"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done…tell of his wonderful acts."
Psalm 105:1, 2b
Although it may sound strange, cancer has been a privilege in many ways. It is not something one would ask for, though!
My experience has provided endless opportunities to share Jesus Christ, what he's done for us all, and that God is very personal and is still at work in people's lives today. All nationalities have heard of cancer, and it's scary to everyone. At home and on mission trips to Belarus, Cuba, Chile and Ukraine, I've been able to share His 'miracle' (something explained only by the direct intervention of God)-done, not because of any merit on my part, but for His glory! Although I believe in them, I've never liked using the word "miracle" because it's so misused, and I don't understand why God worked one in me, but I do know that He's God. He chooses: and I don't need to know why!
My third operation for squaemous-cell head/neck cancer was done in 2002. In 1999, 10 lower teeth had been removed; in 2001, more bone plus new implants were taken out. After fifteen hours of surgery, I was kept under anesthesia until 24 hours had passed so I wouldn't jerk awake and undo the microscopic stitching which held my severed blood vessels together. They guaranteed my newly constructed jaw a blood supply!
Part of my jaw was removed, along with muscle, lymph nodes, etc., from my neck.
One fibula was excised, broken, then shaped, to be my jaw. Skin and tissue from my leg became the floor of my mouth.
My nationally known surgeon, an expert who does 3-4 of these surgeries per week, removed “two cancerous lymph nodes” from my neck (later confirmed by CT scan taken immediately before the jaw surgery).
I do know of Jesus’ “wonderful acts” because…..between seeing two malignant lymph nodes and their being tested, God had completely removed the cancer! “No cancer!!” From every angle, I prayed and thought about explanations. But the only word applicable is a physical “miracle”, which was further confirmed by a pathology report (my 14th because of 15 surgical procedures. All previous reports had numerous abnormalities. This one, other than the jaw itself, was perfectly clear. My surgeon said in amazement, “Judy, your pathology report is as good as it could possibly be”.
In addition, God so upheld me these years that I’ve not been afraid, though I very much didn’t want to do many things. Not fearful? Now that’s a God thing!!!
I have left-over effects—difference in looks, eating and speech. I lived without lower teeth for much of 5 years, I have many face/neck scars and lines (though age has caught up with me on that, too!). I have a chronic pain problem and numbness. But I have so much for which to be thankful—including a loved one who quit smoking because of my cancer journey, and my joy in serving others.
I love telling others of what He’s done—honor to God, encouragement for them!
“Not to us, O Lord, not us, but to your name be the glory.”
Psalm 115:1b