Cancer from Both Sides Now … A Journey of Faith

Have you or a loved one ever been diagnosed with cancer, a life-threatening disease, or a terminal illness? What were your initial reactions? How did you feel? Did you know your doctors well enough to trust their decisions with your life? Did you wonder why this happened to you? Was your faith strong enough to hold up to your decisions regarding your treatment? This book deals with the painful and agonizing struggles that occur with medical doctors, life-threatening situations, and with the mind blowing decisions that have to be made about the right doctor, your patient rights, the correct procedures and tests—all of which come without any guarantees of the outcome. It also deals with a journey—the journey of faith regarding how to get through a harrowing diagnosis of cancer or any other life-threatening or terminal illness.
Not all illness progresses in a linear sequence. That is to say, it does not always flow in the direction of diagnosis, treatment, and a final cure. This author experienced a roller coaster ride on a daily basis with sharp twists and unexpected turns. Factor in real fear—the fear of not knowing what comes next, the fear of whether or not she would live or die, and the fear of the unknown that lies ahead. None of us know the future. However, the author witnesses to us that having a strong faith and building on that faith based on God’s promises will give us the courage to endure whatever lies ahead. Realizing God’s infinite goodness, His healing power, and His divine love and mercy for us can serve as a beacon , guiding us through the darkness and into His light.
There is indeed pain and uncertainty that occurs with any illness, let alone a life-threatening one such as cancer and the subsequent insidious side effects that accompany prolonged medical treatments, chemo therapy, or possible radiation treatments that must be endured. And not only is there physical pain, but also pain on an emotional, psychological, and spiritual level as well. This book examines the spouse’s or caregiver’s point of view, which is an overlooked or unexplored issue in the health field today. We cannot simply discount their feelings and concerns about their loved ones. In the author’s opinion, doctors today don’t want to take time to answer patients’ questions, let alone questions from the spouse or other family members. Therefore, the author adds a chapter on the spouse’s perspective. Would the spouse lose his wife of 45 years? How will the chemo and radiation treatments affect his wife? What will the side effects be like and will the spouse be able to offer the appropriate home care ? What are the questions that need to be answered to dispel all the fear and anxiety on the part of the spouse or caregiver? Certainly, their life has changed too and their faith will be tested. How do they stay strong for their loved ones? How do they increase their faith for the long haul ? What happens if they break down or weaken because of the fears they have? These are issues which the author feels must be addressed and cannot be “swept under the rug.” because research has shown that enormous burdens on the caregiver can lead to their death before the death of the one they are caring for.
Another controversial topic covered by this author is that many doctors feel strongly that their medical opinions and decisions about your life are the only right ones and that what you as a patient have to say doesn’t really matter. It becomes “their way or the highway.” Countless doctors today have elevated their egos to the point that they are now your “god” and will dictate the rules that you are to follow. Don’t get caught up in this way of thinking—they are only human beings like us. And the author points out that they can and do make mistakes—some of which can be life threatening to you , the patient. But many doctors will not own up to their mistakes, leaving the patient to burden the guilt of whatever happened as if it was the patient’s fault. The author reminds the reader that no matter what the doctor tells you, it is your life, your health and your right as a patient to seek a second opinion or perhaps, even more. And if your doctor refuses to let you get a second opinion, that should be a red light with bells and whistles to get another doctor.
The author argues emphatically that there is only one God, one true Healer, who holds in His hands the ability to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually anyone who seeks His help. Faith is indeed an important part of the healing process and is a necessary step to a full recovery. The author takes you on her personal journey of faith with all of its ups and downs during weaker and stronger moments. But the roller coaster ride finally leads to acceptance and a stronger faith in God. Her journey and witness takes the reader from the darkness of being diagnosed with cancer to the glorious light of God, His goodness, mercy, and healing power. The author reminds the reader to live “by faith, not by sight”. This book is meant to help the reader obtain a deeper and stronger faith. All of us will one day encounter something that will “test your faith”. Be ready. Remember, this is an inspirational book meant to motivate you before, during, and after your “test of faith”, whatever it might be.