©2006, Carolyn Whittington, Covenant Community Church

March 2000 began a journey that would change our lives. I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The thing about cancer is that you are caught unaware. Life is now divided in time: before cancer, and after cancer.

Surgery followed on April 12th, and then 28 treatments of radiation that summer. Throughout the ordeal, we felt God's peace and presence. He said He would never leave us, nor forsake us, and He honored His word. We also drew strength from family and friends. God was faithful in providing encouragement through cards that were received, a caring word, or a gentle hug.

The grace of God brought us through this trial and allowed us to take a four-month trip to Alaska. Before we left, I had taken tests that showed my blood counts were low, so upon returning home, I had more tests and a bone marrow biopsy. The results said that I had Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS - cancer of the blood). Thus another journey began in March 2002. We continued to trust the Lord, knowing that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

 Psalm 118:17 became my scripture to claim.

 "I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord."

It has not been an easy journey. These last four years have been filled with many blood tests and biopsies. Fatigue has been my biggest enemy. I have complained a lot, but then I felt guilty for doing so, because you don't have to look far to find others who are worse off. My husband, Don, bless his heart, has been my sounding board.
 
"But God." Those two words are so powerful. But God has heard the prayers of many faithful friends and family, and in January, my last biopsy was negative. I am now in remission. God's grace and mercy are so humbling. Who are we, apart from the cross of Christ, to deserve anything from Him? We thank Him, and we thank you for your prayers.

I would not have chosen this journey... but somehow, someway, God will use it for His glory. I know He has already. I continue to battle fatigue. My bone marrow is still not  functioning as it should. We know the MDS can return at any time, but we will continue to trust and believe God for our future, because we know He is in control.  

What cancer cannot do
Cancer is so limited
It cannot cripple love
It cannot shatter hope
It cannot corrode faith
It cannot destroy peace
It cannot kill friendship
It cannot suppress memories
It cannot silence courage
It cannot invade the soul
It cannot steal eternal life
It cannot conquer the Spirit
Cancer is so limited  
(Author Unknown)

 "Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."
(Psalm 103:1-2)