Cancer’s good and bad
by John Otto, Newton, Kan.
As a two-time cancer (lymphatic lymphoma and follicular B cell lymphoma) survivor, I know the good and bad sides of this insidious disease.
Sleepless nights, loss of hair, nausea, pain, the inability to work, being deprived of routine family and social events, plus thoughts about the end of life are part of the bad side. But the good side provides a longer list: the abiding presence of the Lord, loving caregivers, loving church family, caring neighbors, dear friends, cancer support group, the prayers of these people and their kind spirit, all overshadow the bad side. My spirit agrees with Esther Bailey’s statement, “Good things have happened to me as a direct result of cancer” (Aug. 7).
I also connect with Bonnie Heppner (Readers Say, Sept. 18). The stress on caregivers is often greater than it is on the victim.
I am humbled that I have survived the imminent death sentence pronounced to me by my medical doctor 35 years ago while so many family members and friends have succumbed to this dreadful disease within 35 weeks or 35 months. My journey has had many good things to celebrate and some bad things to cope with. I resonated with the prayer in Rejoice! devotional guide on Sept. 26: “Help me, Lord, to hold joy and lament together in my heart.”
Associated Issue: Facing illness or death - Aug. 7, 2007
Associated Article: Faith for living or dying
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