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Kristin Hoke finally received promising news from her doctor Thursday. Eighty five percent of her cancer is gone. (Meghan McCarthy / Post file photo)
In a way, Kristin Hoke’s journey through the deep woods of cancer is not unlike her work in daily journalism. She zooms in on her interview subject, researches her story, makes deadline decisions, all the time racing against the clock. Of course, some days it feels as if this subject came to the interview wearing a bomb vest.
But even on the days when the cancer seems overly defiant, Hoke won’t let up. Four years into her battle with congenital breast cancer, the WPBF-TV 25 anchorwoman has a few more scars, calendar pages riddled with treatment schedules, a cache of cancer acronyms at the ready, and a buildup of frequent flier miles.
She earned those miles during four months last year when she made 10 trips to Boston to participate in a clinical trial at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She was one of 25 patients selected to try a new drug designed to inhibit a natural enzyme known as PARP, which fuels the growth of cancer cells. This meant leaving her husband, Eric Cecere, and baby daughter, Bella, at home while she commuted to Boston, sometimes for the day, other times for a weekend.
This was a grueling period for Hoke, who already had endured chemotherapy, whole brain radiation, a lung biopsy, and two gamma knife procedures to target 28 dot-sized tumors in her head. The trial involved taking two pills in the morning and two at night, scans and the usual blood work. While it seemed do-able enough, she had to juggle those trips with work at the station, and a busy home life as the mother of a toddler.
And while the experimental drug seemed to be largely effective, doctors gave the 40-year-old anchorwoman some bad news a couple of months into the trial: she had to undergo brain surgery.
“I had started having balance issues, mainly at work when I’d try to pick something up. The drug worked about 95 percent, but there was one node that developed,” Hoke recalls on a recent morning at home in Jupiter.
Doctors performed surgery to remove the node in the back of her head in October. Four weeks later, the node regenerated in the same spot. Hoke had to undergo a second brain operation.
As she had done since shortly after her first cancer diagnosis in January 2005, her baby’s birth during a time of remission in April 2007, and her cancer recurrence three months later, she documented those Boston sequences in a video journal. The stories stand not only as a testament to Hoke’s courage, perseverance and maternal love, but also to her ability to at times examine cold facts with dispassion while at other times showing the vulnerability of a frightened young woman.
“I just want to be healthy again,” she says tearfully in a poignant moment just before her second brain surgery, “Just want to be healthy again.”
Because of the brain node, Hoke could not continue on the trial. So in January, she returned to traditional, weekly chemotherapy treatments for the first time in a year.
“I had my mommy melt-down, and now I’m ready for this next phase,” she wrote to friends after her first chemo session. In that email, written in her trademark upbeat style, she rallied her troops to support her Young Survivors’ Coalition at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in West Palm Beach. The late January 5K event brought her closer to fellow cancer combatants, in particular to a group of young mothers like herself.
“We thought of calling ourselves ‘Mommies Without Hair,’ but we thought the Young Survivors had a better ring,” she says with a laugh.
The walk reinforced Hoke’s resolve to battle her disease, and also reinforced her belief that the battle is not a solitary one. She strongly believes in networking, sharing information about new treatments, medications, and upcoming clinical trials.
“I know that in my case, I have to look at long-term solutions. We are managing a chronic situation. You manage it and do your best to hold it back,” says Hoke, who traveled to New York during her clinical trial days to interview fellow anchorwoman and breast cancer survivor, Robin Roberts of Good Morning America. They shared battle stories and then some lighter moments when Hoke showed Roberts photos of Bella.
Bella, with her plump cheeks, growing vocabulary and calm manner, is Hoke’s daily reality check. She’s the biggest reason why Hoke spends hours on research and networking and fund raising.
“Cancer treatments get better by the minute. There’s always something new. There are so many clinical trials,” says Hoke, who hosts her station’s early morning show as well as the midday newscast. “Down the road, I’d like to enter another clinical trial. I want to do all I can so that Bella won’t have to go through this when she grows up.”
She calls Bella her “guiding light.”
“I realize now that having Bella was all for a reason. She has given me the focus to keep fighting. She makes us laugh every day,” says Hoke as she watches her husband and daughter play on the patio. “I don’t know how it’s possible to have so much joy, but it is.”
Kristin Hoke’s Cancer Journey
January 2005: Doctors first diagnose Hoke’s breast cancer. She undergoes six months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation, after which she is cancer-free for 17 months.
April 27, 2007: Hoke gives birth to daughter Isabella ‘Bella’ Margaret Cecere.
July 27, 2007: A PET scan reveals Hoke’s breast cancer has spread to the lymph glands, the lungs, the sternum, and the liver.
July 31, 2007: A biopsy shows several brain lesions.
Aug. 1, 2007: Hoke resumes chemotherapy treatments.
April 2008: Hoke undergoes radiation treatments for the brain lesions.
June 26, 2008: Doctors perform a lung biopsy to remove several lesions.
July 17, 2008: Hoke travels to Boston to meet with oncologists at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Aug. 2008: Hoke starts clinical trial.
