Colon Cancer and The Healing Power of the Lord
by Joanne B
(Cumberland, Rhode Island)
I would like to tell you a story about my mom, Josephine, her colon cancer and faith. A woman of Italian descent and an opera singer. My mom had never undergone any surgeries until 2009. She is presently 81 years of age lives with my dad Samuel, who is 82.
There had been a doctor that she had seen for over 30 years and she was never quite impressed with his diagnosis. She had taken a few years off from the routine doctor visits and felt fine!
I noticed last spring that my mom had lost a considerable amount of weight within a 2 month period. You see, my mom is the type of mom who does not want to burden her children with any concerns of hers. Both my brother and I insisted that she see the doctor and we wanted her to be healthy. Josephine said that if I was to find a new doctor that she would reconsider going to the appointment!
At that point I was looking for a new doctor that could assist me in the menopause stage of my life. I called my insurance company that had given me 3 names, the first Dr that I had called told me that I was too young to see her.
I thought,hmmm, I asked are you currently taking new patients, and the receptionist said, Oh Yes!!. I made the appointment and things really moved rather quickly from that point forward.
Dr. Moody asked for various tests to be done. She stressed that my mom have a colonoscopy. The results... colon cancer. There were 2 large polyps that had turned into cancer with an obstruction in the right bowel.
She also had anemia in which she was given 5 liters of blood to bring her levels up.
There was no choice but surgery. For some reason my mom agreed. We went to numerous doctors to make sure that she was fit for the operation. From August to October.. for me it was brutal. I did not want my mom to see me cry. This was the hardest thing I ever had to do!! God had given me the strength to go on.
We visited the Cardiologist, The colon Doctor( my brother and I called him Dr. ROTOROOTER), the physician, blood work, numerous tests at the hospital. Then it came down to meeting with the surgeon. He took a hold of my hand and told me now is not the time to breakdown, your mom needs your strength for the family. I agreed and cried in my private time at home.
Both my brother and I did not know what turns this would take on my moms life or the family. But we kept in prayer and strength daily. Somedays it was moment by moment just to get us through!
On October 18th , my mom had colon surgery and came out a Survivor!!!
Due to her impaction in the bowel , she had to have an ostomy which will be reversed in March of 2010! She was in the hospital for 6 days and after 1 week her staples came out. At that week visit, the pathology report came back. She had 33 lymph nodes removed(cancerous) And she is cancer FREE!. The doctors are shaking their heads, they call her the singing miracle.
On a happy note, when she attended her visits she would sing an operatic piece to the doctors and the nurses. She even did a duet with her respiratory therapist who was also a singer. Even before her surgery, Dr. Soma asked for her to sing something from La Boehm!
My Mom said that she remembered singing the songs and then was in ICU! She was treated like royalty!! And she deserved it. She had a rough life but always smiled and got through it!!
My brother and I sent my dad home to rest, when he came back I told him about mom with the ostomy and she just cried. I have never seen my father breakdown like that. After the nurses and the doctors explained that this saved her life, he accepted it!
Now he is her caregiver. It is just amazing!! the strength that God gives you when you think that you can no longer accept nor do... the situation changes to a positive one!
The whole team at the hospital were exceptional!!
The point I am trying to make is to let others know if they are in this situation ... it is all in how your perceive things!! My mother has a very positive attitude and just absolutely loves Life and she prays for all and is so compassionate.
The Lord needed her to testify that with prayer and doctors care and knowledge ... the two work hand in hand. The doctors also believed this! She is a medical mystery and is documented in their books at Roger Williams Medical Center.
And one more thing, Music is a treatment in itself. It heals, soothes, gives you strength, lifts burdens and makes you smile or cry. but it is a gift for all to enjoy. Listen to the Music, the Music of your life!
Do not go forth afraid... there is a power within you and your doctors.. Just Believe and then Receive.
Sincerely,
Joanne B
