This is Cindy M.'s story . . .
July 2009 I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer with lymph node
involvement. I was devastated to learn that I had cancer. That wasn’t part
of my life’s plan!
After the mammogram, ultra sound, and biopsy I met with a surgeon to get
the final pathology report. The appointment lasted two hours because she
discussed all the findings and all the treatment options with my husband and
me. It didn’t sound good. I had to have surgery for a port inserted in my
chest, chemotherapy, breast surgery, radiation, periodic heart tests, etc etc.
There were decisions to be made such as whether to have surgery first or
chemo first and what kind of surgery to have. I left the appointment totally
overwhelmed and in shock. I was in a daze the remainder of that day.
When I went to bed that night I couldn’t sleep. About 2:00 am I got out
of bed. I was very anxious and scared. It had finally hit me...I had breast
cancer! I was experiencing some strange emotions I had never felt before.
I was so anxious that I just paced back and forth. It finally dawned on me,
“I need to pray.” I got on my knees and told my Heavenly Father that I
knew a lot of people had faced harder trials than what lay ahead of me, but
I was really scared. I told Him I couldn’t do it alone and I needed His help.
Immediately I felt peace. The dark feelings went away and were replaced
with God’s overwhelming love and a calm reassurance that all would be
well. I spent some time talking to Heavenly Father and sharing my fears
with Him. When I went back to bed I was able to go right to sleep.
I was given many tender mercies during that year of cancer treatment; I
knew that God was watching over me. I came to know how near He is, how
much He loves me. I learned to put trust in God and the Lord, and my faith
in His atoning power grew. With their help, and the support of my husband,
I was able to get through this challenge. I know that God our Father knows
us personally and reaches out to help us. I know that I can access the Lord’s
power to bless and deliver me in any of life’s challenges.
Cindy is a member of the Prairie Crossing ward.