Oct. 2008: Doctors perform surgery to remove node in back of the brain. Days later, Hoke resumes the clinical trial.
Dec. 2008: Hoke undergoes a second brain operation. Later that month, she undergoes another gamma knife procedure.
Jan. 2009: Hoke resumes traditional chemotherapy treatments.
CONTACT KRISTIN
A valiant survivor, Hoke believes in the power of good thoughts, and good laughs. She welcomes positive wishes, prayers and great jokes. If you’d like to drop her a line with any or all the above, you may do so via liz_balmaseda@pbpost.com. We may publish your comments in a follow up story, so please let us know if you’d prefer to keep your message private.
Kristin,
I watch you almost daily but had not realized what you have gone through over the past year. My heartfelt thoughts are with you….you have inner strength that is rare but I know it will continue to lead you to health and well being. Bella is definitely THE key…My prayers to you and my thanks for sharing your story with all of us.
Joanne
Kristin you are a truely insperational woman. God bless you, Eric, and little Bella.
Kristen….
I know your history and family in Martin County and admire what you have accomplished professionally. Your medical challenges have exceeded what most of us will ever have to face. The fact that you have so many friends, acquaintances and fans that share you optimistic outlook says a lot about you.
Miracles happen. I join all your other supporters in praying for you and wishing your family the best.
Kudos to your station for their support.
Kristen, there are still plenty of people in the Knoxville area that remember you and stand by you in your battle. You display courage that some people would not otherwise be able to observe. Courage by one strengthens many. God bless you and your family.
Kristen has always been one of my most admired people. I have known the Hokes all of my life and she is the cream of the crop. We no longer live in South Florida but we still keep up with Kristen\’s progress. We love her.
Joe and Lois Wiley
Blairsville, Georgia
I cant imagine going thru all ths–Im not sure I could get up each morning and be glad. More power to Ms. Hoke, she is the meaning of survivor.
Kristin,
We went to high school together and I have seen you many times on tv when I am in Florida visiting my family. Your determination and courage are incredibly inspiring. I wish you all the best as you move forward in your fight. You have a beautiful family that I know makes every step you take worth the effort. Be well and know that sharing your story has touched many.
Kristin,
My son is a two time survivor of leukemia. He is 10 years old and we have learned a great deal through all of this. You are an inspiration. Sharing your journey and educating the public will pave the way for others. We have learned to cherish everyday, live life to the fullest, don’t sweat the small stuff and keep smilin. Hang in there… Tomorrow is another day :)
Best of luck to you. You have such a great attitude and courage.
Kristen,
I also live in Jupiter and was diagnosed in Aug. 08 with lobular breast cancer in my right breast. I had a double mastectomy because lobular cancer travels the other other breast. Afterwards, the pathology report noted that cancer was found in the second breast even though it didn’t show up in the MRI.
We go to the same cancer center and I also have a daughter and know exactly what you are feeling. I am happy to say that I don’t carry the gene. I was amazed that I didn’t. I had two cousins diagnosed the year before and an aunt with breast cancer. From what I understand, my daughter will still have a 40% chance of getting breast cancer. It’s especially worrisome because she is learning disabled. We thought that would be our biggest problem in life.
I don’t know how much you know about lobular breast cancer but it doesn’t show up on an MRI. I started having mammograms at 35 because my aunt had breast cancer. My tumor was 4 inches big when I found it. Even then, it wouldn’t show up on a mammogram and they could barely find it on a sonogram. By the time this cancer is found, it is always large.
I am stage 3A. If you can spread the word to women about lobular cancer, it would be wonderful. I tell everyone who will listen that a mammogram alone isn’t enough. This breast cancer doesn’t show up on a mammogram. I never knew that and I was never good at doing a self exam.
I’ll keep you in my daily prayers. Best of luck to you and your family.
You are a TRUE INSPIRATION!!! Sharing your story is wonderful! I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Your strength is amazing and God Bless you!!
My thoughts & prayers are with Robin & her family. I am a 5 yr ovarian cancer survivor. You can never give up hope & always keep the faith that the cure is close. God Bless you & your sweet family. You are an inspiration to all of us.
You are truly amazing. My husband and I both have watched you on TV and remember when you were first diagnosed. It is wonderful that you have shared your stories and yes, you have had quite a journey. One can only imagine what you have been through. Just know that your stories have been so inspiring and I’m sure has touched many people. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family. Stay strong, never give up. Despite what you have been through, you look great, your a beautiful person.
Oh, when we\\\’re young, planning blender parties, going on Spring Break trips to Key West, and going to Smokies baseball games we NEVER expect this to happen. But when it happens to fighters like you, Kristin, there\\\’s no doubt that cancer is the underdog. And, we\\\’ve never been more certain that your mom passed to spend time in Heaven with Bella before she became your guiding light. Love and appreciation to you always – from an old friend, co-worker, roommate and fan!
