Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
So, the doctor calls and tell me the biopsy shows that there are cancerous cells in my breast and lymph nodes.
My response, “I’m going to Disney World!”
A little back story. As a few of you know I had a biopsy on my breast and lymph node on Feb. 14. A week later while on a run I received the results we were hoping not to get. The biopsy was positive for a cancerous growth. It was the day before I was headed to Disney to meet up with my two friends to run the Princess Half Marathon for the 9th year in a row!
I immediately called my husband, Chris, and shared the shocking news. I finished up my run while having a long talk with God. The rest of the day was a blur as I packed, went on with life and attend two band concerts. It was horrible to receive this news and leave Chris to process the weight of this on his own. My poor friend Kathy meet me at the airport a crying mess! We were at Disney and I have always told my children from a young age “there is no crying at Disney.” Still, here I was at Disney facing the weight of this news. So, I tried to hold it together for a few days. I did finish the half marathon – I cried off and on through the first 6 miles – then sucked it up to finish. It was a very emotional race and I anticipated crying all alone in my corral.
Chris registered me this year and forgot to enter a qualifying time. If you run, then you know that means I was in the last corral. I was totally upset about having to wait over an hour once the race started before I even crossed the starting line. God is good and He provided 3 wonderful young ladies who I talked and laughed with for the hour and half before the race. It was a great trip and although Disney is one of my favorite places, I was ready to get home and see Chris and the kids.
So here we are! Next up is an appointment with the surgeon on March 2 to see what the next step is. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who hands hold it. God is the one in control and he will carry me and my family through this.
I have always thought about writing a blog. I feel I have so much to say, advice and opinions to give, stories to share, decorating tips, Disney trip planning advice – to name a few. This is never what I wanted to be blogging about (I think that is a term?). I am not a great writer, so I ask that you bear with my literary mistakes and just read the blog.
I decided to name the Blog:
Faith– it will be the Lord God and my Savior Jesus Christ who will hold me in their ever-loving arms and carry me through.
Family– I have a wonderful immediate family and extended family who will be with my family through the good and bad of this next year.
Friends– so many who will provide the much-needed love and support and break from the stress of it all to our family
Fabulous Accessories– I will not have control over my appearance the way I want this year, but I know where to find wonderful things that will keep my sense of fashion looking good!
Our family verse through this is:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present you requests to God, And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
I thank you for reading this and appreciate you joining our family in prayer as we start on this frightening and unknown journey. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know whose hands hold it. God is the one in control and He will carry me and my family through this.
Specific prayer for the initial surgical appointment. Pray that tests will be done quickly, and the results will show cancer is contained. Pray that surgery can be scheduled soon after test results.
Faith, Family, Friends, and Fabulous Accessories 
Remember, “I [You] can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me [you].” Philippians 4:13 ❤️
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Barbara, I am praying hard for all that you asked. Wish I was close so I could do more to help. Sending hugs!!
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I’ll be praying for you! ❤️
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I love the photo, but I cannot believe you have this diagnosis. I am so sorry to read this.
I think the blog is an exciting idea. Feel free to send me any blogger questions you have. We will be praying for you and following your story here in Maryland.
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You got this! I will be praying for your strength and complete healing. Walk with The King💕
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I will be praying fiercely for you my friend. You are strong and brave. God will take care of you.
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Will be praying for you! Thinking of you! Sending love and good wishes your way!
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Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! My sister was diagnosed with same last year and is now cancer free! Let go and let God!!🙏
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Praying for you and the family. God will indeed carry y’all through this journey and your friends and church family will be there for all of you and will help where needed – guaranteed prayers from our family to yours.
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Praying for you and your family as you all go through this challenge. Our God is an Awesome God and I know He’s got this. 🙏🏻💕🙏🏻
Deborah Kitchens
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I’m sorry, Barbara, but I was unaware of this when I spoke with you the other night. I only asked about your race at Disney. In 2007 when I received cancer news, one thing I was told that actually helped me (I lived by it) was simple: One day at a time. Now we would say this: One. Day. At. A. Time.
And remembering one of those Bible drill verses, Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, an ever present (ever present!) help in trouble. Praying.
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Praying for you!
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Barbara, I am thinking of you and praying for you and your family. You are one of the strongest women I know, and there are many of us who care for you and are here to help and pray you through.
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We will be praying for you while on this journey. And I’m super proud of you for writing this blog…keep it up! Your thoughts are uplifting and inspiring – and we can all use more of that! My verse for the year is Luke 1:37 – for nothing is impossible with God. Jesus is in your boat. He cares. He will act!
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Prayers for you and your family in this new chapter. Praying for your requests and that God continues to give you strength and peace.
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Writing is so therapeutic. Glad we can join you in prayer for the specific requests. Remember to take time to laugh and try to find the joy each and every day even when it is super hard. This verse carried and still carries me through each day.
Isaiah 41:10
10 So (Barbara) do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
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Writing is so therapeutic. Glad we can join you in prayer for the specific requests. Remember to take time to laugh and try to find the joy each and every day even when it is super hard. This verse carried and still carries me through each day.
Isaiah 41:10
10 So (Barbara) do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
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Praying for you and your precious family.
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Praying for you and your entire family. Imagine a big hug coming your way right now.
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I am completely devastated by this. I don’t have the right words. But, Barbara, you are one of the strongest, most positive women I know. Your faith, your get-it-done attitude, and your devoted husband and children, along with the prayers and support of your countless friends, will lift you up through this journey—a marathon of a different kind. If anyone can do this, you can. But I’m so very sorry that you have to go down this road. You are LOVED, dear friend!
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Argh, not what I wanted to hear! I will pray for your strength; thank you for sharing.
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Barbara, I wish you did not have to go through any of this. I know your strong faith will get you and your family through. As you know, you have a large community of us who are praying for you and want to help. Please feel free to let us know what it is that you need-pick up a kid, pull together a meal, just someone to talk to you. I will be touching base with you. I admire your strength and courage that it took to do the Princess run. I know you will approach this cancer with the same determination. Your, Chris and the kids are all in our prayers. Love, Heather and Mark
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Barbara—I am so sorry to hear this news. I will be praying for you!! Much love!
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We are praying for you and your family, Barbara.
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Barbara… Thank you for sharing with us what’s going on. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for support. I’m one of your biggest fans. And I’m so honored to be able to read your blog; to be witness to your strength and grace. I’m praying for your complete healing, and for miracles big and small. Hugs. Love. Prayers for you.
Debbie
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First of all, Congratulations on NINE Disney Princess half-marathons!! That alone should be a sign of your inner strength and how it radiates externally like a true Princess.
I am sorry for the cross you carry on this new and unexpected journey. Praying that your FAITH > fears 🙏🏼
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Dear Barbara,
We are sorry to hear about your diagnosis and are praying for a quick, effective and successful treatment process. We are here if you, Chris or the kids need anything. Please know you are in our daily prayers, love, Debi, Jim & J.T.
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I have recently re-connected with FBC bible study group so this blog is new to me. Let me start by saying I am praying for you and your family as you travel this journey. May God give you the strength to endure these treatments and help you overcome it all we are rooting for you ❤️
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