In 2002 ,I met a couple studying the bible,and shortly after they were baptized the husband desperately needed a kidney transplant.My desire was to sacrifice.I was in the second round on the donor list.After a benevolent trip to India,I was slotted for testing and found that I was a perfect match.In September 2003,I donated my kidney.
The day I flew back to the U.S. from India,I drove directly to my 10-week old nephew's funeral.Jacob died from De Georges Syndrome,a hole in his heart.
Needless to say,death had become a reoccurrence in my life.
Two months later, I was engaged and thereafter married in January 2004.Within four months we found two lumps in my breast.I had a mammogram,ultrasound and surgical biopsy all in a single day.Two days later on July 9,2004 I was told that I had stage II breast cancer.
The initial surgeon was insensitive,rude and rushed.After finding a new physician, along with having a difficult time with traditional medical practice,I researched aspects of my treatment and prayed to God with loud cries and tears up until my surgery in September 2004.A year and a half had gone by as I finished chemotherapy and my surgeries.
During this time in November 2005 my mother-in-law suddenly died of Lou Gehrig's disease.I was emotionally exhausted. How much more could I possibly take?Only God knew.
By the end of 2006 I was having unusual bleeding from my uterus.My OBGyn said that this was not a miscarriage,though he did not have a clear picture of what was happening inside the uterine wall.He ordered a Diltion and Curettage process for another surgery in February 2007.I had several cysts that burst within the wall that needed to be surgically removed.After recovery and my annual mammogram,my husband Eric and I left for Central America.
On my arrival home, I received a call stating, "You're clear.No cancer." Whew! A prayer of gratitude went through my mind.Then my doctor decided to do an MRI and said that they see "something" in the films.Next was the biopsy and ultrasound.Followed was the dreaded saying, "It is cancer."July 2007...I was diagnosed again, three years to the month.The negative side of me chanted "I knew it." The spirit was telling me "you prayed to grow your character." More prayers,more tears.My doctors were in shock that the cancer came back because it was in a rare location.When the verdict came in from the advice of several doctors and specialists, I ended up with 2 more surgeries,extensive chemotherapy,general radiation and monthly Zoladex(2-year hormone treatment) injections.We were also told that we should not try to have children until after the treatment was completely over,which would be after October 2009.We were heartbroken and prayed through God's will.
The trueness and clarity of the Bible walked me through these challenging times.I celebrated my recent recovery by participating in a sprint triathlon this past week.Not to be the best, but to do my best.The completion of this event he lped me see that there is nothing that I cannot do,as long as I am alive.From time to time I may have physical limitations but God gives me courage for all that I am and all that I do.I know I am here to love Him, serve Him and help those around me to know Him.God has saved me from the world.Jesus is the Lord of my life.The Holy Spirit works powerfully within me.
My husband Eric is my hero.I do not know when my life on earth will be taken from me, but until then my desire is to live life to the full with all courage and hope.
If you have stories of courage and encouragement to share, please send them to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., meghna.thomas@dtoday.net, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
