I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
The Lord GOD is my strength
Habakkuk 3:18
Trials come in all shapes and sizes. Mine came in the shape of Melanoma.
Fourteen years ago I found a mole on the top of my right foot that was found to be Melanoma. It was removed and no further treatment was advised.
In 2004, while we were away on a trip, I found a lump in my groin on the same side as the original Melanoma . Although we played praise music all the way home, there was not much praise going on in my heart. I was scared. Even though I knew that nothing occurred in my life without first having been filtered through God’s hands, I had doubt in my heart. My faith was so very weak.
Three surgeries were performed. Then, for four weeks, I received infusions five days a week. The medicine was high dose Interferon. The doctor gave me a 2-week break between the 4-week session and the next 48-week session of giving myself injections three times a week. In the 20th week of treatment, I woke up one morning with the left side of my face paralyzed. Bell's Palsy had attacked my head and neck. Fortunately, that side effect reversed after I was taken off of the Interferon and put on Prednisone.
Then, in 2007, Melanoma bumps began appearing on the same leg. I could not take the Interferon treatment again, so I underwent Isolated Limb Perfusion in another state.
My leg was isolated with a tourniquet so that strong chemo would circulate only throughout my leg. Early testing following this treatment showed me to be cancer free. But in early 2008, Melanoma raised its ugly head again! Discouragement settled in big-time. Fortunately, my oncologist was involved in clinical trials for a new Melanoma protocol. After a long wait, I was approved to be one of the first to use the treatment. According to recent scans, this regimen has finally conquered the Melanoma. I am now regaining my health and strength from the side effects
Today I am cancer free! Today, my faith is stronger than before my cancer diagnosis. The journey has been difficult, yet it has been full of spiritual lessons. Now I only want to praise the Lord continually. I want everyone to know what God has done for me. I want you to know that He can do the same for you. He can strengthen your spirit, giving you peace, hope and joy. I want you to understand that God is in control. He does know what is going on in our lives. Nothing happens by chance. Every detail is in God's hands. You can trust Him with your life!
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance, and let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4