Fight The Good Fight

Barbara’s Story

Written By: Barbara Brown Cooper

My journey began the week of January 5, 2014. I went to the doctor on Tuesday

January 7, 2014, and was admitted to the hospital the same day. I found out my calcium had risen to stroke levels. On Thursday, January 9, the nurse said Dr. Rogers would be by on his lunch break. I knew then that it was not good news. When he arrived he said they knew I had some form of cancer, but were not sure what type. Dr. Galysh was called in for a liver biopsy. Dr. Dillmon became my oncologist. On Saturday January 11, 2104, she told us I had a rare liver cancer called cholangiocarcinoma and was very sick. She discussed treatment plans she had researched. After trying to take in as much as I could, I ask how much time I had. With treatment, maybe a year. At this point, my head started spinning, things I wanted to do, how I would tell my family, etc. I felt like a locomotive was barreling down on me, and I couldn’t stop it. I remember sobbing after Dr. Dillmon left the room, saying to Gayland I was not afraid to die, I just wasn’t ready to. I immediately started asking what I had done to deserve this? After all, I had always tried to treat people like I would want to be treated. Why was God punishing me? What had gone wrong? So many questions, but no immediate answers.

I asked Gayland if he would call my mother and sister. The next several weeks are a blur, and I honestly don’t remember much. Treatments started, friends and additional family were notified. I cried when I saw them and when they left, not knowing if it would be for the last time. Little did I know that God would start answering prayers. A friend shared scripture with my sister that she had claimed when she was diagnosed with cancer. Mark 11:22-24. We immediately

started claiming this scripture for myself. During my chemo infusions, my bloodwork would get low and had to be at a certain level before I could get my treatments. On one occasion, I remember Melissa, my nurse, saying my levels were too low, and I had to come back the next day to see if they were any higher. I sent my sister a text telling her what was happening, so she could be asking for prayer. The next day Melissa told me it was unlikely I would be able to get treatment as my blood levels would need to be so much higher. She said, “But I know you sent your sister a text didn’t you?” She knew everyone was praying for me. Well, God is in control always! Melissa came out to ask if I was ready for treatment. I replied, “You mean I can have it today?” She responded, “Yes, your numbers not only went higher, they tripled!” An answered prayer!

Gayland started researching different treatment options and hospitals that specialized in my cancer. Little did we know that God was already on top of this! It seemed at times that one door would close, but then another would open. I had to remind myself that things happen in God’s timing, not ours. Dr. Dillmon made a referral to Piedmont Hospital to discuss possible options. Dr. Nyguen said there was nothing they could do; I was not eligible for a transplant. The next day he called to let us know that they had a specialized radiation, called Y-90 or radio embolization. We were scheduled to see Dr. Arepally, a radiologist, who would perform the procedure. The treatment would work in conjunction with my chemo. Three different procedures were performed, and by midyear I had completed my treatments.

During all of this, Gayland and I made the decision to finally get married! The cancer had put a lot of things into perspective for us both. Dr. Dillmon told me I needed to stop working, so I retired on April 1, 2014. Prayers of all kind were being answered!

During my chemo, I was thinking how busy the nurses were and how they really needed a volunteer program. Dr. Dillmon said they had recently started one. So, I started volunteering in the oncology department at the Cancer Center. Another prayer answered as I had been asking what I could do to give back. What a blessing this has been for me. God has brought so many amazing people into my life.

“I have learned more than I ever want
to know about cancer, but I have also learned more about myself.
You can’t give up; you have to keep fighting.”

On July 19, 2107, I had a PET Scan, and the results were not what we were hoping and praying for. Spots had returned, but this time I had a spot under my liver and spots on my bones. Another biopsy was performed. My diagnosis was changed to Metastatic Breast Cancer, which opened the door to more treatment options. Treatment started again. This treatment worked until Feb. 2018, and I started my new oral chemo in March. On Feb. 18, 2019, I had a scan and nothing lit up. Praise the Lord!

I have learned more than I ever want to know about cancer, but I have also learned more about myself. You can’t give up; you have to keep fighting. God hasaplanforallofusanditmaybe different than what we have planned. The difference is that his plan has a bigger purpose. My faith has grown, and I have discovered that God will lead us through all adversity if we will let him. My faith, family, and friends have gotten me through this journey.

Even though I am still on chemo, we are traveling and living one day at a time, enjoying life!

Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.