I remember my last session of chemotherapy done on a December morning at the UST Hospital Benavidez Cancer Institute. It was a Tuesday, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. My medical oncologist called it my graduation. Graduation from six cycles of chemotherapy and oral chemo drugs, graduation from the pain brought by the IV injected every three weeks, graduation from various laboratory tests before each cycle of chemo. But it did not end there. I have to go back to my surgical oncologist for regular check-up until five years ago when I totally lifted everything up to God that I am truly cured and well. It was a nice feeling to be able to pick up and do regular routines without having to worry about one’s health, without having to worry about doctor and hospital visits. I hate hospitals. I can’t stand waiting too long outside a doctor’s office with other patients who have their own stories to tell. Seeing other patients is depressing enough.
When you are sick, sometimes depression sets in but your belief and faith that you will be cured of your illness helps to combat those feelings. When you believe that you will get well, you will. I started this blog sharing a bit of what I went through more than seven years ago. I wonder sometimes about those friends I met here who underwent the same journey as I did. Where are they now? I haven’t heard from them for quite a while. There was a time when some of my posts would be full of sharing about their plights as cancer patients and survivors or some members of the family sharing about it. I miss those because I would want to know how they are now.
Some people say things happen for a reason. I believe though that God allows us to feel the pain of being sick so we’ll get closer to Him. It’s when you are at your lowest that God lifts you up. I remember those lines from Footprints in the Sand:
One night I had a dream…
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord, and Across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; One belonged to me, and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of my life flashed before us, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path of my life, There was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life This really bothered me, and I questioned the Lord about it. “Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, You would walk with me all the way; But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, There is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why in times when I needed you the most, you should leave me.
The Lord replied, “My precious, precious child. I love you, and I would never, never leave you during your times of trial and suffering. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you.
These word often remind me to be always grateful for even the smallest blessing that happens in my life.
How wonderful. I am so happy for you. Merry Christmas!
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Thank you. Merry Christmas too Cindy. Thanks for the visit 🙂
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What a beautiful and touching post! My cancer experience was very different from yours. I had 30 days of cancer. It was diagnosed, and 30 days later I had a hysterectomy for uterine cancer. I didn’t have to have chemo, but I do still go for regular checkups. The Lord was carrying me through.
Hospitals. People look at me as if I’m crazy when I say I enjoy being in the hospital. Where else do people ask you how you feel and really want to know the answer? I met the most amazing people there, both patients and medical people. Granted, I was not in a lot of pain. That would be a different story. Often I prayed ahead that God would guide me to speak words He wanted spoken, and there were always family and friends praying for me. Meals were cooked for me that I didn’t have to clean up after, and I never dusted a thing! I was in five different hospitals on Long Island, each one just as good as the others. I wish everyone could have good experiences like I did.
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It’s nice to know you have overcome everything Anne. You are well and okay, that’s good. God is good. I am happy I had lots of moral support from family and friends who prayed for and with me. I underwent hysterectomy surgery too back in 2000, the year I left the bank for good.
I don’t hate hospitals per se. What I hate is the waiting time when I go visit my doctors in their clinics. It usually takes more than a couple of hours sometimes to wait for one’s turn in an ordinary check-up.
Thanks Anne for sharing your experience too.
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Heartfelt and beautiful. Thank you for sharing and l love that footprints in the sand story as well.
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Thank you so much Miriam. Have a nice week 🙂
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You too Arlene. 😊
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Thanks!
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Lovely post 🙂 love the footprints in the sand poem x
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Thanks Samantha 🙂
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Beautiful Words from the Bible. I have always loved these Lines – “The Lord replied, My precious, precious child. I love you, and I would never, never leave you during your times of trial and suffering. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you.”.
GOD gives us something, for a purpose. Now that you are cured, maybe you will be a Positive Inspiration to other patients. So don’t feel depressed sitting next to them. Talk to them, give them Hope, that is your Duty now.
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Thank you for the sound advice. Haven’t been to the hospital for a couple of years now so I don’t have that chance to talk to other patients. I make it a point though to blog about my journey here so other people who are undergoing the same plight and have been blessed with good health too would be inspired.
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Beautiful written about this horrible disease! ❤️
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Thank you so much 🙂
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These stories of illness and healing go deep, don’t they? I’m so happy to know yours ended with a recovery of your health, Arlene, and send you wishes for continued well-being, on every level. (And Happy St. Nicholas Day!)
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They do Kitty. thank you so much for your well wishes. I appreciate it a lot.
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Nice to read about the inspiration that got you through the dark times, Arlene.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thank you Pete 🙂 I am doing good.
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As I mentioned some time ago, my sister is on her third bout with cancer , spanning the last 12 years. This time it is stage IV, and the chemo may or not work. I am glad you got through your episode, knowing the toll it takes.
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Here’s praying that your sister get well soon Elizabeth. Chemo is not always the best treatment for cancer. There are now alternative cures but those big pharma firms ignore them.
Thank you so much.
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I was emotionally moved and still send my prayers for you to continue in this way. Healing for your future life! May you have a blessed holiday season, Arlene. xo
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Thank you so much. it is always nice to read such wonderful comments. I wish you a blessed Christmas celebration 🙂
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Healing for Elizabeth’s sister’s future life together, too! xo
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🙂
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Love you Arlene! Thank you for your inspiration! Merry Christmas.
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Yeay, thank you so much. so glad to know you were inspired by this simple post. A blessed Christmas to you too 🙂
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I don’t think it’s simple. There’s always nobility in truth.
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Thank you.
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