Support Barb Butterworth's Fight Against Cancer

I'm James Cutschall, Barb Butterworth's younger brother. Barbie's had some bad news this year. Her cancer has come back, and this time with a vengeance! Until 2 months ago, Barbie didn't know that the pain in her chest and shortness of breath was actually stage 4 cancer in both her lungs. But there's more to her story.

Barb's been the victim of multiple cancer misdiagnoses. Barb first noticed there was an issue in May of 2020. Her doc said it was a sign of aging. False! Then in Nov. 2020 she noticed more symptoms. Her doc said it was nothing to worry about ... that she would "keep an eye on it". False! After her symptoms persisted, in Jan. 2021 she requested a more intensive ultrasound be done, which showed a possible cancer lump. Her doc said it looked like a cyst and it would be surgically removed and biopsied. During the surgery it was discovered to be a larger, more aggressive breast cancer. In April 2021, a second operation was needed to remove the remaining cancer. After months of chemotherapy, the next 3 years showed no signs of cancer. We were all hopeful that Barb had kicked this thing!!!

In August 2024, Barb was feeling exhausted all the time. She was also having difficulty breathing and random chest pains, which were getting worse. Over her protests of "I'm fine, I just need to catch my breath", Barb's two guardian angels (Valerie and Amelie) insisted she check into the hospital. Extensive exams and X-rays showed no heart problems, but a CAT scan showed spots on her lungs. A PET scan confirmed it to be lung cancer. The doctors consider this breast cancer that has spread to the lungs. Barb is not a smoker, so this is just so unfair!!

Barb has family support nearby. Our Mom, Jeanne Cutschall (aged 96) lives in Palm Coast. Barb's siblings have come to visit Barbie and Mom since moving to Florida, but of course it's never often enough. Mom has taken the news hard but has stayed optimistic. Our Aunt Max calls and sends cheerful cards. Aunt Max and Mom had a mass said for Barbie. (So touching!) Finally Barb's dear friend Janette has been on this journey with Barb, via phone and video chat, from the very beginning. Barb has touched many people in her life and we know her to be a quick intellect and a kind heart, deeply engaged with her community.

In Barbies' words, "I am so grateful for my family and my family of friends!" Barb is in chemo now and taking two kinds of injections (low white blood cell count). Barb remains hopeful and positive!! We are told there are many new treatments for this type of cancer, even at stage 4. I pray this is true and Barb finds her way through!

As Barbie remains hopeful, so do I. I'm also hoping her family, friends, acquaintances (and even strangers) can help to offset her growing medical bills. Thank you so much for reading Barb's Story!