Dear Friends,

I wanted to check in and give you an update on how I'm doing.

First, a little background:

It's been almost a year since the last surgery I had for a stubborn brain tumor. It's hard to believe how quickly time has flown!

That surgery was the fourth operation I've had since being diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumor 11 years ago. The doctors have never been able to remove the entire tumor, because of its location and proximity to vital parts of my brain.

After the last surgery, I had a series of radiation treatments, with hopes of stopping the tumor from growing back. So far, that has worked. Right now, I feel good!

The surgery and radiation did take a toll, however, on some of my cranial nerves that are close to the tumor. One of those nerves controls swallowing and voice, another controls facial movement. As a result, I have some challenges with swallowing and the right side of my face isn't working as it should.

So for now, I'm working on some projects that don't involve anchoring. I'm told the nerves can and should heal and improve, but it takes time.

As you might imagine, this is really frustrating for me, as I love my KOMO team and enjoy bringing you the news every night, as I have for many years. It's been a real lesson in patience, perseverance, and faith.

The good news is I've gained so much strength from the support I've gotten from so many of you, and from KOMO TV.

And, I'm having fun working on some special reports. The latest is
my interview with Dr. Oz, who is starting a new show on KOMO every day at 3:00. I enjoyed him very much and found him to be warm and engaging. I got to watch a taping of his show and interview him in his new studio at Rockefeller Plaza in New York. That was quite an experience.

Also coming next week will be my special reports from Perugia, Italy on the Amanda Knox trial. While I've covered this story for more than a year, this was a great opportunity to get a look inside the trial that you can only get by being there.

I spent a couple of days in the courtroom, which was fascinating, and interviewed Amanda's mother and other journalists. It was also interesting to talk to the Italian people about their feelings about the murder trial.

I am continuing to work on some high-profile interviews and would be glad to hear your suggestions.

We are also getting ready for debates on KOMO with the candidates for King County Executive and Seattle Mayor. Dan Lewis and I will host these debates on October 17th and 24th. Please let me know if you have questions you'd like us to include.

On the family front, I have a daughter in her first year of high school, and another in her sophomore year in college, so it's been a busy and fun transition for our family.

I want to thank you again for all your love and support and hope to be back in my anchor chair soon.

Kathi

---

You can contact Kathi by sending an e-mail or leaving a comment in support below.