Paula Barbeau Loving on Paula Barbeau

Dear friends and family,


Our story started right after Thanksgiving with an annoying cough and low energy.  Thinking a trip to the doctors would provide some meds to help,  we were surprised to have further testing recommended.  This further test revealed at first a mass in moms right lung indicating lung cancer.  After further testing it was determined that moms breast cancer had returned at a rampage pace.  On Friday , December 1 our sweet mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that has mastasized into her lungs, bones, lymph nodes and adrenal glands. 


As you can imagine we were devastated to hear this news, yet went into full “do” mode-moving forward with a no regret attitude.  Gary and his family came home for Christmas, and our goal has been to help mom be as comfortable as possible.  She started chemo with a 3 week on, 1 week off schedule. After completing the first round, we were looking forward to her having a week off as the chemo side effects have been hard on her.  The biggest challenge is energy and breathing. She has been on full oxygen since starting chemo.  


Fast forwarding to this week, there have been complications that have landed mom in the hospital. The tumor on her right lung has made it difficult to breath and a side effect of the chemo is blood clots which she had in her left lung.  After running a series of test, the doctors are recommending that we stop chemo treatment and bring mom home with hospice.  


With all this news and it happening so fast we are truly spinning, but holding on to hope, Jesus and each other.   We have had so many people loving on our family by bringing meals, spending time with mom and praying.  Right now we plan on getting mom home and spending our energy getting her immediate needs met.  


I will be using this site to keep everyone updated and thank you all for so much love being shared with our family.  I have been holding tightly to these  verses:  Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord ALWAY as he is ALWAYS with us and Exodus 33:14 My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.