By Joan Mills, Contributor 
Cancer survivor, Joan Mills. - Carlington Wilmot /Freelance Photographer
SITTING DOWN in front of a doctor on a bright Saturday afternoon and being told that you have breast cancer, and have to do a mastectomy, isn't a pleasant occasion at all. That was last May.
PREPARATION
Only weeks before that I had got the words to some inspiring new praise and worship songs. So inspiring were they that I would even dream of them. Sometimes friends would even leave them on my voice mail.
Then I started to get some scriptures, the most powerful ones you can think of, lots of them. I got a little book for the songs and one for the scriptures and dutifully wrote them down as I was so inspired. At one time my co-worker thought I was rewriting the Bible. One scripture was foremost in my mind, and that was to let me know that something was definitely wrong and He was alerting my mind to something. It was taken from Isaiah 4:22 and read thus: "Produce your cause, saith the Lord bring forth your strong reasons, said the King of Jacob."
HOW I FOUND OUT
By this time, it was nearing sports day (which was held mid-May) at my workplace and I was encouraged to run, due to my powerful steps. I was a bit shy at first, but soon got into the sporting fever and started training. I was very excited about the upcoming sports day although I was sore and in a lot of pain, especially since I was staying at all-night prayer meetings.
Still, I was quite pleased with my performance on sports day, considering that I only had one week of training. However, I promised myself to come better prepared the next year. Our house, known as Red Revellers and considered to be "armed and dangerous", came second. I won three medals, a silver and two bronze -- not bad for a first timer, huh?
The following day the office was still buzzing with excitement and everyone was telling my supervisor, how I am a "big sprinter". It was the first time that I ran competitively and a marathon at that. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Later on, I developed a burning sensation in my breast. During training, I had felt it, but ignored it as it was just a twinge.
Monday evening found me at the doctor's office on the advice of my supervisor. I did an ultra sound the following morning and by the next week I did a biopsy, which was costly at the time. From then on my curiosity was aroused. I was an adopted child and, not knowing (much) about my blood relatives' background, I did some homework. I later discovered that my aunt died from breast cancer and my uncle was dying with lung cancer. In fact, he died while I was recuperating from the biopsy. This came as a great shock to me.
THE BOMBSHELL
When the biopsy results came back, and the doctor summoned me to his office, I was more than prepared, although a little apprehensive. I had done a lot of research on breast cancer and had a fair knowledge about it.
Still, it came as a bombshell. The results showed that I had breast cancer. When doctor booked me for surgery at Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), I thought I was prepared but my emotions got the better of me and so I cried in front of the doctor. He was kind and encouraged me, reminding me that it was not the end of the world and that I was not the first. I slowly dried my tears, took heart and tried to be strong.
Of course there were tests to be done in order to find out if it had spread. God was on my side, it had not gone anywhere other than the lymph nodes under my right arm, which were removed during biopsy. I knew I would be in good hands as my aunt was the Sister in charge of the ward and I was being admitted by my doctor who would be in charge of the surgical team who would be performing the operation.
GOING THROUGH SURGERY
I still had some questions to ask God even up to the Sunday night before the surgery. Sure enough, I got my answers on Monday morning. I was the first patient for surgery and I could heard a voice saying, "Angels are escorting you", while on my way to theatre.
The Lord was with me. I had a successful operation and had the full support of my church. Many prayers and fasting, I understand, were offered on my behalf. My co-workers and friends supported me immensely, as well as family and close friends.
GOING THROUGH CHEMOTHERAPY -- 'GOD WOULD HEAL ME'
I started chemotherapy on August 15 and got a second dose in September. Each time I did it, I had to be admitted in hospital for an infection that I either picked up in my throat or haemorrhoids. I decided not to take anymore after the second dosage. My doctor in Haematology wasn't pleased and voiced her displeasure. I held on to my faith, telling them God would heal me.
One day I noticed two other lumps in my left breast. I felt really concerned, went back to the doctor and started chemotherapy all over again. I was given a paper to do a mammogram and to go back to my surgeon. I was really scared, so I didn't mind doing over chemotherapy despite knowing the after effects. Well this time chemotherapy really did me in. It was not haemorrhoids this time, but a fissure or a tear in my rectum. there was no end to my pain and discomfort. I paged my doctor and asked to be given a voltaren shot. There was none present at the clinic, so he encouraged me to come into Casualty.
I did not want to go as I could not sit down because of the severe pain. At one stage I felt like asking the Lord to take me home, then I remembered my close family and friends and the grief they would feel and I remembered the promises that God gave to me, and I couldn't bring myself to do it. So I took voltaren tablets to bed at nights, and voltaren in the morning, which did nothing to help at all.
I became so frustrated the Saturday night, that I asked about 12 church brethren to pray for me. Sunday morning, I was still feeling pain. So with the encouragement of friends and family, I resigned myself to go to the hospital and began packing my bag. I couldn't bear to feel the needles as most of my veins were already blocked. It was very traumatic as the doctors searched my veins to get blood or give medicine.
Each time I see a needle I get the creeps, even the good veins disappear immediately. So when I heard the voice saying, "Do not go to the hospital, go to church," I did not hesitate and have not regretted following that voice. Everyone was happy to see me at church, although at that time I looked like I was nearing death. I remembered singing at church, and letting go of my song book. The next thing I remembered, I was surrounded by members of the congregation praying for me and anointing me with olive oil. I knew instantly I had deliverance from my pains. Even my tongue that was sore from the after effects of chemotherapy felt better.
I am glad to report I am feeling a lot better now. I know there may be some people who may be doubtful about my final decision against chemotherapy, which will help to ward off any prospect of getting another lump. But there are no forces nor power that can make me change my mind now, after what I have been through.
A NATURAL DIET OF RAW VEGETABLES AND FRUITS
After reading the words of the Lord to found in Proverbs 4:11-13 I believe that by putting my entire trust in God, eating raw vegetables, fruits and drinking natural supplement supplied by my nutritionist along with praying, drinking plenty water and exercising there can only be complete success. My nutritionist and God have played a very important role in my diet, as whatever I am told to eat comes straight from the Lord.
I am not saying that persons who are taking chemotherapy should stop. Not everyone will exercise the deep faith that I have. But if you do, God will honour you. If you don't, still trust Him and take your medication, and eat a healthy diet.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my brethren, friends, family and well wishers who supported me during my time of need, and may God richly bless you all.
Going through this illness has made my faith stronger in the Lord. And I do take the things of life more seriously. Have more compassion for people who are ill, especially people with cancer. I always encourage them to be strong and eat right and put in a word or two for the to the Lord. Most of all, I value my relationship with the Lord most highly, and look forward to the precious moments when I can really commune with him.
