In The Nick Of Time or Divine Intervention about colon cancer.
by Stephanie
(Port of Spain, Trinidad)
I AM A COLON CANCER SURVIVOR.
I was one of my country's top athletes. The captain of the women's cricket team and also the regional captain. I was vegetarian for thirteen years and reasonably fit.
After I retired from active competition, I continue playing just for recreation.I had no illnesses or medical conditions up to this time (48yrs}.
Then it happened.
Everytime I ate, I would be in extreme distress.Stomach pains, nausea and vomitting became a part of my life.
The first doctor that I visited, sent me for blood and stool tests and also a Barium Meal and Follow through tests.
Everything came back with good results but still I was ill.
During the course of six months, I was hospitalised and visited five other doctors. They each diagnosed different ailments that ranged from "lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, gas or as one said "watch what you eat".
In the meanwhile, I was losing weight and feeling depressed.
After a year of illness, I got the opportunity to travel to Canada to manage a sports team and I thank God because that saved my life.
On arrival in Canada, I fell ill and was rushed to hospital where after an xray, I was told that an obstruction was seen in my colon and they needed to do a CT scan.I never in a million years thought that I would hear those dreaded words, "you have cancer".
I screamed at the doctors in denial "You are wrong, I cannot have cancer. I visited six doctors , I did tests. It cannot be true".
In a strange country , hearing this was indescribable.I felt lost, alone and scared.
Then my Christian upbringing sprung forth and I called on God to take my hand and take me through this experience. I felt a calm that was unbelievable.
I trusted Him to heal me and get rid of the cancer and I had Faith.
I had emergency surgery and a colostomy bag was placed. I made a remakable recovery and waited with bated breath for the two weeks that it took to get the results of the tests to see whether the cancer had spread.
During this time, my family and friends rallied around me with so much love and support , that was so touching , I was overwhelmed.
On the day that I was due to get the results, I felt nervous and cried copious tears. I felt so much relief when the doctor said "why are you crying? You have the best possible result, THERE WAS NO SPREAD."
Thank you Doctor, I screamed, this time with relief and happiness.My sister Delta said "I think you should say thank God". "THANK YOU JESUS" I cried, falling into my sister's arms.
I was told that chemotherapy was not necessary but when I returned to my country, I should see an oncologist.
That was four years ago. On my return home, I visited an oncologist who recommended CEA tests every month. In time with the good results shown, this was increased to every three months and now every six months. I wore the colostomy bag for fourteen months and then had surgery to have it removed and my colon rejoined.
I had a colonoscopy done twice in the four years and also have done annual pap smears and mammograms. I will continue to be vigilant although I believe that I have been healed completely by the Lord.
I tell all my loved ones DO NOT WAIT FOR THE SYMPTOMS TO SHOW. COLON CANCER CAN BE BEATEN IF CAUGHT EARLY.
