Barbara’s fight against cancer

Hi, my name is Jocelyn and I am raising money for my sweet parents. My mom, Barb was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. She faced every obstacle and challenge head on and had the most positive, “I’m going to beat this” attitude. From intense chemo treatments, double mastectomy, reconstructive surgery and radiation, she never complained once. She truly showed us all what being a fighter was and how faith can see you through the most difficult times. She eventually was in remission and rang the “bell” in March of 2020. She had beat breast cancer!

Later down the road in July 2022, after going in for routine blood work, she received the news that she had Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), which they contributed to the chemo regimen she received for the breast cancer. We were devastated and had no idea what lied ahead for her, my dad and I.

My mom was admitted to Medical City, Dallas August 2022 where she received multiple rounds of chemo therapy in preparation for a bone marrow transplant.

She completed chemo therapy and was scheduled for a bone marrow transplant, however, by the time she was re-admitted her leukemia came back and was recommended to complete more chemo therapy in order to be eligible for a bone marrow transplant.

Hope was given and then squashed by unexpected infections, side effects etc., which ultimately prevented her from getting the bone marrow transplant. It’s truly been a roller coaster.

Still, she remained extremely strong through it all.

As of May 2023, she was given the opportunity to be admitted to MD Anderson in Houston. She was ready to be transported there to receive top notch innovative care. After paper work was completed and with the doctors approval, she was finally on her way June 21st 2023. In her own words, “MD Anderson, here I come! Let’s kick some AML ass!”

My mom and dad were advised to find a hotel in close proximity to MD Anderson because she would be in and out about every other day for treatments; however, there were times where she’d spend weeks on end in the hospital due to complications. My father has been by her side every step of the way. My dad was unable to work due to caring for my mom and started withdrawing money from his retirement to pay for hotel accommodations, cobra insurance and basic living essentials.

As of two weeks ago my mom was having severe complications, and doctors had to have the discussion no one wants to have. There were still fragments of cancer in her bone marrow, so a transplant was not an option, along with how weak she was, it just wasn’t feasible. A decision needed to be made on whether my mom wanted to keep fighting with another trial drug, (which came with high risks), or to stop all treatment. She bravely made the decision to stop treatments a few days ago, and we sit here by her side as we wait for our Lord and Savior to call her home. A visit from my husband Clint, and our 3 beautiful children is what she wanted and we were able to make that happen.

She’s shown us what true strength is and to always push forward with a positive attitude. She is ready to go home and we find peace and comfort knowing she will be made WHOLE again soon!

Our family is so grateful in advance for whatever you can give. Anything you can donate to help will be a blessing. We also appreciate good thoughts, prayers, and love sent our way.

Jocelyn Lanz