I was diagnosed with breast cancer sometime end of May 2020. I had surgery to remove the tumour and the surrounding tissue & lymph node on the 10th June 2020. Even with the initial GP visit, I had an inkling that this was a little different from a previous fibrous tissue lump I had a few years earlier, but even in those thoughts, God’s peace was filling me.
On the 16th June, the results from the samples of the tissue & lymph node came back and were found to be negative for cancer, which was a real relief to know it hadn’t spread. The tumour itself, however, was a ‘grade 3’ tumour, which is a fast-growing tumour. I can’t help being so thankful to God that we found it as early as we did. It could have been a very different outcome had we not discovered it, because I still felt my normal self, perfectly healthy. My thoughts often turned to that, and I still find myself being so incredibly thankful to God for allowing us to find it early on, and also for the quick action from the medical profession that followed—and it was pretty quick, from the GP visit to surgery. I give all praise to God for His peace, which sustained me throughout this whole journey.
There was only one time, that I can recall, when I felt a little anxious and that was when I was in the waiting room, waiting to receive the results of the surgery (to see if the cancer had spread), but as I quickly turned it over to God, I fell into His peace once again. I remember asking God why the diagnosis didn’t seem to upset me or cause me to feel anxious or fearful, the answer He gave was just one word, “sustain”. I believe His peace was sustaining me through the whole process.
Before getting the diagnosis, I was meditating on the theme of God’s peace in my quiet times. I believe, spiritually speaking, God had positioned me in His peace so that when the diagnosis came, His peace remained!
During this time, I was also dedicating my body to the Lord as a living sacrifice—every organ, cell, tissue, bone and muscle, praying for healing, wholeness, restoration and protection for every part of my body. I believe He created us, every part of us (body, soul & spirit), so He knows our bodies and is well able to heal (Romans 12:1)!
The Treatment
Chemotherapy:
I started chemo on the 15th July (1st round of 4). The path of chemo, in particular, is not one that’s easily walked—you can feel nauseated, tired, have a really bad taste in your mouth (which taints everything you eat and drink), and may suffer from reactions to the drugs given. I thank the Lord that He was there with me, each day, walking this journey with me. And because of this, I continued to be completely at peace.
One of the key scriptures I had while going through this season was John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” I have often made this scripture my prayer in many different life situations.
Radiation Therapy:
Concerning radiation therapy, I was a little apprehensive at first because of the long-term side effects. But it was strongly recommended, because I chose not to have a mastectomy. I prayed about it, asking the Lord for His guidance and consulted the oncology nurse regarding it—I then felt reassured and at peace, knowing that it was an important part of my cancer treatment. I chose to trust God in the process, knowing that He can protect me. On the way to the hospital one day, my son reminded me of the scripture “…having done all, to stand…”. We need to stand in God’s truth with unwavering faith, taking up our shield of faith in one hand and the sword of the Spirit in the other—and having done all that the crisis demands, keep standing!
During this time, I was also meditating on Psalm 23. God used this Psalm to reveal to me how He was my Good Shepherd, leading, providing and protecting me. I saw Him then, as I do now, as my Good Shepherd.
Hormone Therapy/Endocrine Therapy:
Because my tumour was ERP (oestrogen receptor positive), I needed to undergo “hormone Therapy” which is just a tablet taken every day over 5 years. This is the last of the treatments, but doesn’t come without side effects, including menopausal symptoms and bone thinning. However, taking vitamin D and staying active (exercising regularly, which I am always keen to do) can diminish these side effects as it’s beneficial for overall bone health, so hopefully, by being diligent in this, it will reduce the bone and joint symptoms I may otherwise experience.
Try God
Also Read:
- Men in the Bible: A Man of Considerable Goodwill
- The Myth of Omnipresence (1): The 5 Places God Always Is
- Overwhelmed
- Great Truths Adults Learned
- I Passed a Professional Exam and Got a Job After 10 Years
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