection regarding the uncertainty of her journey. She said it is something from which she has learned patience over the years, but patience and taking it one day at a time notwithstanding, she was still not out of the woods. This resonates deeply because it speaks to the universal experience of grappling with uncertainty in health and life.
She shows us that the emphasis on living in the moment and happiness in small moments is something we can all learn toward mindfulness and on the path of resilience.
She also shared how she finds happiness on better days: engaging in her children's school life, spending time on personal interests, and doing a bit of work from home. That balance between finding joy and purpose is essential for mental and emotional well-being. For me, it just becomes so admirable to think of her fighting for this balance and managing to stay positive and productive.