Now that I’ve had the conversations with family and friends, and I have a treatment plan (or at least a vague idea of one), I can let folks more widely know what’s going on with me.
In August, I was diagnosed with kidney cancer. My oncologist keeps repeating the phrase, “it didn’t get there overnight.” They think the gigantic tumour on my kidney has been growing for at least five years, possibly longer – they’ll never really know.
I’ve been unusually sick this entire year. Since January, I’ve been bedridden with a cold or flu for at least two weeks out of every month, except for April and May. I never stopped masking up when I am in public, but I have two kids in elementary school and unfortunately, they are my most likely vector for infection. At least now I know why? Apparently my immune system has been distracted by this tumour, so I catch everything.
I am more exhausted than I have ever been in my life. I wake up with an extremely finite amount of energy, and that’s all there is. I mostly lay in bed, and drink bottles of Ensure, because I’ve lost at least twenty pounds and I struggle to eat anything at all. The tumour is siphoning away my nutrients, and sapping my strength.
It… feels like bad timing. My family doesn’t agree, but I feel really guilty about not going on longterm disability with the university rather than resigning to be a freelancer. I would have at least kept my insurance, including some that would have helped us out because of this diagnosis. On the other hand, as my family keeps rightly pointing out, I was so horribly burned out, and the process to remain on disability leave was deliberately stressful and taxing. The university doctors insisted I just had a mood disorder and weren’t really pursuing any physical investigations. I got a new doctor, and he found this cancer within a few months. For all I know, if I had stayed with the university, I’d still be in the dark, and with a much bleaker chance of survival. But I am terrified about not being able to keep financially supporting my family.
Sigh.
Anyway, if you’ve reached out to me with an ask and I haven’t responded, this is why I dropped off the face of the earth. I’ve had to cancel all my talks and appearances, I’m saying no to everything, and I’ve paused my online Cree development work, as well as my writing. I am isolating at home right now, because I caught yet another respiratory infection and I need to recover and NOT get sick again, or it will interfere with my treatment. I’ve had to ask people not to visit for now.
Over the years I’ve been terrible at slowing down, at saying no. Well, my body has given me no choice this time. I literally cannot do anything but hope I get surgery as soon as possible.
I can confidently say these last two months have been the absolute worst of my life – and I’ve been through some things. The existential fear of leaving my family has drawn out the moments to an unbearable length. I feel like I’ve aged years with worry. I’m still in limbo, no treatment dates set yet, but I’m told that things are moving quickly. It doesn’t feel that way.
I have never been so pumped to have a major surgery, I swear. I cannot wait to have this kidney and tumour yanked out so I can get on to the next stage of treatment! Until then, I’m going to remain MIA.
40 Comments
Catherine Richardson · October 5, 2026 at 10:28 am
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear this Chelsea. Am sending you lots of love and good healing vibes. Cathy Richardson
Kathleen D Loewen · October 5, 2026 at 10:30 am
May the surgery lead to a recovery ❤️🩹 and may you be surrounded by care and support.
Brett Dorrans · October 5, 2026 at 10:31 am
Kick that cancer’s ass, Chelsea! I’m sorry you’re going through this. But if anyone can beat this, it’s you. Love you, from Scotland.
âpihtawikosisân · October 5, 2026 at 10:52 am
Awesome to hear from you, Brett, I hope you’re doing well 🙂
carlosferrand · October 5, 2026 at 10:33 am
Chère Chelsea, we are with you.
un gran abrazo
eLLe · October 5, 2026 at 10:33 am
So so sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
Sending prayers for speedy treatment, and healing in your body, and that you get a good rest! Blessings to you and your family.
Tamara Dicks · October 5, 2026 at 10:34 am
Sending you positive healing energy! What a scary time for you and your family. ❤️🙏🏼
Lisa Howell · October 5, 2026 at 10:34 am
Oh, Chelsea. I am so damn sorry you are dealing with this. You’ve given so very much. Rest now, recover. Your voice reverberates in all of us. Kischi marsii.
Anisa · October 5, 2026 at 10:37 am
Sending strength and patience from another person who had cancer with young children (13 years ago). I hope the healing is complete and as quick and straightforward as possible.
Gaia · October 5, 2026 at 10:39 am
Sending deep care and prayers of healing and wellbeing your way. Thank you for sharing…
Know that you are supported and held from community across Turtle Island, (grateful to be on Snuneymuxw territory).
Stephanie · October 5, 2026 at 10:40 am
I’m so sorry to hear this. It’s terrible. Let us know how we can help support you and your family, please.
A word that helped me thru treatments: surrender. Do with that what you will. ❤️
mctrmt · October 5, 2026 at 10:54 am
I’m rooting for you! Sending you hope, prayers, and support.
Susan Gingell · October 5, 2026 at 11:04 am
Strength to you, Chelsea. And much gratitue for the work you have done. May the surgery succeed in returning you to health.
Sheila Crawford Bunch · October 5, 2026 at 11:12 am
Wishing you the best possible healing.
Katherine Sinitiere · October 5, 2026 at 11:37 am
You will heal!!! You will heal!!! Your family will get through this with you!!! Sending love and well wishes and permission to enjoy life even in the darkest moments (not that you need permission). Love from Louisiana 💖
Liam Taliesin · October 5, 2026 at 11:57 am
Best wishes as you struggle with this journey and hope that you are on the road to recovery and heal.
