Barbara decided to get a second opinion and began a long journey of treatment. Ultimately, she had a lumpectomy, then a port placed in her chest for easy access for her 14 chemo treatments. She received 35 treatments of radiation and one year of Herceptin. Through this process she lost all of her hair and a total of 20 pounds. The journey was long and the fight was hard, but in the end, she was victorious.
“After treatment, I gained my weight back, got new cells in my body, new hair, healthy skin and a new attitude toward life. I’ve had so many people praying for my recovery,” Barbara says.
With a new appreciation for life, Barbara regularly gives back to the community. Every year, she has a fashion show where all the models are a breast cancer survivors. All the proceeds from the event go to breast cancer research and survivors.
“All I know for sure is that I have to keep it moving. No time to shut down and wallow in self-pity. I’d love to have a nervous breakdown with all that’s come my way during my breast cancer battle, but I don’t have time. I’m fighting multiple battles. I need my sanity and strength.”
My Story: “You Have Breast Cancer” was originally published on blackdoctor.org
