If you’ve been following me for a while you may remember that I’ve have a few run-ins with breast cancer. First in 2013, then again in 2017, a third time in 2023 and, because I am an overachiever, I’m currently dealing with my fourth recurrence. The good news is that it’s still the same kind of cancer and still isolated. I talked about my journey in my REAL Talk last fall where I focused on the lessons I’ve learned from my cats on how to slow down and take it one step at at time, advice I’m putting to use yet again.

I know a lot of my followers have also dealt with breast cancer, or other kinds of cancer, as well and I appreciate all the support and encouragement I’ve received over the years. Having cancer is like having a second job, there are so many things to deal with, and slowing down to reflect is very important. I also have to keep my business moving forward so I created some of our popular catnip cat toys with new fabric I designed to offer words of encouragement to any cat lover facing a breast cancer diagnosis, with the sales going to help me cover the costs of my care.

These new toys are now available in the Hauspanther online shop. I hope they can put a smile on the face of someone who needs it, and of course they will make kitties very happy!

I also setup a GoFundMe to help raise funds to offset the cost of my treatment this time around. I am planning to have a couple more surgeries (these will be my 7th and 8th breast cancer-related surgeries!) and I will be posting updates in the GoFundMe. I always hope that what I’m learning might help others going through something similar. I tend to take a very proactive approach to my health care and try to learn everything I can as I go along.

Thank you all for your continued support. This won’t get me down! I’m forever committed to continuing to make the world a better place for cats and the people who love them by highlighting good design and creating a community of dedicated design-conscious cat lovers.

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