It never gets old to say that I am a cancer survivor of four and a half years and counting. This post is my heartfelt thanks to those many people that prayed for the happy ending to my cancer story.
A cancer diagnosis evokes a reaction. Sometimes that reaction turns into a story. As I shared my breast cancer diagnosis in 2011, I heard many stories, including stories without the happy ending. “My first wife fought it for three years before she passed away.” “My mom died when I was in the sixth grade.”
The words from well-meaning people were a reminder that a cancer story can have a sad ending. Those were hard words to hear at any point, but especially so when the details of my cancer diagnosis were still unknown. I knew that their intent wasn’t to scare me. These people were deeply affected by cancer and it was their way to connect with me in my cancer story. Perhaps their words were poorly timed, but their compassion was evident in their broken and still healing hearts.
We were in this together. That was the point. That was the encouragement. There were people praying for me. There were people who knew exactly how to pray for me because they had endured a version of their family’s cancer story. There were people who loved and lost, but still survived cancer’s pain through God’s grace. I much prefer the happy ending. Regardless of the outcome, we are never alone.
Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
Snowdrops for faith 
Amen my step daughter has cancer and is a Christian. It is great to hear stories of people who have came through the other end. You have encouraged me so much. Blessings
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I am so glad that I was able to encourage you! (And that is why I write and share on my blog.:)) There were many blessings in the journey despite the cancer. Hindsight has helped me to recognize even more blessings.
Prayers that your stepdaughter is doing well and is (will be!) cancer-free! Crisis/illness can be an opportunity for God to stretch our faith and pull us closer to Him!
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Oh, Lord, we praise Your Name for happy endings!
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God loves to hear our praises! (Donna, I am thinking of many happy “endings” and beginnings in your life too!)
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Our Peace as you know Debbie comes from our knowing God is in control and that He works all things work for good in our lives.
Death for a Christian is a stepping stone into a wonderful Eternity where there will be no suffering or sorrow, all we will know is deep inner Joy.
I’m sorry Debbie that some were very insensitive, when you needed support the most, but grief overshadows reason and many are hurting.
Christian Love – Anne
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Annie… You are so sweet! I knew the people were hurting and that is why they shared the sad stories. I learned to build “a wall” around fear so that I could hear the sad stories and know that my story was unique with a different ending possible.
I had an interim pastor over 20 years ago who described death this way, “Death is the anesthesia to get into heaven.” I have always loved that definition.
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Celebrating with you and mourning those who lost the fight.
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Diana… I have missed hearing from you! I take it life is simply crazy with homeschooling and other good stuff. Thanks for commenting. May we keep encouraging those still in the midst of the fight.
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