WHAT DO WE DO NOW?The Story of Timalee L.

I remember perfectly the moment I was told that I had cancer. The doctor looked so concerned, but I had been prepared to hear those words. That week had been filled with waiting rooms, doctor appointments and tests.  It had also been filled with a growing sense of peace and strength. As I prayed, I felt impressed that a difficult time was ahead and the knowledge that with whatever came, I would be alright.

I was twenty three and other than having cancer I was healthy. My doctors chose an aggressive treatment plan: chemotherapy every week for thirteen weeks followed by radiation.  The first eight weeks went smoothly. The treatment was working well and my cancer, who my roommates and I named “Herby,” shrank considerably.  However, with the success of the treatment also came the weakening of my body. I was hospitalized several times, received multiple transfusions and was giving myself shots each day to help my cell count recover. By the end of chemotherapy my cancer was gone and a tumor of scar tissue was all that remained.

The plan was to start radiation after a few weeks of rest, but I took a turn for the worse.  Early one morning my oncologist entered my hospital room. He held my hand and explained that there was nearly nothing left that they could do for me; my body was not recovering. Privately he told my mother that she needed to gather our family members to the hospital. When he left, I remember asking my mom, “Well, what do we do now?” She replied, “Now we have faith.”

Miraculously, the next morning my blood work showed signs of marked improvement and in few days I was released from the hospital.

Emma was born ten weeks early and weighed three and a half pounds. She was small but strong and my husband and I recognized the many tender mercies of the Lord. Skilled doctors and nurses cared for Emma and we felt physically sustained by the prayers offered on our behalf. We knew that the next two months would be long, but were hopeful that at the end of that time we would be able to bring Emma home. For twenty eight days we watched Emma grow. She gained weight and learned to eat. The doctors were so happy with her progress that they were nearly ready to let us take her home, but Emma developed a serious bowel disease and quickly everything changed.

I remember being led to a small room where I could collect myself. When I returned to the NICU Emma was surrounded by doctors. One of them explained that she needed to be put on life support and that her condition might continue to worsen. That was when I fell apart. I was overcome with fear until I remembered my own mother's faith. The thought came that I needed to choose faith not fear. I knew that I could trust Heavenly Father.

The following days and months proved to be a roller coaster ride. Emma initially recovered without needing surgery. Then three weeks after coming home from the hospital she needed emergency surgery, followed days later by another surgery. My husband was unwavering in his trust of the Lord. He recognized the blessing that Emma had been given time to gain weight and strength.Our family was surrounded by friends that were fasting and praying. Our son learned that prayers are answered.

Today Emma is a beautiful, happy and healthy toddler!

In 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul recalls the faith of Timothy’s mother and grandmother. Paul writes,

I am grateful for the love and power of the Savoir Jesus Christ that I have felt during difficult moments in my life.