NT · October 5, 2026 at 12:19 pm
Having just endured open heart surgery, I can relate to your challenges. Being a Métis woman , I can relate to you. Once we were warriors – now we can be ‘weak’ and thats ok too. Take care and when you can’t , let others- who love you, take care for you. 💕
Nancy and John Denham · October 5, 2026 at 12:54 pm
So very sorry to hear this. We both wish you all the best healing energy, take good care. May you recover quickly and completely.
Faith · October 5, 2026 at 1:06 pm
Sending so much healing energy your way. I can only imagine what that is like to navigate – especially as a parent. <3
Jacqueline Willette · October 5, 2026 at 1:49 pm
Oh, Chelsea! What an awful road you are having to travel right now. I’m glad your family is so supportive.
Please remember that your selfhood is your most important gift to your family, especially those dear children of yours.
It sounds to me as though you’ve made some very wise decisions. Carry on with that; people like me will still be waiting when you emerge from this taxing period in your life.
You have my utmost respect, for what it’s worth, and you remain in my heart. I’m not one for “thoughts & prayers” although I do believe that intention drives our reality. If there is anything more concrete I can do, please call on me. Sometimes a supportive stranger is just what the doctor ordered. *phone number redacted*
Rich Sobel · October 5, 2026 at 2:24 pm
Like everyone else, I am so sad to hear about this. It makes me angry that the former university docs attributed it to mood disorder. How racial is that?!! I am keeping you in my thoughts and meditations for healing and health.
pamthomson · October 5, 2026 at 2:43 pm
Dear Chelsea,what crummy news. I know you will do what you’re told! As a woman of high energy, I had to learn to “veg” after a stroke. Not easy. A wise person reminded me that vegetables don’t think. Worth remembering. May Creator walk with you and your family
Sarah Goodman · October 5, 2026 at 3:13 pm
I’m so sorry to hear this Chelsea. I can feel your strength and humanity in everything you write. Hoping you can direct that energy towards yourself and your healing. Sending healing prayers.
Carolynne · October 5, 2026 at 3:41 pm
Dear Chelsea I am so sorry to hear your news. I hope everything goes well with your treatment plan and recover. Rest and take the all the time and help you need. You have put so many good things out into our world, Creator will be looking over you ❤️❤️
Tanja Scott · October 5, 2026 at 4:12 pm
Thank you for sharing. I’m thinking of you and in my heart, I know you’ll make it through this. Our bodies have and can handle a lot. Please take the time and rest you need. We will all pick up the slack and take care of those who need it, when they need it.
Sve najbolje!
tanja radakovic scott
Emily Chan · October 5, 2026 at 5:26 pm
You will get through! You’ll trailblaze this and emerge steady with mighty strength, renewed energy and a bigger heart of care for yourself and every community. Sending you good vibes for a speedy surgery, smooth recovery and healing. 💜
Kate Chung · October 5, 2026 at 6:41 pm
Wishing you full healing – and soon.
M W · October 5, 2026 at 7:35 pm
Big hugs and love from Biyay & Glenn ❤️
âpihtawikosisân · October 5, 2026 at 7:53 pm
Miss you both!!!
Michael · October 5, 2026 at 8:40 pm
Wow! What a story and so good to hear you asked for a second opinion. It sucks that sick people have to advocate so much for themselves in our medical system right now. I hope the surgery goes well and treatment eliminates the cancer. F*€|{ Cancer!
Kat/Kate Martinez · October 5, 2026 at 9:20 pm
Sending love and care from BC.
Alison Burns · October 6, 2026 at 9:24 am
Dear Chelsea. So sorry to learn of your struggle with cancer. Hope you can focus on getting the good care you need. Wishing you a speedy and full healing!
Glenn Williams · October 6, 2026 at 12:40 pm
Hiiii, as soon as I got the email notification for this post I responded on FB Messenger. MC said you had responded on the blog so I came here to send all my love! I miss you!! Keep us updated on your progress and if there’s anything we can do to support you. 💚💚💚
âpihtawikosisân · October 6, 2026 at 2:35 pm
I haven’t been on FB in years! Will reach out when I have a bit more energy <3
Cindy · October 6, 2026 at 5:37 pm
Wising you a quick and complete recovery
Andrew Lavelle · October 7, 2026 at 8:16 pm
Always rooting for you, my friend.
Sara · October 11, 2026 at 2:53 pm
I’m so sorry to hear your news about your health. I sincerely hope your treatment goes well and you are restored to good health as soon as possible. I have found your blog very helpful in the past and am currently reading the new edition of your book, and am very grateful for it.
Sylvia Smith · October 14, 2026 at 7:53 pm
Chelsea, if there’s anyone who has the right attitude to beat this, it’s you. Thanks so much for letting us know what’s been happening. We’re all rooting for you!
Andi · October 17, 2026 at 2:45 pm
Hey Chelsea, I’ve been following your work from afar since you left Montreal and have found all that you’ve accomplished so cool and inspiring. I know there’s not much to say right now, but just wanted to send some positive vibes from out east. Here’s hoping things actually move quickly and you get all the best possible outcomes.
Susan Hill · October 22, 2026 at 11:09 am
Sending lots of good thoughts your way for a complete – and hopefully quick – recovery! Your contributions are so important, we need you around for many decades to come so this time focused on you is an investment towards a long future of writing and rabble-rousing!