Cathy Nakajima, a renowned quilt artist, has had a tumultuous journey with her health, battling both physical ailments and skin cancer. Since her 40s, she has suffered from numbness and pain in her fingers, a condition she initially attributed to aging. However, in her mid-50s, she finally sought medical advice and was diagnosed with Heberden's nodes, a common affliction among women post-menopause. For 25 years, she has lived with these symptoms, but her health challenges didn’t end there.
In her 60s, Cathy noticed troubling changes in her skin, particularly a small red spot that appeared under her right eye. At 64, this seemingly innocuous blemish turned out to be basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. "When I discovered the spot, I thought it might just be an irritation that would heal on its own. But it started to grow, and I became worried," she recalled. Her daughter, artist Yanae Katsuno, researched online and urged her to seek medical attention. However, Cathy hesitated, fearing that a diagnosis of skin cancer would mean significant surgery on her face.
Despite her fears, the spot grew to about 5 mm in size over nearly two years. It was her son, Yohei Katsuno, who finally encouraged her to visit the hospital, reassuring her, "Even if you get a little scar on your face, Mom is charming, so it's okay." This gentle nudge helped her overcome her anxiety, and she eventually learned that her diagnosis was indeed skin cancer. The doctor explained that this type of cancer does not easily metastasize, which brought her some comfort.
During the surgery, about 1.5 cm of skin was removed from her face, which left her with a significant scar. "I cried when I saw the large wound on my face, but thankfully, it healed well without leaving a mark," she said, reflecting on her experience. Cathy expressed regret for not seeking help sooner, admitting that she had dismissed the red spot as merely a skin irritation. "Looking back, I wish I had gone to the hospital earlier. I thought it was just a rash, and I even tried to treat it with facials, which may have made it worse," she lamented.
Five years later, Cathy faced another bout of skin cancer, but thanks to regular check-ups following her first surgery, this time it was caught early. The second cancer was a smaller, less serious form, and despite the location near her nose requiring over 20 stitches, she managed to maintain her sense of humor. "I jokingly told the doctor, 'Your stitching is so good, why don’t you try quilting?'" she laughed.
In the wake of her health scares, Cathy has become more proactive about her well-being. She undergoes annual health check-ups and visits the university hospital every three to five months for examinations of her skin, eyes, and back. Last year, she experienced debilitating lower back pain, which led to the discovery of a narrow space between her lumbar vertebrae. "The doctor told me that building muscle is the best way to alleviate my back pain, so now I do exercises every morning and even dance a little to stay fit," she shared.
To protect her skin, Cathy has become vigilant about avoiding UV exposure. "I used to ignore the sun, but now I know it can lead to serious issues like cataracts, so I always wear a hat and sunglasses when I go out," she explained. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of managing stress, living by the motto, "Well, it’s okay." Cathy believes in moving forward when faced with challenges, saying, "If worrying doesn’t solve anything, I just try to switch my mindset and look ahead. When I’m tired, I sleep, and I tell myself that tomorrow is a new day."
Despite her health issues, Cathy continues to embrace her passion for quilting, which she finds therapeutic. "Fortunately, quilting doesn’t hurt my fingers, and I can still work with fabric without any problems. But if my thumb swells up, I ask Yohei for help," she said, illustrating the importance of seeking support when needed.
Cathy’s quilting classes are filled with students who share her love for creativity, and she finds joy in the camaraderie that develops. "We talk about everything from our projects to our health, and it really helps lift our spirits," she said. "Quilting is not just a hobby for me; it’s my life’s work and my greatest source of healing."
In February 2025, Cathy opened 'Cathy Mam Cafe' in Sangenjaya, Tokyo, where she showcases her quilt works and serves homemade cookies and cakes. "I want to keep doing what I love, and I believe that my 70s are just the beginning of a new chapter," she stated with optimism.
As she prepares to appear on the long-running talk show 'Tetsuko's Room' with her husband, Yosuke Katsuno, on May 1, 2025, Cathy reflects on their 46 years of marriage. Yosuke, who is 75, often expresses his desire to share a bed with Cathy, but she humorously insists on having separate beds. "He wants to hold hands while sleeping, but I prefer my space!" she chuckled.
Through her health struggles and personal anecdotes, Cathy Nakajima continues to inspire others with her resilience and passion for life. Her story is a testament to the strength of family support and the healing power of creativity.
