Hello everyone. If you are here it's because you love our mama and we are so grateful for that. Since the latest chapter of her life started, mid-February, the outpouring of support has been overwhelming and speaks volumes to the amazing lady our mom is. Thank you all so much for the kind words, positive thoughts, and continued prayers.
Mom returned February 21st from visiting her grand-twins in Nashville for a week. While out there, Joe and Jessie noticed she was occasionally having difficulty communicating basic thoughts or intentions. She would unknowingly use the wrong words while reading to the kids or leave words out all together. It was clear she was comprehending everything, she was just having trouble verbalizing it . She became a little frustrated when it was pointed out yet couldn't correct herself. While she was happy, she was far from her exuberant self. Mom agreed that something was going on so we set up an appointment with her doctor in San Diego for as soon as she got back. Things moved quickly from there and after two days and nights spent in two different emergency rooms with Chris, we received the devastating news that our mother, your Barb, has a brain tumor.
They will not know for certain the exact name or nature of the tumor until they can get their hands on it, but the more doctors/experts we talk to, the more they all seem to agree that we are dealing with GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME (GBM.) I'll be posting some links, but a simply google search will show you how bad a GBM is.
The last thing we have for now is to share why we called the site "Be Barb Strong". Throughout her life, our Mom has faced many adversities. Through them all she has carried her motto "Be Strong" with her. Over the years we've come across small handwritten notes to herself, reminders in times of hardship or sadness to continue to be brave, move forward, and never give up...to just be strong. This continues to be her plan with this latest curveball life has thrown at her. And that is what she will need from us...let's all Be Barb Strong for her and for each other.
We'll try to keep you updated as much as possible. Feel free to reach out to us (Chris or Jessie) if you need anything, but due to her vast and loving support system this will be the best way for us to keep everyone quickly in the loop. Please keep those prayers and good vibes coming her way, we are only just beginning this journey, and we will need them along the road ahead! And again, THANK YOU ALL so much for your love and support!!!!
If you need to reach us:
Chris: omahoney007@gmail.com
Jessie: jstarnes85@gmail.com
*General Information
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/brain-cancer/what-is-glioblastoma#1We move forward positively realistic, but we will NEVER give up hope to beat this. Here are just a few success stories...
*“There are those of us out there who survive,” she says. “A lot of people get really devastated, but there is progress being made.”
http://www.baileymedicalcenter.com/spreading-hope-%25E2%2580%2593-brain-cancer-survivor-continues-beat-odds*Bob recalls that the doctor said he would have "maybe 18 months.” With a twinkle in his eye, Bob says, “And here we are — ten years later."
https://www.mskcc.org/experience/hear-from-patients/bob
