Andrews – Kim Wackenhut noticed something was “off” late last summer, in July 2023, when she had difficulty swallowing and felt as if she wasn’t able to properly digest food.
“I’d never really had problems before, maybe some heartburn every once in a while,” she said, “but because I suffer chronic migraines I thought maybe my medications were causing the problems.”
A trip for a routine colonoscopy in January led to one of the most difficult weeks of 52-year-old Wackenhut’s life, when she was urged to have an endoscopy to follow up on what could be a problem with her digestive tract.
“The diagnosis was stage two esophageal cancer,” she said. “On Monday, they did the scope. On Wednesday, the biopsy and by Friday, I had the diagnosis that the mass they found on my esophagus was cancerous.”
Wackenhut credits Dr. Michael Nerney with being attentive and expedient with a course of treatment, including concurrent rounds of radiation and chemotherapy.
“Well, of course, I Googled it,” she said of her cancer. “Seeing if there were any famous people who’ve died from it or who’ve survived it, and I found Ray Charles died from it, even though I’d never heard much about this kind of cancer.”
Although survival rates are slim, early detection is key, as with so many forms of these silent diseases. Wackenhut aims to help educate others, as she is prone to do.
The longtime Kids Corner of Peachtree day-care worker has been forced to stay at home since treatment began in February. Her co-workers and family held a benefit fundraiser yard sale and hot dog plate lunch Saturday at Andrews United Methodist Church.
Her mother, Carma Brooks, said Kim has had such support from family and friends, and “so many prayers that have helped through this time.”
Kim added quickly, while beaming at her mother and stepfather Ronnie Brooks, “I’ve got a good team. They’ve helped me face this diagnosis and treatment and have been there for me in every way possible.”
Wackenhut wants others to raise awareness surrounding this type of cancer and for others to know that although endoscopies are not routine, people should request them if they feel they’re not digesting their food properly or have any of the first symptoms, which can also include hoarseness and a dry cough.
While she has lost more than 50 pounds during the course of treatment, she has recently regained some ability to eat food after stating that she learned during her research that “most people die of starvation, not the cancer,” Wackenhut said.
“But I do love hot chicken wings, so that’s the thing that doesn’t hurt me to eat right now, and I have great cravings for them all the time.”
Although still facing surgery this summer, Wackenhut remains optimistic about her prospects and knows that her faith along with the many prayers are working in her favor.
“This type of cancer is rare for women, I found in my research, but I want to make sure that everyone knows that they should ask for certain procedures like the endoscopy that can detect the problem,” she said. “You have to advocate for yourself with your doctor and find a solution. Hopefully, this procedure will become a routine screening to help with early detection.”
A GoFundMe site has also been set up to help Kim offset her medical costs and to help supplement her loss of wages since beginning her cancer journey.
Details: Visit gofundme.com/f/support-kim-wackenhuts-cancer-battle.