Barb’s Story

Site created on January 10, 2021

Barb was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma on January 7th, 2021, from a biopsy done the day before. This was initially flagged during her annual mammogram on December 28th, 2020, which indicated an area of calcification that required a more detail scan, which was done on January 4th. From the scan, the cancer is about 2 cm in size. This Caring Bridge is a space for updates and a space for Barb's story to be shared. This battle is one nobody ever wants to fight, but we won't let her do it alone. So, friends, this is also a space for you to leave messages and prayers for Barb as well. 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Joel Heebink

Hello All - it's Barb ! Today marks the one year anniversary of my surgery. What a year it has been! As I continue healing from my surgeries I get stronger every day.  I'm feeling great with getting back to the normal things I love to do and feeling so much more like 'Barb'. It's so wonderful to be able to play with my little girls and cuddle and pick up little Maizie. I still have healing to do and it can take up to a year from my last surgery. I get sore from time to time and have shooting pains thru my breasts. My doctors call them 'Zingers' and they are my nerves waking up from the trauma of surgery.

All of the genetic testing came back normal. This was wonderful news! We met with my surgeon early January and she was very happy with how I am healing. I'll see her once a year for 5 years with a ultrasound in year three. I will meet my oncologist in March for an annual appointment. 

Every time I hear of another friend or acquaintance that has been diagnosed with breast cancer I get very sad for them and start  praying for their healing, physically and mentally. This past year I have come alongside a few women that have been diagnosed with breast cancer. It's a sisterhood you don't want to be in.

I hope you are all having a good start to the year and I thank you all once again for your prayers and thoughts this past year for me and my family. You got me to this point and it is a WONDERFUL place to be.

Love to you all,  Barb and Joel

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