In honor of Barb Martin
Barb Martin of Raleigh didn’t know that the advocacy work she did after earning her MPH degree from the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health would help in her experience with breast cancer. The 1995 graduate who works at Wake Forest University School of Medicine on a cancer control training grant had previously taught advocacy skills to North Carolina community groups for reducing underage drinking. “I didn’t think I would have to use that training for myself,” Martin explains.
She found a lump in her breast while taking a shower in April of 2009. “I had had a mammogram, but this didn’t show up,” explains Martin. Since her diagnosis, she has undergone surgery and chemotherapy for her cancer, genetic testing that led to a surgery to remove her ovaries because of her genetic susceptibility, and reconstructive surgery.
“As a patient, I have had to advocate for myself, asking questions and getting help navigating through the different treatment modalities. It’s important that patients be involved in their care.”
Martin says that having cancer has “given me more confidence in who I am. I’ve been tested, and I didn’t melt.” She turned the experience of losing her hair, something that was especially frightening to her two children, into a game.” I told them, ‘Momma will be losing her hair, but you’ll be able to paint Momma’s head.’ That intrigued them and made it less scary.”
She suggests that newly diagnosed patients “find a reserve of strength and healing and draw from it.”
She says, “I promised myself I would be honest throughout the whole process. Cancer is an enigma, and it scares the hell out of you. I want to dispel some of the mysticism, and I hope that the CaringBridge journal will be helpful.”
Martin’s breast cancer journey, including photos of the head painting, is chronicled in her CaringBridge journal entries. Her honest, humorous, and moving story will resonate with cancer patients and inspire their caregivers. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/barbmartin