"Write it down. Make it happen!" Habakkuk 2;2
I learned this verse when I was trying to get a mission trip to South Africa organized for Feb. 2009. It happened! PTL
Along came 2010 and I had another PROJECT to work on in my own body. I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer with a life projection of 4 months. I took the chemotherapy treatments, experienced plenty of side effects and lived to tell about my experience. I particularly concentrated on other people with pancreatic cancer. I hadn't known anyone whom I could talk to when I was diagnosed and realized it would be good to have someone to talk with about this devastating disease. God have sent me 2 people in particular and I have developed a different kind of friendship with them. Mandy O'Sullivan was the first and Sowatha Kong Chea was the second. Both of them were Christians and both have died. I visited Mandy in her home and although she was far along in her disease I was able to share my own experiences with pancreatic cancer with her and her dear family, which included her husband, 5 adult children, and her mother. We had prayer and shared together telephone conversations later. Sowatha was introduced to me by her neighbor, who is a mutual friend. Our first meeting was in my home. Again I shared my experiences with pancreatic cancer and answered questions which she had. I visited in her home several times and had telephone conversations as well. She had a very supportive family also, including her 95 year old Mother who worked circles around us! She offered food to everyone who came to visit meanwhile keeping the kitchen spotless. Her husband and 2 college age children were at her beck and call., as well as siblings of Sowatha and her husband. I mention these because it is unusual in this high-metro area to have extended family living close enough to come often to support you. Especially when you've migrated 30+ years ago from a foreign country (their's is Cambodia). Family support has been tremendous for me as well. My husband, Hampton, has been right with me all the way in this LONG, TOUGH journey of illness. We have 3 adult children who've been supportive as well.
Tuesday, 10/2/2012, I visited my oncologist. He gave me the results of my PET/CT scans which were done 9/19/2012. These tests were to check how well the spheres treatment for the active lesions on my liver had done. He said that my body is again free from cancer. This time he didn't state that he couldn't explain it! When he'd told me that about my pancreatic cancer, he said "I cannot explain this." I replied that I could that it was a miracle from God. this is great news.
Wednesday, 10/3/2012, I visited my radiation oncologist who is the one who did the spheres radiation treatments. He casually walked into the room and announced my liver is clear and whatever was causing concern near my breast bone was gone. I said "That's good." To which he replied "That's great, I will see you in four months."
Once again I'm cancer free. As the surgeon who removed my gall bladder in May, 2012, explained "No one is totally free from cancer." Even people who've not been diagnosed with cancer yet, have SOME cancer cells.
I've lived 29 months since my first diagnosis and God still has work for me to do here on earth.
I appreciate the many prayers that have been offered for me. May God continue to bless you as you pray!!
Mary Barbara Kirk Hoge
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