Thoughts from Breast Cancer Survivors
Have you noticed the number of illness or disease awareness campaigns? It seems odd there is a need to remind people of suffering since God said to His once perfect and now fallen human beings, “in painful toil you will eat your food until you return to the ground.” His words mean, no matter how much effort we put into survival eventually we all die. We are living in a world filled with contamination and toxins, so sickness and death should be expected and inevitable. Yet, every month our attention is drawn to support a cure of some life threatening malady. Why do we need awareness efforts to tell us what is obvious? Perhaps it’s because the obvious isn’t so plain and simple if you’ve never been afflicted or touched by the fear an out-of-my-control disorder brings.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. The pink ribbons, hats, shirts and signs are intended to make you aware too many women are afflicted with this invasive disease. I asked a few breast cancer survivors to share their stories, and I was surprised to learn that every woman believes it was the best, worst experience they have had.
Hearing the news, “I am sorry to inform you…” or “You have breast cancer” stops you in your tracks like running into a concrete wall at 50mph. But, this journey has taught me to look at the world through a different set of eyes. Fear is the first reaction, then terror that my children and husband may face life without me. But they were there for me and I don’t know how I could have handled it all without them. I am thankful and blessed for all I’ve learned about myself. My life changed, but surprisingly enough, all in positive ways. I believe my battle with cancer gave me strength and courage to change some things in my life for the better.
I experienced loss because of breast cancer differently. My mom would have celebrated her 88th birthday October 26, had an aggressive breast cancer not sent her home to Jesus. Isn’t it ironic that the month we used to celebrate mom’s life is now the one we are made aware of the disease that took her to her eternal home. I remember my sister saying to me as she rested her hand on our mother’s head, “I really hope there is another life waiting.” Grief made her briefly doubt her faith and God’s plans. Christians do doubt occasionally, especially when the announcement you hear fills you with fear. That is why I am surprised to hear faith-filled and encouraging words from our sisters.
Doubt, anger, and fear are typical human reactions in stressful situations, but Jesus tells us to push away the tools of Satan and see His mercy and plans for a life entwined in Him. In the midst of an enjoyable dinner party, Jesus shared with his closest friends he would die very soon. Naturally, there was an outburst of chastisement: “Don’t say such a thing, Jesus! It doesn’t have to happen to you. Hang on and we’ll get through this together.” Peter’s words of support were met with a forceful response: “Get behind me, Satan! You have the things of men on your mind, not the plans of God.” What an odd and unusual statement to blast at a man who couldn’t bear the thought of losing his best friend. When I first heard of my mother’s breast cancer diagnosis, my thoughts were similar to Peter’s reaction to Jesus statement of impending death. Just like Peter, I couldn’t bear the thought of losing my best friend. I cried, screamed, and begged God to take it away. My mind was on the things of men, rather than trusting in the plans of God.
My friends who have been touched by cancer are all Christian women who are convinced that this invasive disease brought them closer to Jesus and strengthened their faith. These amazing women in Trinity’s congregation will tell you they didn’t turn away from, but drew closer to their Lord.
Calling out Jesus’ name brought warm peace like a blanket of comfort and love. A faith under fire drew me closer to God. I’ve never prayed so hard in my life! I found my strength and comfort attending church and school chapel with my boys. I knew God had me covered, that He had a plan for my life even as I was experiencing this bend in the road.
I read the survivor stories with tears of shame. I was affected by cancer, but not infected. I felt cheated and angry and frustrated but never suffered a bone marrow extraction, collapsed veins, hair loss, metallic taste in everything, nausea, and exhaustion. Listen to the voices of the some who did:
Oddly, I believe breast cancer was an answer to my prayer asking the Lord to get me on a better path, changing things in my life that were pulling me away from Him.
I know I belong to Him because I am His child and He loves me.
I treasure every single moment and try to enjoy life to the fullest, finding joy in everything.
I appreciate every day I have, even the tough ones.
Although the attempts to control and cure this disease remain a little barbaric and definitely toxic, how wonderful that today, due to medical advances and funding for medical trials, we are blessed with so many among us who are in remission and waiting with assurance they will hear the words, “You are cancer free.”
To learn more about breast cancer and what you can do to help, go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation website. There you will find information on how to create an Early Detection Plan, fundraising opportunities, links for donations, more about cancer research and details about “Beyond The Shock” which is a free, comprehensive, online guide to understanding breast cancer. It is a resource for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, a place for loved ones to gain a better understanding of the disease, and a tool for doctors to share information.
Deaconess Liz Borth
EBorth@TrinityDowntown.com