UPDATE 2/2: According the the KOMO website, Kathi Goertzen underwent over 10 hours of surgery Wednesday to remove parts of tumor that are growing in her brain and doctors told her family afterward, "we accomplished everything we hoped to accomplish."
Doctors say she’ll be in recovery for several hours Wednesday night and in intensive care for the next two to three days.
Kathi Goertzen will have surgery on Wednesday to remove parts of an aggressive brain tumor she has been battling for the past 11 years.
Here is an excerpt of what Kathi wrote on the KOMO website:
?It’s not easy sharing this picture. After 30 years of being a news anchor for KOMO-TV, I’m dealing with a challenge, as you can see. But I don’t give up easily. You may know I’ve battled an aggressive brain tumor for about 11 years. They call it benign, but I think that’s a bit of an exaggeration, because it keeps growing back and multiplying!
On Wednesday I’ll be back in the operating room for surgery to remove parts of the tumor that are growing again. Luckily, I have excellent medical care and have great support with family, friends, and viewers.
The latest victim of the tumor has been my facial nerve. It has been squished, operated around, radiated and generally abused for some time. It’s decided to take a little break. Thus, the crooked, sagging face, and inability to break into the wide smile I so much enjoy.
This turn of events has caused me to think quite a bit about appearances and what really makes us who we are. It’s also caused me to reconsider the way I always used to plan for tomorrow, instead of enjoying the present day.
Luckily, I work for a company that continues to stand by me. I feel good. I’m able to walk my dog almost every day and go to work where I can dig into stories and interview interesting people.
That’s not to say this is easy. I miss my anchor chair more than anyone knows. I would really like to be back to ‘normal.’
I have faith the surgery will be successful and this face will improve.?
You can send your good wishes to Kathi on her KOMO Facebook page.
Best of luck with the surgery. My grandma has a grapefruit-sized brain tumor removed in the 1960’s and is still alive and kicking 🙂
This took a LOT of guts on Kathi’s part. Best of luck to you Kathi!!!!
Magnolia is behind you!
Kathi, appearances are the superficial part. Your courage is the real story. Best wishes.
Kathi,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless
Elizabeth
I moved away from the Northwest some time ago, but I still check back to see how you are doing. Your courage and grace are?awesome. Thank you for being a model of resilience and true beauty.
-Denise