I am 52 year old mother of four and grandmother of five from Kaysville, Utah. I love my family and I love my job as a neonatal therapist. I work in the newborn ICU at McKay Dee Hospital with premature infants, helping them learn to eat and move so they can go home with their families. My husband and I love to travel, and my favorite place in the whole world to visit are the islands of Fiji! I love the people and the white sand beaches and the colors in the water.
I found a breast lump in early November, 2019, which turned out to be a stage 2, fast growing tumor. The crazy thing is that I had a clear mammogram 8 months before! No fair! This was not a club that I wanted to join, but I felt blessed that I found the lump on my own and got it checked out before things were worse. A breast cancer diagnosis is all consuming. It’s all you think about. There is denial and anger and frustration and many, many tears. I have a wonderful family that supported me through all the ups and downs.
I had a partial mastectomy in December, then chemotherapy for 18 weeks beginning in January. I quarantined at home, because my immune system was rock-bottom and I couldn’t risk getting sick. When I went to the store, I wore a mask. People looked at me really funny, back in January! I like to say that I was quarantining and wearing a mask before it was cool! The rest of you joined me in March for quarantine and wearing masks, haha! Thankfully, I didn’t have any delays in receiving my chemo treatments due to COVID, and I always felt very safe going to the infusion clinic to get them. Chemotherapy was rough. Honestly, the hardest part for me wasn’t feeling crappy after chemo, it was losing my hair! Especially losing my eyebrows and eyelashes. When I looked in the mirror, I didn’t recognize myself, and that was uncomfortable. After chemo was over in May, I went back to work in June and did four weeks of radiation. Now, I’m feeling good and my hair is slowly growing back. Life is good! Ever day is a gift.
MORE ABOUT BARBARA
BARBARA’S FIGHT SONG:
My family made me a playlist of fight songs to listen to when I was feeling down or discouraged, which I love! My favorite is probably “When You Believe” by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey (From The Prince of Egypt soundtrack)
WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY:
Spending time with family
WHAT BEAUTY MEANS TO BARBARA:
My breast cancer battle made me realize more than ever that beauty comes from within. It’s all about the kindness we show others and also the kindness we give ourselves.
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED:
“You can do hard things.”
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED:
Keep on going! You are stronger than you think you are! It’s all worth it!
Photo by Nicolas Weldingh — Kuata, Fiji — Unsplash — Quote by Barbara
Thank you to Barbara and our Bella Community for helping spread awareness regarding Breast Cancer Research. Through October 18th, a portion of all sales on Aftercare products will be donated to Barbara and her family. Share your story on social #lashforacure