Tina Barrett is entering her seventh year of her journey with cancer. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, then came a double mastectomy and lots of chemotherapy. The central Kentucky woman said for the next three years all was good until she fell in early 2022. A scan for a shoulder injury tied to the fall revealed brain and vertebrae tumors. She said they were removed, and she has had immune therapy for almost two years.
“I go every three weeks and I am stage four cancer, but I’m alive and I’m still moving forward. I believe that that Psalms 91 says God’s gonna give me a long life and I stand on those promises and his word,” said Barrett.
The 53-year-old had a second brain procedure to remove another tumor in August, but it was not cancerous. Barrett said her advice to cancer patients is to ask about scans, if they are not happening.
Barrett doesn’t expect to ever be cancer-free.
“I know that’s reason why we’ve got to do these scans every three months and these infusions for the rest of my life. I mean I know that. But, there has been a few people make it ten years and a couple make it 15 years doing this and I say I’m gonna make 20,” said Barrett.
Barrett said she’s been relying on God fully during her time with cancer and that gives her faith in a long life. Thursday was Cancer Action Day at the State Capitol. Some 60 volunteers, many cancer survivors, met with lawmakers. Officials with the Kentucky Cancer Network say the organization’s major request is for $10 million each year in the budget for tobacco prevention and cessation.
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Tina Barrett with her daughter