Dear Kristen,
One of my best friends, Deb Fezza, was told that she had Breast Cancer. She is mother of (3) children. To say that the news devestated us was an understatement. But true to her spirit, she went through surgery, chemo, radiation all with a smile and positive attitude. Debs’ cancer affected hundreds of people. She is such an inspiriation. So when you share your story you allow us to share, to send warm thoughts, to TALK about cancer to our children (daugters) and you educate us. So, THANK YOU, for allowing us into your life, you are reaching and helping thousands of moms, daughters, friends, husbands & sons. As for my freind Deb, she is 5 years cancer free-she is beautiful & smart & full of life and is enjoying every minute of being a mom to her 3 children: (1) High School, (1) in Middle School nd (1) in Elementry School. She inspires me daily, and I am so lucky to have her in my life.
Hi Kristen, I first started watching you when I was first diagnosed and had to move to West Palm for tx ( from the Bahamas in May 05)
Anyway after 18 mos of losing my mom to BC ,& expecting a stage I dx from mom’s onc. ( now mine), I got Stage IIIC, with 12 nodes pos, er/pr neg, blah, blah. I am also Her 2 pos. Dismal prognosis. Baloney!!
I am back home in Nassau going strong with no evidence of BC.
I’ve also resumed clinical research which I did in the states years ago.
You are right when you say txs are changing! They are actually changing daily, with BC making the most advances.I
I keep track of you as my sister in law lives in West Palm.
Anyway, just wanted to drop you a ine
God Bless and enjoy your little Bella.
Linda Knowles
Dear Kristin,
U r a beautiful and courageous young woman. I too, was diagnosed with breast cancer about a year ago. I had a bi-lateral mastectomy with reconstructive breast surgery. I went through 6 treatments of chemo and am Her2+. I must say I didn\\\’t look as good as u going thru it. U have been thru a lot. U are truly a survivor and thriver. I do think a positive attitude is very important. That little girl of yours is precious. Hang in there and keep the faith.
Dear Kristin,
We can live without breasts but we cannot live without hope. You and your courageous battle with cancer are an inspiration and a message to all who are diagnosed with cancer. You have a delightful sense of humor and enormous courage. I, too, was diagnosed with breast cancer. The love of my husband and my friends and a great sense of humor sustained me. I attribute the advances in cancer treatment to my presence here today. God bless you! East Lansing, MI/Sonora, CA
For Kristin: I returned from 4 months out of state and immediately tuned in channel 25 at 5:00AM. You were not there! I was first disappointed about a nanosecond before I became concerned. I so hoped you were taking a well deserved vacation with your family (especially your daughter) but then I found you were out with yet another setback. I am so sorry you have this to endure and hope and pray that you will be back to your beautiful, inspirational self soon.
Kristen, as a sister battling breast cancer, my thoughts are with you as you make your journey through the hell of chemo. I see you on air during our lunch breaks and it heartens me how you rally again and again. I am 1 year post chemo, so seeing you with your wig, diligently working, as I was just finishing wearing my, and working through my entire treatment, was great to see – we will not let cancer rule our lives. Best of luck with your treatment and I am always thinking of you.
Michele V.
Port St. Lucie
Dear Kriten We have been watching you since before your illness and
we alway turn on tv to see you in the morning and we worry because we have not seen you lately. We are praying for you and wish you and
your wonderful family good health in the future. Dont give up fight the good fight and you will prevail
Kristin our thought’s and prayers go to you and your family, you may not remember me, but when you first moved here to PSL I lived on Treasure Island and you on Overbrook while a house was being built. You lived there with your Husband and two step children, they were friends with my kids. You and I took the kids out for halloween, we walked around the neighborhood and we talked small talk. I pray that you can fight this once more and see your little girl grow up, but God may need you and if he does you will always be with your family in their hearts!! You have so many people that love and pray for you!! God Bless!!
rip Kristin,,Will miss you
Great post,Send you my picture. so well expressed. In Jr. High I remember my first cigarette. I too was trying to impress a girl named Leigh. We climbed on my parents garage roof thinking we were hiding. She had a pack of Salem’s, “Salem’s taste good like a cigarette should.” I took a drag and, like you, she said, “No, you have to inhale.” So I did. I became so dizzy I fell over and rolled off the roof. Splat! Of course that didn’t stop me from trying to get used to it. In high school I was an athlete so I didn’t keep smoking, but in college, again like you…I began again. My friends did, it was cool and my roommate was from Europe and smoked like a smoke stack. I continued on and off over the years, and even stopped for many years and then would start again. I haven’t smoked anything Fifteen years. And it was just a decision. For some reason, unlike so many other people, I never had a craving ever again and can’t bear the smell of cigarette smoke at all. I don’t like to think of any damage previously done. hen I smoked, I chain smoked, so even if I did;’t smoke every day, I got my fill of poison. I saw Dr. Oz on Oprah say, that smoking is like Russian Roulette, some people will smoke their entire lives and not get cancer and others like Dana Reeves will never smoke and get lung cancer. And he said, that I will be one cigarette that will get the domino effect rolling…it could be the first cigarette you smoked in college or the 1o millionth, you just don’t know, and that also helps me not desire to pick up another one. So glad you quit, I hope your words help others.