PINK THE RINK: Barb’s Story
The following story is one of many authored by friends of the Everett Silvertips, in preparation for Pink The Rink, coming up at XFINITY Arena on Nov. 4 at 7:05 p.m. Proceeds from tickets and additional initatives benefit medical efforts for breast cancer treatment, through Providence General Foundation.
This is Barb Bird’s story.
I’m very proud that the Everett Silvertips honor Breast Cancer Survivors at “Pink the Rink”. This will be my second year representing Breast Cancer and I’m honored to be sharing my story.
My journey though breast cancer started in 2007 when I discovered a lump while drying off after my shower. I was seen right away at the Seattle Breast Center, where I had gone for all my mammograms. In 2006 I missed my mammogram as I was on a cruise with my husband, celebrating our 25th anniversary.
I think one of the hardest things to do was to tell my children, my family and friends that I had breast cancer. We were all together for our family reunion when I shared the news with my family. I found comfort being able to share with everyone at the same time. Lots of tears and fears were shared that weekend.
I had surgery to remove three lymph nodes and my port installed for chemo. My Oncology team was the best! When I started chemo treatments they were every other week, a total of eight treatments. I felt so out of place and very emotional, I still couldn’t believe this was happening to me.
After the first treatment I was hospitalized for twelve days with infections. What a great group of doctors I had. My second chemo treatment was given during that stay. I was so glad to be released to go home, but that feeling was soon gone as during my first shower, my hair fell out in big clumps. Later that day a friend graciously agreed to shave my head. Losing my hair totally drained me emotionally.
After my third treatment, my Safeway Division Merchandizers were holding a meeting with all the Northwest people attending. They invited me to attend or to just come for dinner if I was up to it. I was so very weak at that point, but I decided to go. It took every ounce of energy to get ready to go, but I made it! No one knew I was coming, it had been awhile since any of my team had seen me. I was now wearing a wig and glasses, I surprised them all. But I was the one in for the biggest surprise, they were all wear something pink and wearing “Team Barbara” buttons.
The energy, love and support of each team member lifted me up so far, it was like I was floating. There was no pain and so much positive energy. What a true blessing!
During the meeting they also disclosed how much money had been donated to Breast Cancer by our employees and customers. I was asked if they could acknowledge my team for their support towards me. Of course I agreed and the entire auditorium stood and applauded. What an Honor!
Later that evening the team honored me at a dinner, they showered me with so many beautiful gifts of PINK… the best one of all was a pink toy gun and holster, the card said “Use these TO KILL CANCER.” I will remember that day for the rest of my life.
The next day was another emotional one as I was told I needed a total blood transfusion. I postponed the transfusion so I could spend one more day with my merchandizing team. Their energy was something I can’t explain in words. I’m so proud to be a part of such a wonderful group of people.
The reason for having my treatments every other week was so I could spend Christmas on the east coast with one of our sons and his family. Then, two weeks before Christmas I was back in the hospital with a stomach virus. My family all wanted me to cancel our trip, but people that know me know that I’m very stubborn… I was going …. And I did!
I continued to work though this time of treatments. Many days I didn’t have enough strength to get dressed, but my company allowed me to work from home.
January 3rd I had another surgery it was to remove the tissue, around where the tumor had been. The chemo treatments had worked and the lump was gone. It took eight weeks for my body to heal enough to start radiation.
Radiation lasted another nine weeks, every day (except weekend). During that time I took off work since treatments were at a different time every day and I was really getting tired by the end.
I was blessed to be able to help out at our local food bank during those nine weeks. It was much more like they helped and blessed me, more than I did them.
I have to give credit to my wonderful loving husband Howard for his complete support, mentally and physically. He was my rock during this whole journey and continues to be to this day.
I would like to say a special thank you to all of the wonderful people that kept me in their thoughts and prayers.
Today I am 10 years Cancer FREE!!!
Think PINK, we can make a difference.
Our thanks to our friends at Safeway for assisting with this story. Tickets can be purchased at the link below for Pink The Rink.
