My Cancer Journey: Recognizing God's Blessings

Being a one-year cancer survivor, God has blessed me beyond measure. Although my situation isn't as severe or complex as some, I believe that cancer survivors have many of the same challenges. I also believe that sharing one's experiences with cancer can be beneficial not only for the one sharing, but for others currently dealing with cancer, and for their families, friends, and caregivers. My prayer is that the Lord will use my story to provide encouragement and reassurance that HE is in control. Furthermore, health crisis, others will be motivated to have a more positive focus. As John Piper has urged, I do not want to "waste my cancer".

This is a journalized account of my first year. On July 23, 2007 I spent a wonderful day with my daughter, Angie and two-and-a-half month old granddaughter, Lily. When I got home later that afternoon, I checked my voicemail as I usually do when gone for the day. There was a message from WestHealth to call back as soon as possible - even a number to call after 5:00 p.m. My heart went straight to my stomach since I had just had my yearly mammogram on July 19th at the Breast Center there. I called and found out that they had found micro-calcifications on my left breast and needed to do another mammogram with other views and more magnification. I was told that it was probably nothing and that women are called back all the time. That offered a little relief.

"...I am the Lord your God - and I say to you, Don't be afraid;

I am here to help you."

Isaiah 41:13¹

I went to the Breast Center on July 24th with the idea that I would be in and out quickly. I had a lot to do that day. I ended up being there almost three hours. The mammogram showed a "questionable" area. Next, an ultra-sound was done and two different radiologists looked at it. They were both quite sure there was a problem. My first thought was directed at the Lord, "How can this be happening to me?- this must be a dream - because cancer only happens to other people! " The technician explained that the next step would be a core biopsy to get tissue from the lump and send it in to pathology to confirm whether or not it was cancer. Being the determined person I am, I asked if there was any way possible to do the biopsy right then. I do not like waiting; I like to get to the bottom of things right away and immediately have a plan of action. I like to be in control! At this point, I was not trusting the Lord, but I was sure talking to Him a lot. The biopsy was arranged after consulting with my doctor. I had to lie on an uncomfortable table for quite awhile as they were setting things up and getting the right staff together - since it wasn't planned ahead. I didn't care, because I wanted to get it over with. The procedure was not fun. The area was "numbed" and a long needle inserted in my breast directed to the lump by the ultra-sound equipment. Ordinarily, the needle is inserted and brought back out 5 times - mine was 8 times. It was very painful. I have always considered myself "tough" and practiced "mind over matter" techniques all the time. It didn't work! To make matters worse, the doctor doing the procedure was very blunt (which I normally prefer). As he was performing the biopsy, he said, "Yes, I'm sure it's cancer - I've done so many of these over the past 16 years that I know what it looks like". Now I was really in shock and in pain - and asking the Lord, again, "How can this be happening to me?"

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help

in times of trouble."

Psalm 46:1²

My personal experience with breast cancer has been a gift. My faith and love of my Savior, Jesus, has become deeper and more real. I have found that developing new relationships when you are hurting and weak actually strengthens others. My need has given others an opportunity to love. It is a two-way street of generous giving and grateful receiving. I have learned that Christians are never anywhere or experiencing anything by divine accident. There are reasons why we end up where we do. I know that one of the purposes of my cancer journey is to share my story and hopefully encourage others going through cancer or other health problems. My cancer sharpened my awareness of how God has always been at work in every detail of my life. God has limitless power and there are no obstacles that intimidate Him. The greatest blessing of all is the opportunity to share how Jesus Christ brought me through this health crisis and how I was able to recognize his blessings. This would not be possible if I did not know Him as my personal Savior. May all the glory and praise be given to our awesome God who loved us enough to send his own son to die on the cross in our place to provide redemption for our sins and give us eternal life.

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life." John 3:164

Please see http://www.thejoyperspective.com/ to read the whole story.

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Recognizing The First Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is not a type of disease that comes without early signs. However, a lot of women fail to identify the first symptoms of breast cancer. As a result, when they find out about the existence of this cancer, it has already reached an advanced state (stage III or IV). Thus, women need to recognize the early signs of this cancer so that the chance of recovery is high. The early detection of the cancer may also prevent further damage to breast tissue. However, the worst thing that can happen besides death is that the affected breast needs to be removed. This normally happens when the cancer has reached stage IV.

The first symptoms of breast cancer usually do not cause any pain. One of the most common early symptoms is a hard lump in the breast. If it remains even after menstruation, you need to consult your doctor about it, because it might be malignant or cancerous. Women need to pay more attention to the upper outer quarter of the breast since about 50% of lumps are found in that area. If you feel a hard mass in your armpit, it might be a sign that the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes. This means that it has reached a more advanced state. The lump can also change the look of the affected breast. It may appear asymmetric or larger than the other breast and you may also notice some dimpling or puckering. The nipple of the affected breast can appear scaly or retracted. The texture of the breast and nipple may also feel like orange skin (this symptom is also known as peu d'orange). A change in color and texture of the areola and nipple discharge (with or without blood) may also indicate the disease. The not so obvious signs are soreness of the breast and nipple, swelling of one arm and weight loss. Women experiencing those three symptoms often mistake them for symptoms of other, not so serious diseases.

Over 80% of breast cancer cases are discovered through self examination and therefore it is extremely important for women to perform breast self examination (BSE) every month, particularly a week after menstruation. If you discover any unusual lumps, you need to consult your doctor immediately. Additionally, women aged 40 and over are advised to get a mammogram every 1 or 2 years. By doing so, if abnormal cells are present, your doctor can do further examination to determine whether the cells are cancerous or not. If they are cancerous, then you will be prescribed the appropriate treatment. If the cancer is detected early, you have a better chance of successful treatment.

Identifying the first symptoms of breast cancer is critical. A lot of lives can be saved if women are more aware about the symptoms that can indicate this disease.

Original article