Faith vs. Cancer

I would like to share my experience of being diagnosed with colon cancer in November, 2007. I was on a short vacation in Colorado when I noticed blood in my stool. I kind of brushed it off until I noticed the symptom a couple weeks later. I visited my primary care physician and was immediately scheduled for a colonoscopy. I wasn’t thrilled with going through that procedure. I must say that it was not as bad as I thought The result was a real shocker. I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. My wife and four daughters became very emotional. I felt a strange feeling come over me that I had never experienced before. An inner-voice told me that everything would be OK. I attribute this to having Jesus Christ as my Savior and my Lord.

I was referred to a surgeon who explained the surgery and all the pros and cons to me. Again, I heard this inner-voice tell me to trust in this surgeon. I went through some additional tests as my cancer was located at the base of my rectum. There was a good possibility that I would have to wear a colostomy for the remainder of my life. Again, I heard this inner-voice say: trust me.

After the surgery, the surgeon advised that he had removed the infected area of my colon and some polyps around the infected area. I asked him if it was gone and he said yes. The surgery was successful and the colostomy was not necessary. As a precautionary measure, he advised that I should visit with an oncologist for follow up. I agreed, with reluctance.

My meeting with the oncologist was anything but encouraging. She advised that I needed to take both chemo and radiation treatments for six months. I informed her that I would consider her advice. I immediately began research on my options. Since I considered my health very good, as the only problems I had were sinus infections occasionally, I declined the treatments. Again, I heard that inner-voice say to trust in Him.

I began researching natural ways to treat my condition. I found that there were several natural treatments other than chemo and radiation. The most important was trusting in Jesus Christ. I want to be explicit in stating that doctors are important and we should listen to what they tell us. I believe that doctors were put here by God for our benefit. On the other hand, Jesus is known and was known as the Great Physician. Much of His ministry here on earth was healing. He still heals and I am walking proof of that. It all comes down to faith and believing. The Bible says that if you have faith it shall be done. First, you must invite Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior into your life. I received Jesus as my Savior when I was 19 years old. When I was 43 years old I rededicated my life to Him. It has been 7 years this November since my surgery and I feel great. By the way, I am 78 years old.
Dean Stuyvesant