Natalie Barber

Survivor

Faith Over Fear

I began my journey with breast cancer at the young age of 29. I was visiting my gynecologist for a routine annual exam and during my breast exam my doctor was concerned I was leaking fluid from my left breast. I had breast fed my youngest child, but at this point, I had been done feeding for more than 3 years. I am so thankful that I chose to mention this to the doctor at my visit, and the lesson to all is, never be afraid to ask if something is NORMAL. 

So it began….

From there, I was sent our local hospital and oncology team for continued care, and after months of biopsies, labs, ultrasounds, MRIs, mammograms, I made the decision that with my genetic markers and family history, I should proceed with surgical intervention and long term preventative drugs. 

Living and coping with Intraductal Carcinoma in Situ was never something I would have imagined for myself or my family. I had the support of my wonderful husband and my beautiful children to keep me grounded, help relieve my pain and fear, and continue to walk in faith that I would beat this thing and I would live a very long and meaningful life. I fought my fear with that same faith for the next 5 years, and still fight with it every single day. 

We are WARRIORS