45 Comments
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Marie Chan's avatar

I am filled with joy to hear your news! It sounds like you will have some tough days ahead, but now you also have the rocket fuel of hope needed to get you to where you need and want to be! XO

Marie Chan's avatar

I am filled with joy to hear your news! It sounds like you will have some tough days ahead, but now you also have the rocket fuel of hope needed to get you to where you need and want to be! XO

Grant Faulkner's avatar

I'm so happy to hear this news, Isa. You wrote a beautiful, meaningful newsletter that made me ponder much. Thank you.

Isa Catto's avatar

As always, thanks for reading. And in the interest of becoming a better writer please let me know what made you ponder further!

Grant Faulkner's avatar

Isa, I always tell writers that what matters most in writing isn't any craft technique, but how the writer makes themselves vulnerable on the page. We read and write to connect, and the best way to connect to anyone is through an open spirit. You write with an open spirit in general, but in this piece in particular, you made yourself vulnerable and opened up your life. It's not an easy thing to do. I'm teaching a class on "writing with vulnerability" in a couple of weeks, so I'm trying to think about how to teach it. It's a gift to give yourself to others in such a way, so I thank you.

Isa Catto's avatar

It took a great deal of rewiring, writing and Brenee Brown to get here. I was raised to be very private and I know now that this WASP attachment to appearances has not served me well. And when you are vulnerable it empowers others to do so and it hinges us together. Wish I could take this class!

Grant Faulkner's avatar

I'm with you, Isa. There's a great deal of irony in me teaching this class because of my upbringing. I think you nailed the recipe, though: to write with vulnerability takes a lot of practice and reflection and ... purpose, which showed in many ways in your piece (on top of all of the storytelling craft!). I'm actually reading Brene Brown now for my class ...

Nancy Otto's avatar

Dear Isa, I'm so sorry to hear that you are going through all of this. Happy to hear that you are ready to face the challenges ahead. Best to you, Daniel, and the kiddos. Many hugs and love.

Isa Catto's avatar

thank you dear Nancy! I will be fine, especially now that I have a reprieve. I hope you are well!

Stacy Chiavaro's avatar

Thank you for sharing your story, so happy you received good news this week.

Isa Catto's avatar

Thank you so much Stacy......I feel psychically lighter and all the cheering helps!

the modern betsy's avatar

Isa 💕💗💫♥️💗💕🦋💕🩷💕♥️💗💞💕💗💕💗 I’m so happy to read this beautifully written update. Holding you and your family in the light

Isa Catto's avatar

Thanks Betsy, you are always the best! I loved your post on aging honestly FYI!

Dawn Shepard's avatar

Another beautiful post. So very happy to hear that your treatment is working. You write with such depth and clarity. Thank you for sharing your story.

Isa Catto's avatar

Thank you Dawn for reading -- it means a great deal. Now to get in shape for chemo. Oy!

Helen Obermeyer's avatar

You nailed it. So much gratitude for this and your uplifting message.

Isa Catto's avatar

Thanks Helen. We are walking this together.

Deanna Brinkman's avatar

Lovely Isa

This is such welcoming news . You are such a force with such a ideal partner who has the sensitivity to understand your feelings and emotions.

Lighting a candle each evening for your continued success 🌷💕

Kev Ward's avatar

I always look forward to reading your wonderful missives, and this is one for the ages! As Elaine says, your writing is clear and powerful, and is able to encircle its (sometimes brutal) subject matter in a field of magic and light. So cancer has its Orcs, so what? You have your legions of elves and their indomitable deep magic of hope and belief that stretches back to the dawn of time. Congratulations on this latest victory and thank you for writing about it – – and for including Sly Stone!

Isa Catto's avatar

Ah would that Legolas would hang around from time to time. And who doesn't need a little more Sly? Hope you are well and thanks for the good wishes.

Marcia Butler's avatar

Oh Isa. Oh Isa. Oh, oh, oh, oh! Much love, M

Chelsea Congdon's avatar

Buoyancy is contagious. Wonderful news . Let’s dance 🐝💃🕺🏻💗

Isa Catto's avatar

It is, it is.

Deborah Schafer's avatar

So glad to hear you are doing better. What a terrible time you have been through! You do write the best posts, though. Sadistic killers be gone!

Isa Catto's avatar

OH thanks for reading and am so excited that you are creating and showing! Huge!

Elaine H. Pagels's avatar

Isa, thank you for your clear and powerful writing--which put me in tears of joy, and I read it all to Alan, who shares delight in your good news--a new skyscape with an open horizon!

We love you both--and look forward to celebrating both you and Daniel!

Now revving up to depart the east coast next Saturday ( May 11)- to spend the weekend in Niwot, seeing Sarah and family, arrive in Aspen May May 14 or 15--staying in town (thanks to Jody and Michael, at their home, while they're away) to acclimatize before going up to 9,400 feet in Castle Creek altitude--hope to see you SOON! A long warm hug, and much love, Elaine

Isa Catto's avatar

We are here love! WE are here! Come for dinner! And thanks, your input is treasured. I will reach out over email. Off to Fi's graduation this week. xoxo

Sonya's avatar

Issa-so happy to hear this wonderful news for you and your family. Mazeltov!

Isa Catto's avatar

I will take the Mazels. Thank you Sonya.

Rick Keller's avatar

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It seems the magic of the universe (or the internet) helps distribute the loads we carry as it also distributes the joys. Thank you again

Isa Catto's avatar

Thank you for reading! And yes, there is magic in the whacky internet.