OF BOOBOOS AND CANCER

Meet Varian, my dear constant date of late.

Now, before you raise your eyebrows, let me clarify. Varian, surnamed Truebeam, is this high-tech, space-age thingamajig dispensing radiation therapy against this totally dreaded disease---cancer.

With Heather and Cheri, and yes, gigantic Varian.

Yup, I’ve been diagnosed. But thank God, mine was itty-bitty and early stage; so my good doctors ordered only surgery and radiation therapy as major interventions.

Still, at the onset, this feeling of shock, “What, me? Cancer?” persisted. But as I catatonically hurdled the back-and-forth diagnostic tests and consultations, shock and fear gave way to awe.

How could a small “c” hold itself up against my big “C”!

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you,” Hebrews 13:5b, had never been crisp-er and touchy-feely. Christ promised to be with me through the highs and lows of my life---been utterly faithful so far. So how could I not trust Him now with this pin-prick?

Oh, yeah, pin-prick!

Because others really have it bad. My sister Malu endured her worst days with late stage cervical cancer.  As I write, three more among my loved ones, both sides of the family, are grappling with advanced stage cancer! I'm sure you have your own story to tell. 

No laughing matter, this insidious small "c". 

But see, mine was diagnosed early. And just in the nick of time! My hubby Jack and I recently just got our health insurance here in the US, breezed through a battery of baseline health diagnoses. Then bingo!

Yet, no fear! Him who holds our lives at the palm of His powerful hand has our backs covered.

He provided in advance for my situation. Because he never sleeps nor slumbers! (Psalm 121:4)

Loved ones, friends, our church pastors and brethren, bible study group members, prayed; sent well wishes; and checked in on me from time to time. May He give it back to them a thousand-fold.

Flowers? Never got a single petal. LOL, just kidding!

(Trivia from my daughter-in-law Opalyn: flowers are a no-no for cancer patients, especially those on chemo treatment. Something in them may lower their immune system.) 

Had my surgery at Scripps Mercy Hospital before Christmas. And enjoyed my best Christmas ever---my daughter Lucci's family from Australia spent the holidays with us. Talk of perfect timing. Talk of love being the best picker-upper.

Happiest Christmas every with my family...

and with my sister's family

 
Didn't He promise that His joy would be our strength? (Nehemiah 8:10)

He’s Jehovah Rapha, my healer, Exodus 15:26.

Booboo or cancer? They’re all the same to Him. If he commands, away it goes, pronto!

I thank Jack, son Carlo, and Opalyn for their perpetual presence, patiently bringing and waiting and sitting with me as we went from doctor to doctor and a myriad of diagnostics.

My family, especially our grandkids, have been a balm for my perennially downcast self . Yes, even as I ceaselessly prayed for my  little booboo to go away.

That’s what healing is all about: God’s love and family constantly going the extra mile with you even in your worst days. 

So here I am, on my third day of a three-week radiation treatment, with Varian as my everyday gizmo date. Won’t miss him though when it’s over. 

I’ll treasure though the radiation team behind Varian—Cheri, Heather, Noelle—of the Sharp Medical Center Douglas and Nancy Barnhart Cancer Center, San Diego (as all my doctors and other carers from both hospitals).

Today, trainees Kailey and John came to observe. Yey! for young people entering the medical and health care field. Patient caring is probably one of the toughest jobs around. It's a calling and a passion.

A special shout out to Scripp’s nurse Janice (a Filipina!) who made sure my pre-surgery procedures pushed through in spite of some scheduling snafus. A grade ten for commitment and stick-to-itiveness.

Lord, bless them all: doctors, nurses, other hospital and specialty medical services personnel whose expertise and genuine caring for patients make our days a little brighter.

Grace personified indeed.