Val’s Story

Site created on March 4, 2018

Welcome to Val's CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
This is Terry Smythe, Val is in surgery as I write this on her behalf. I'm sure she will edit this once she is able. Val sent a text yesterday to me, Judy and Rabbit. We were stunned as I'm sure all her other friends are that her cancer is back in her bones after nine years of NED (no evidence of disease).  They are currently going in to put rods and pins in her femurs and hips so they can give her radiation and chemo once she has recovered. They will also take some biopsies to see what they are dealing with.  As a cancer patient myself I cannot express how important and helpful my caringbridge site has been to me. It is exhausting to keep everyone informed when you are busy fighting the beast and this is one stop support and information. I check my CB regularly and update it when I have news as I know Val will too. Please feel free to leave your messages here for Val. She will read them and it will make a difference knowing we all support her, love her and wish her well on this journey. Cancer SUCKS people! No words for how angry and sad I am that Val has to fight again!! So lets be there for her and do whatever we can. LOVE YOU VAL! DIG DEEP! THIS IS NO 500M SPRINT BUT YOU WON BEFORE GIRL!AND YOU WILL AGAIN!!! 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Val Barber

I have been enjoying the gorgeous weather and get out walking with the dogs every day. I did get a new dog, Sophie, out of Nome a month ago. I met her while in Nome and when I heard she was up for adoption, I jumped on it and had her flown over. She's a small 2 yr old lively chocolate lab mix. Tok came back with me as well and the two have become buddies. I am walking better all the time. I am doing some endless pool therapy on a treadmill and water exercises which really help me loosen up. Still tight in the hips from the operation but getting better. 

I am doing some hormone therapy and getting butt shots of faslodex every month, as well as a monthly shot of Exgeva. Also taking Ibranz. Consulting with my naturopathic doctor and she has me taking supplements. I am definitely feeling better and stronger. 

MRI's and Petscan last month showed things looking pretty good and no new cancer. The drugs should keep it from spreading but I need to be more proactive and am headed back to Ketogenic diet. It worked well for me before for blood sugar and is supposed to be a good cancer diet. 

I haven't been able to get my food wagon going this year but hope to have it going next year. I am planning on baking some goods for the Monday Market and teaching some classes there as well. 

I am keeping busy. My phone broke and I lost all my contact info but think I might be able to get some of it back. So if you haven't heard from me, send a message. I hope everyone is doing well. I always worry when these monster hurricanes hit the East coast or tornadoes rip through the plains. Stay safe out there. Love to all. 
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