Claudia Barrett Claudia's Victory March

As I begin my Victory March, thank you for joining me on my  life changing journey! The next year is going to be challenging, but I know with your love, prayers, and support I am going to get through this victorious and be stronger in spite of the cancer that has attacked my body. So how the heck did this happen? Well, it all started when I went in for my annual mammogram and got the call to come back for additional images, which led to a biopsy. On January 30th we would find out that I have invasive ductal carcinoma, stage 2, and ductal carcinoma in situ - which means it has spread into my lymph nodes. The tumor in my left breast is about 3.8cm.  
Over the last couple of weeks John and I have met  my amazing Oncologist, Dr. Alex Thomas, and my surgeon, Dr. Akiko Chiba - fondly referred to as my lifesavers! I am so blessed to have them leading my fight.  Dr. Thomas called me personally to schedule my first appointment and Dr. Chiba hugged me gently as wept in her arms. My point is, they are not just doctors, they are amazing women who truly understand the battle ahead, and I have all the confidence in world that they will save my life!  
My treatment plan right now is that I will go through 5 months of chemotherapy, 8 weeks of pretty intense therapy every other week followed by a less intense weekly therapy for 12 weeks.  Before starting chemo on February 26th, I will go through a battery of tests including a full bone scan, MRIs of various organs, and others I don't have the energy to think about. 
On top of all this, my second cousin who is 27 years old (same age as Zach), was diagnosed with breast cancer within a couple of weeks of me. So we will fight our battles together in true Munguia style led by faith and determination. Because of this, we both went through genetic testing to see if we have a mutant driver that makes us susceptible to breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer. If that comes back positive, my surgical plan will be pretty much determined:  a bi-lateral mastectomy and hysterectomy.  
I don't why this happened to me but what I do know is God is beside me and when I can't walk he will carry me! 
Wondering what you can do?  Pray.... pray that my genetic tests come back negative, pray that my cancer has not spread, pray for my family! 


Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  - Joshua 1:9