3 Year Survivor

The word "cancer" brings many negative thoughts to mind. It is a scary word, one that a person does not want to hear - especially from their doctor. Today I acknowledge a milestone in my life. It was exactly three years ago today that I got that phone call from my doctor. The results of my CT scan had arrived. There was a large mass on my pancreas and tumors in my liver. I could hear the sadness in my doctor's voice as he relayed the message. It was Friday and he encouraged me to give him a call if I needed anything or had any questions over the weekend. His compassion and willingness to be available to me was very touching. It also spoke of the seriousness of my diagnosis. Yes, cancer can be scary but I felt a peace. I believe it is what the Bible calls the "peace that passes all understanding." This peace has been my companion throughout this cancer journey.

Today I want to blog about the positive aspects of cancer. "WHAT?" You ask, "How can cancer be a positive thing? This scourge that robs people of their health and even their life. What can there possibly be that is good about that?" I agree that cancer is an ugly disease and the worst part is that almost everyone is affected whether it be their own cancer or a loved one's. There is so much to the dark side of cancer but today I want to share what has happened in my life because of that fateful phone call 3 years ago.

One of the first things I did was start notifying family and friends. The support and the prayers started immediately! At that time I was not expected to live out the year. I expressed a desire to get together with a special group of friends who helped me develop into the person I am today. Several dear friends in that group hosted a gathering of friends that was filled with love and good food. My pastor from those special years was there and led us in singing, communion and anointing. We shared memories just like people do after a funeral. The good part was I was there and able to participate and share my memories back. This meant all the world to me and is among my fondest memories.

I also had great support among my current church family. I lead a prayer group and one of our pastors led a time of anointing and prayer for my healing. Friends and family started to put me on their prayer chains including a cousin in Texas who works with inmates. I was told that the men in "the tank" were praying for me. Prayers in England and all over were said for me. Even to this day, I encounter people who tell me I am on their church's prayer list and have been there for years. To have this wonderful prayer support not only is uplifting to me but has certainly made a huge difference in my fight against cancer. God has led my doctor to the latest of treatment and I am very thankful!

One of the richest gifts that cancer has given me are new friends. Because of the rarity of my cancer, I sought out people on the internet to network with on this cancer journey. We share information but also out of those relationships I have met many wonderful people. Some of those people have become close friends. I will probably never meet them face to face but there is a love and a bond that has formed. What an amazing gift.

Cancer has also allowed me to help others. It is very satisfying to be able to talk to others who are going through tough things in their lives and feel the connection that my journey of cancer lends to their struggle. I have had several opportunities to share my faith with the congregation at church. Some people still comment to me on how those words touched their lives. I have joined the Care Force at church and am visiting people who are in the hospital and nursing homes. God has been amazingly present in those visits. My life is overflowing with the witness of God's abundance and mercy.

Cancer has brought a richness into my life that I would never have experienced otherwise. I thank the Lord for the people and the love He has brought into my life. I thank Him for walking with me on the journey. I thank Him for my family and my friends. I thank Him for every breath and for answered prayer. I am a 3 year survivor and I celebrate!

A Magical Night

One of God's greatest gifts is the gift of friendship. I have been blessed ... really blessed with an abundance of human gems that light up my life. Perhaps you are one of those precious gems that are of great value to me. Worldly treasures do not contain the riches that can be found when kindred spirits meet and joys and memories happen.

Last night was a magical night spent with one of those gems. Several months ago I felt an urging to treat a dear friend to a night at the symphony. January's concert date did not fit into her schedule and so we marked our calendars for February 13th.

"What is so remarkable about two friends attending the symphony?" you ask. "What point of interest will your night out hold for me?" My answer is, "perhaps none," but to me this is another sweet story of God's provision and His love for me and my friend. Timing is everything and God's timing is perfect!

Now before you think my offer to treat my friend comes from some great affluence or generosity, let it be known that I buy the cheap seats. Three tiers of ticket prices and I only spring for the seats in the balcony. Two tickets ... $18 each = $36. Still rather pricey for my budget but I decide my friend is worth it.

Now here's the part of the story that I find incredibly interesting. Just before I purchase our tickets, I read on the internet that the orchestra is offering a special Valentine's package. They call it "Sushi and the Symphony," which includes two concert tickets and a sushi reception afterward for $25. I repeat - $25.00 for two tickets AND a lovely afterparty.

I have lived long enough to know that if it sounds like it's too good to be true, it probably is! I call to make my ticket purchase for the $36 balcony seats but mentioned the $25 package. The lady on the phone is surprised I knew about it and says that it is her understanding it is only for season ticket holders. I am not disappointed because after all it was an unreasonably good offer. I order my seats, pay and hang up the phone.

A minute later the woman at the box office calls back to let me know that she was mistaken! The offer is open to the public and not only that but we can have any seats in the house that are available!! I am astounded. I quickly change our seats to lower level center prime seats and gladly accept the savings of $11.

Fast forward to last night February 13, 2010. My friend and I were amazed at our seats. What an awesome blessing to be sitting in the upscale section! The symphony was spectacular. We were swept away by the string, winds, brass and percussion dancing and weaving beautiful music right before our eyes. Had the evening ended there, I would have been satisfied.

In fact, we were not sure if we were going to attend the afterparty. Neither of us were sure we liked sushi, and besides it was being held in downtown Jackson, not near the music hall. We both agreed. Why not? If it was not to our liking we would have a funny story to look back upon, and if we loved it - even better!

We were not disappointed. We entered the building to the strains of festive music and entered the main room to a magnificent spread of food. The hall was full of people, many of them from the upper echelon of society, sipping wine and engaging in joyous conversation. From that point on it became a magical evening of good food, conversation and soaking in the ambiance of the evening. I had my first taste of caviar, which I enjoyed, and even had a taste of sake. We laughed as we struggled with our chopsticks and stood in awe of a God who loved us so much that He orchestrated (no pun intended) lasting memories for two middle-class gals who were much in need of a night on the town.

The Symphony has two fans for life. A thank-you note is in the works. I went to bed with my head swirling as I tried to wrap my mind around the incredible bargain, the total experience that a measly $25 dollars bought us. In today's world where there is so much deception and selfishness, I tip my hat to the benefactor of our evening and the Benefactor of Life. My heart overflows!