Mrs. Barbour You Have Breast Cancer

Have you had your yearly mammogram ladies?? If you haven't you should and even self breast exams. Truth is, The Society of Breast Imaging recommends females getting mammograms starting at age 40. Cancer does not discriminate. Due to my mom's history with breast cancer 21 years ago, it was suggested that I start earlier than the normal recommendation. Super thankful I have been getting them the past few years. Lord only knows what may of happened if I had stuck to the guidelines.

Mom had her routine yearly mammogram in April. To much of her surprise she had a spot show up, that gave them concern and had to get it biopsied. She never felt anything nor noticed any changes. Cancer never crossed her mind because she has been in the clear for so many years. It was unfortunately confirmed that she had Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Ok, this is a setback but we did it before we can do it again, was my immediate thought. 21 years ago she was tested for the BRCA gene and it was negative. So much has changed over the years that we were informed that back then they only tested for 2 genes and now there were 26 they look out. She was retested again and all was clear. SHEW!!!! We felt relief knowing my girls and I should be good. Due to Mama having radiation 21 years ago she did not have the option to have radiation this go round. It was determined that surgery was needed, followed by taking a pill for several years. Thankfully, she is recovering well and on her way to being cancer free. She is a warrior and so tough.

I say all this to say, I have learned over the last few weeks that everyone's story and situation is different. Some women detect lumps, some notice breast changes and some have no symptoms at all. I can't begin to tell you how many awesome women that have reached out to help and give advise that is going through my same situation or already won their battle and wanting to help or encourage. I've also learned just because we all might have been diagnosed with breast cancer that doesn't mean we will journey down the same path. So many factors come into play when coming up with the perfect treatment plan.

My routine yearly mammogram was scheduled for June 26th. I made sure not to miss it because of Mama's diagnosis. I was told a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound was needed that day. As soon as it was completed, the radiologist came in and stated "Mrs. Barbour I am 95% sure this is CANCER and we need to get some biopsy's." I was scheduled the following day for biopsy's. After the procedures was done, I was told again "we are pretty sure this is cancer that is why we have done so many biopsy's to make sure we got what we need." I left in complete shock, wounded and numb. Now, two people have told me this maybe cancer. The following day, I got a call and was told that I had Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, I was completely shattered. How could this be, how could I possibly be diagnosed with the same type of cancer mom had just 2 weeks after her surgery?? We have always been tight and done everything together. Never would of guess we would walk this path together. I guess the Lord knew we would need each other. It took me a few days to get my thoughts and feelings together. I learned it was much easier to text my diagnosis than to tell it. I still don't know if I have said it out loud. I finally got myself together and as I tell my girls, "I put my big girl pants on" and decided I can do this, it's just a phase. What's the worst it could be, maybe a lumpectomy, radiation and a pill. See that is where I was completely WRONG... MY STORY IS GOING TO BE DIFFERENT!! In my head I was thinking things would go similar to mom, but I was wrong. I soon learned since it was in my lymph nodes, my road would be much harder. I'm so thankful my road is the tougher of the two of us. The good LORD knew I couldn't handle seeing my Mama go thru it. I know I was given this life because I am strong enough to live it.

The Lord says in 1 Corinthians 10 "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

There is no doubt this has changed my life and going to continue to change my life. Already, it has helped me learn how to prioritize my life and be grateful for every healthy day that I have.

Prayer Request:

Pray for me to have ears that are open to hear what I need to hear tomorrow at my Chemo teaching. Pray that I can process all the new "stay away from or can't do's." Just continue to pray for peace and comfort as I learn to navigation this new way of life for awhile and my family as well.

Thank you:

Thank you for coming along on this journey with me and listening. Thank you to all those who have reached out through Facebook, by phone call, text, card, gift, or just by simply loving on us. We feel the prayers and love! You are appreciated more than you know. God bless!