While the COVID pandemic had everything shut down and life felt uncertain, my husband and I endured the heartbreak of several miscarriages as we tried desperately to start our family. After that difficult period, our miracle came in the form of our beautiful rainbow baby girl, a blessing we treasure deeply. Not long after, we were surprised with the arrival of our baby boy, which brought even more joy into our lives. However, when my son was just six months old, I received the life-altering diagnosis of Stage 3, HER2-positive, HR-negative breast cancer. The tumor was about the size of a softball and had spread to a couple of lymph nodes. This diagnosis abruptly ended my breastfeeding journey, as both natural and traditional cancer treatments were too intense and incompatible with continuing to breastfeed. Remarkably, my little angel seemed to understand the situation; he accepted a bottle without hesitation, making this transition easier for me. After carefully assembling my medical and holistic care team, it was time to begin treatment, even as my world continued to feel like it was spinning out of control. I specifically chose an oncologist who was open to collaborating with my holistic practitioners. He agreed to start chemotherapy at a lower dose initially, with the option to increase it if necessary. Alongside full-strength Herceptin and Projeta, I incorporated an extensive range of natural remedies, focused on healing trauma and managing stress, made some changes to my diet, underwent dental evaluations, and embraced various other natural therapies to support my overall wellbeing during this challenging journey.

Photos taken by my Beautiful sister. at Kristie Allen Photography

After just three treatments, I faced the battle of my life. While home alone with my babies, I suddenly went into septic and liver shock, along with renal failure. I lost consciousness several times during this critical period. The first responders struggled to get an accurate blood pressure reading and had to transport me to the ambulance laying on top of a body bag, rather than waiting for a gurney. I should have been in the ICU much longer than I actually was, but my intense desire to be with my babies shortened my stay considerably. Shortly after, I completed chemotherapy, followed by a bilateral mastectomy (technical term for lumpectomy). While under the influence of morphine, my surgeon isolated me and pressured me relentlessly into having a double mastectomy (I refused and stuck with the lumpectomy). In hindsight, I should have left and sought a different surgeon. Instead, he removed 18 lymph nodes instead of the 3 we had initially agreed upon. Not long after, I developed lymphedema as a result. I have recently finished immunotherapy and am looking forward to ringing the bell on 9/11, marking the end of this phase of my treatment.

Thank you for taking the time to read a brief snapshot of my story. Life didn’t pause for my fight against cancer, nor did it slow down to allow me to focus solely on my healing process. I had to continue being a dedicated mother and loving wife, all while managing the added stresses that come with family/friends. The death of one of my goddaughters, starting Kids Care Too in Alabama (Ashley’s program to gift the homeless), and many other challenges. Now that I have stepped one foot into the other side of this journey, I’m here to support and guide you on your own path.

With warmest hugs, Barbara

Many heartfelt thanks to everyone who has stood by my side throughout this journey. I truly could not have made it without the unwavering support of my family and friends. I am also deeply grateful to the kind strangers who reached out by sending healing energy, offering prayers, donating food, providing services, and contributing financial support. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I appreciate and love each and every one of you.