Facing Cancer as a Couple - Mike & Catherine Peake's Story

When Catherine Peake was told that she had breast cancer, the magnitude of the diagnosis not only hit her hard, but it also left her husband Mike swirling in a tide of unfamiliar emotions. As principal of South Caldwell High School, Mike manages the daily responsibility of 1,600 students. But this situation presented a slew of unexpected and initially overwhelming issues. At the time, these Charleston, SC transplants were typical thirty-somethings gearing up for a new school year and juggling parenthood with their 3 year-old son, Micah and daughter, Carrington was just 3 months when Catherine noticed a lump had popped up on her breast.

Within that week, Catherine learned that the cancer had already spread to her lymph nodes, liver, lung and shoulder bone. She was referred to Duke Medical Center where she stayed for 6 weeks. There she had a radical mastectomy, surgical removal of 28 lymph nodes, radiation and chemotherapy. She missed her babies desperately and leaned heavily on Mike and her deep faith in God. After prayerful consideration, Mike and Catherine decided on a bold, united approach. Living away from their extended families, they realized that they needed to ask for and accept help from members of their new community.

Seventeen months after starting treatments, Catherine was told that cancer had reappeared in her shoulder and that there is no cure for her diagnosis, Stage IV, metastatic, inflammatory breast cancer. Doctors estimated that she may live just two more years.

lettersThat was in 2011, and now, 7 years later, Catherine has been participating in a clinical trial at Carolinas Oncology under the leadership of Hickory Oncologist, Dr. Richard Orlowski who calls her a “miracle patient”! She has remained stable with no recurrence of cancer ever since. She will stay on the drug being studied in this clinical trial for the rest of her life unless her cancer grows or a cancer cure is found. An eternal optimist, she is an avid promoter of early screening and has been a champion for many other newly-diagnosed cancer patients trying to navigate their options and mix of feelings.

“I’d say that we are both fiercely independent people,” said Mike. “But, Catherine’s experience with cancer brought us closer and we acknowledged the need to set aside our pride and ask for help…because we needed it! We are so thankful for the support we got from the community that’s now our second family. They pulled us through with all sorts of nice gestures like cooking meals, babysitting, driving Catherine to treatments, and sending us information about cancer resources.”

Catherine and Mike’s courageous openness also generated an outpouring of support from the high school staff and students. Pupils in the school’s 2010 graduating class collected money in increments of tens (i.e., 10 one dollar bills, rolls of dimes and 10 twenty dollar bills). As these kids walked across the stage on graduation day, they slipped their contributions to Mike as he presented them with their diplomas. On Valentine’s Day, they found their entire house had been covered with pink and red hearts with encouraging messages such as “from our hearts to yours”. Even rival schools participated in fundraisers at basketball games to help with Catherine’s medical bills.breast cnacer support

The Peakes are touched by how this sense of community has blossomed as others have faced serious illness, death or financial devastation. “Our community mobilizes quickly to unite and surround those in need with support,” said Catherine. “Since helping us, we have seen them hold fundraisers to assist other families in need as they did when a local family lost its home following a fire and when a young student received a grim diagnosis like mine.”

Representing just one of many strong pillars in the Caldwell County community, the Peakes feel validated about their decision to share their story and encourage others to not shy away from asking for and receiving help when they need it. If you know a man whose partner has breast cancer are also available from the following organizations: The Komen Foundation What’s Happening to the Woman I love?; Breast Cancer Awareness and Support When the Woman you Love has Breast Cancer; and Men Against Breast Cancer.

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