The Christian life offers this win-win opportunity
Almost one year ago this month, I started on a journey which didn't surprise me, but I also didn't expect at that time - my own cancer journey.
Once confirmed and diagnosed, I met with my cancer care team - an oncologist, a surgeon, and a radiologist. After a plan was drawn up for my "case," each specialist came in to talk with Ed and me. The first step of this plan was a lymph node nuclear test. The date was set for this mini surgery and the journey began.
What the care team didn't expect was the extreme growth the tumor would make in a matter of five to six weeks. The 1.8-centimeter tumor grew to 5.1-centimeter. Back to the drawing board the team gathered. Although they didn't have all the information which the nuclear test would provide, they needed to do something quickly. Chemotherapy was started immediately with a "shooting from the hip" as to which drugs to use. I guess it was quite the conversation around the table about my case.
Immunotherapy was also started along with the chemo, but it was administered every three weeks whereas the chemo was every week. I began chemo on July 28th and completed the last session on Jan. 11th. It was a long haul with plenty of challenges along the way.
The next step of the plan was surgery. That was accomplished in February. I healed well from the incisions and was back to my "new normal" almost immediately. The lymph node test which was scheduled at the beginning was done at this time also. The pathology report came back on the tumor as "NO CANCER" which to this day still amazes my oncologist and thrilled the cancer team.
Through all these steps of chemo and surgery, I walked in faith with God through it all. I knew He was with me and guiding the care team in their decisions. I rested fully in Him and had great peace. I considered the cancer center as my new ministry field. What better place to shine for Jesus than at a center where people may be scared or hurting on so many different levels. I made many connections with various types of people - patients, medical staff, registration staff, etc. Although I didn't have any "wow" moments in these connections, I kept shining for Him.
At last the final step of treatment rolled around - radiation. To be perfectly honest, I dreaded this stage the most. For one reason, the side effect of fatigue. I was ALREADY fatigued; I didn't want to end up in the wheelchair again. Another reason, all the skin issues which arise with radiation. Being fair skinned to begin with, I anticipated a lot of challenges with radiation. Thus, I informed my radiologist after the first week of treatments that I had great hesitations. And if my fatigue level started to drop off, I was calling it quits. Of course, she didn't recommend it, but acknowledged that it was my body and I could do whatever.
That following week as God and I chatted, I heard Father God whispering so very gently, "I understand your hesitation, but radiation is part of the original treatment plan. I have directed your care team in the way you should go. Remember the pathology report? I helped the team know what chemos to use for your tumor. Stay the course and complete the radiation." I humbly submitted myself back into the hands of my Father God. I relayed this story to my radiologist, too. And I mentioned that I do ask God to stop the machine when it's my turn should I not need the full 30 treatments of radiation. She slightly "panicked" and asked that nothing would happen to the machine. I agreed and stated that the stopping of the computer part of the process would work as a sign of no more radiation for me. It was my way of giving God an out in case I didn't need the full dose!
On treatment number 21, God opened my eyes to the secondary reason for my presence at radiation. Upon my first visit to radiation, I met two other ladies also receiving treatments. We began to chat and get to know each other. When the tech called my name, I jokingly said, "Oh, bummer, we were just starting our club meeting." Since then, we would see each other off and on. But on my treatment number 21, one of the ladies asked for my phone number so we could keep in touch. The lightbulb went off inside my soul that said, "She is part of the reason for your journey through radiation." I made a connection with this young mom of two children who just happen to live right around the corner to us. I mentioned that we lived on a farm and that she and her children could come see all the tractors and such. Of course, we can offer much more than views of farm equipment. We have a play structure, plenty of space to ride bicycles, a wooded area for family walks, or just a time to come and rest in a non-crowded living arrangement.
Again, I thanked God for His Hand in my journey through this past year. I learned to trust Him fully and live peacefully in the walk. Even in my hesitation of that final step, God brought joy and fellowship with newly formed friendships of those facing the same path. What an amazing God I serve to bring me through it all!
And as I always say, it's a win-win situation for me. If I get another day to live, I win. If God takes me home, I win! The Christian life offers this win-win opportunity. Are you experiencing this same win-win scenario? I hope so!
Gail loves the Lord most of all. She delights in her calling to be a wife to Ed Malick and a mother to seven children ages 23 to 40 and grandmother of sixteen. Ed is sixth generation on the homestead family farm in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan.
Seeds of Hope
Thomas Edison worked many years to develop the light bulb. The day finally arrived when his first one was ready to be tested. He turned to his lab technician and said, “Take this downstairs and let’s turn it on!”
The technician was filled with excitement as he left the laboratory. As he ran down the stairs, he slipped, fell and broke the bulb.
Discouraged but not defeated, Edison went on to make his second bulb. When it was finished, he turned to the same technician and said, “Take this downstairs and let’s turn it on!” With the same amount of excitement, but more cautious, he carefully took the bulb downstairs, and the experiment was completed successfully.
More often than not, it is easy to give up when things do not turn out as we expect them to. In a moment of despair, we find it easier to turn our backs on projects that fail or goals that crumble. But even though we may make a mess of things, God has not nor ever will give up on us. The Lord, speaking through Joshua, said, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go!”
What a gracious promise of His presence and power!
Prayer: Lord, may we always work with You to turn every tragedy into triumph and every disaster into a delight that honors You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Scripture For Today: Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go!
Joshua 1:1-9