13 June 2024 , 14:56
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A teacher and mum-of-two who documented her treatment for breast cancer online has posted her final heartbreaking message - announcing her own death.
Kate Rackham, known to her followers as the Teacher With Cancer, shared her health concerns after she was diagnosed with incurable estrogen-receptive breast cancer. This morning she made her final post.
It read: "If you’re reading this, it means I have died. But do not cry for me. I have lived my life on my own terms, the way I have wanted to. I joined X because I needed an outlet, what I got was so much more. You made me feel validated in my feelings and much less alone. Thank you."
Kate was diagnosed at the age of 39 and says she did not have any risk factors. In a bid to raise awareness of the illness, the 45 year old from Morecambe in Lancashire, started the Fighting to be Heard Foundation.
Kate Rackham was diagnosed with incurable oestrogen-receptive breast cancer at the age of 39 (@kate_rackham)In the last week, Kate apologised to her followers for her "lack of communication recently", as she had been enduring "hospital stays, procedures and uncertainty". In the post, which she shared on June 7, she added: "And then hearing the words, 'there is nothing more we can do'. I needed a bit of time.
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"I'm now home, where I want to be. With Mark and the girls. Surrounded by love, family and friends. Everyone is rallying around and I have so much support. Despite everything I feel blessed."
People have rushed to send comments of love and support. Many are praising Kate for sharing her journey and remembering all the people she helped along the way.
Kate Rackham was known on Twitter as "The Teacher With Cancer" (@kate_rackham)
'If you're reading this, I have died'" said Kate Rackham's tragic final tweet (@kate_rackham)Poppygibsonuk wrote: "Thank you for sharing your journey with us to the end and beyond. Thank you for touching our lives you beautiful Angel." Jacxdad3376 added: "Sad, sad news this. Yes Kate - you dictated the terms not that horrific disease. I hope your family can take comfort in this difficult time and accept my condolences. Your journey was inspirational."
Dennishchristen said: "Rest In Peace. As a teacher, you became one of our heroes. Thank you." TheCrazyMamiFN added: "I didn't know of you until this post came up but as a mum who just fought triple neg breast cancer, my heart bleeds for your loved ones. God bless you and rest well."
Her final post on X (Teacher with Cancer/Twitter)The Fighting to be Heard Foundation was created in 2021 and is run by volunteers.
According to the NHS, if breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body it's called secondary breast cancer. The symptoms depend on which part of the body the cancer has spread to. It can spread anywhere, but it most commonly affects the bones, liver, lungs or brain.
You may also have general symptoms including:
- feeling tired or having no energy
- loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
- feeling unwell with no clear cause
- feeling or being sick
- difficulty sleeping