“I will give thanks to the lord with all my heart;
I will tell of all Thy wonders.
I will be glad and exalt in Thee;
I will sing praise to thy name, O most High.”
Psalm 9:1-2
Over a decade ago, a friend that I have known since 7th grade and I decided that when it came time to get mammograms, we would go together. In January of 2001 we went as we had several times before. The following week, my friend mentioned that she had received notice back in the mail that her test was clear, did I get mine? “No.“
I had assumed “no news was good news.
I learned that the hospital had lost my file and that my primary doctor had filed his copy of the report (which clearly showed a problem) away, without reviewing it. I had another set of mammograms and then was told I needed a biopsy. My biopsy was on the only “snow day” we had that year. I sat alone, looking out a third story window, marveling at how beautiful the snow was, how beautiful God’s creation was. I knew, or more accurately felt, deep in my heart, I had cancer and was anxious about the biopsy. But I was unexplainably calm and at peace.
God comforts.
Over the phone, my doctor stated, “You’ve got cancer.” Stunned and devastated, I had the clarity to say “Set me up with a doctor at Swedish Hospital.” My new doctor turned out to be a Christian (held Bible studies with fellow doctors) and a very good surgeon.
God provides.
My surgery was set, and as I was getting a marking wire inserted into my breast, Seattle experienced an earthquake. It was strong enough to cause some damage to the buildings which led to postponement of any non-essential surgery which forced me to walk across the street and down a block in hospital attire alongside other well-dressed individuals!
God has a sense of humor.
I was able to have my lumpectomy the next week. My doctor got clean margins, but had to take quite a large section to get them. He said the cancer was fast-growing. I underwent 36 sessions of radiation, blistering badly almost from the first day.. I had open sores for most of the time and felt sorry for myself some of the time.
God carried me.
It has been 3 ½ years since my diagnosis and surgery. I praise the Lord that I am cancer free. God knew in 7th grade that the friendship He set up for me then would help save my life.
God is good.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11