On Sept. 29, 2022, Cate Mueller went to the hospital for speech difficulties she thought indicated a stroke, and she was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer that had also spread to parts of her brain. A PET scan shows that it has not affected other organs.
Cate has undergone radiation and chemotherapy, and is planning to undergo immunotherapy for most of 2023. So far the side effects have been minimal and she has tolerated the treatments with grace and even humor.
Cate is married to Dan Mueller, our Basilica Usher Coordinator and Knights of Columbus Liaison, and she is active at the Basilica as a Lector and a member of the Finance Council.
Update 2/15/23: Cate Mueller received positive results from the radiation on her brain. The four spots they had radiated in October had either been reduced greatly in size (2) or completely eliminated (2). The doctors discovered there had been a fifth tiny spot they had overlooked, and Cate had this spot radiated a few days later. Cate will have an MRI every three months, but her brain treatment is complete.
Cate’s lung tumor has been greatly reduced following chemotherapy, to just 37% of its former size! On January 9, Cate began a year-long series of monthly immunotherapy treatments to reduce the mass that remains in her lung. She is not noticing side effects from this treatment and is feeling good spiritually and physically. Cate has been praying for healing through the intercession of Servant of God Fr. Patrick Ryan.
Update 12/13/22: In October, Cate began a long course of treatment. She first had radiation for her brain cancer, followed by chemotherapy for her lung. She is now having radiation treatment for her lung and is expected to finish that on December 15. In January, she will begin a year-long immunotherapy treatment regimen. A scan will be taken at the end of January to see where she is. Already the lung tumor has gotten smaller!
During all this treatment, Cate has remained hopeful and upbeat. She has experienced very few of the possible tough side effects, and she attributes this to the prayers and support she has received from friends and family. Cate shares: “If there's someone you haven't spent time with in awhile--whether in person or on the phone or by text or a greeting card--I urge you not to wait for some particularly propitious chance... just DO IT. Showing our love and care for each other makes us all happier and healthier. And thank you all again for how your support has lifted me up.”