Comments on: Four years into cancer battle, Ch. 25 news anchor won’t let up

By: Marcy

Marcy — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:47:47 +0000

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.

By: Marilyn McEwen

Marilyn McEwen — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 22:08:34 +0000

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

By: Carol Anstett

Carol Anstett — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:29:58 +0000

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.

By: Linda Knowles

Linda Knowles — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:52:40 +0000

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

By: Laura Stanfield

Laura Stanfield — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:23:51 +0000

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.

By: Kim Stephens

Kim Stephens — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:22:36 +0000

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!

By: Diane Feeney

Diane Feeney — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:13:44 +0000

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.

By: Pat

Pat — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 19:41:17 +0000

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.

By: Bailey

Bailey — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:28:06 +0000

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!!

By: Debbie Tozzi

Debbie Tozzi — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 16:13:59 +0000

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.

By: Will

Will — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 15:59:52 +0000

Best of luck to you. You have such a great attitude and courage.

By: Suzanne Matuella

Suzanne Matuella — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 14:48:49 +0000

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 :)

By: Kristin(Higginbotham) Parent

Kristin(Higginbotham) Parent — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 13:08:37 +0000

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.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 13:07:28 +0000

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.

By: Joe Wiley

Joe Wiley — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 12:08:51 +0000

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

By: hillbillyvol

hillbillyvol — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 10:05:17 +0000

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.

By: Retired Broadcaster

Retired Broadcaster — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 05:26:24 +0000

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.

By: luis gutuerrez

luis gutuerrez — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 05:07:32 +0000

Kristin you are a truely insperational woman. God bless you, Eric, and little Bella.

By: Joanne

Joanne — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 05:02:45 +0000

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