It Is My Job to Get Him to Eat, September 9
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By Dominique McLin
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles (Psalm 34:17 NIV).
My husband would not eat. He had major surgery with an organ removed. His body was learning how to function without it. That alone was interesting. Cancer had completely engulfed the organ, and now his body was learning how to function with the surgical removal of the organ, along with the cancer. But he would not eat. He would barely drink. He would just sip enough water to take his medicine.
Smells. His sense of smell was so keen. Much like a pregnant woman. Even water, he could smell the water and not be able to drink it. Did you know water had a smell? You name the brand of water, and I am pretty sure we tried it. My husband lost forty-five pounds in less than two weeks. I would cook his favorite meal and the smell would cause him to dry heave. I ordered food and the smell … he could not tolerate any smells. He kept losing weight. After I tried everything I could think of, I prayed. “Lord, You must help us. He needs food for energy, he needs food for his healing and strength.” I was desperate. “Please Lord, let him eat.”
Isn’t it a shame I didn’t think to pray first? I knew the Lord is good and merciful. I knew He longs for and waits to hear from us and to answer our prayers. I had known all of this, day in and day out, to my very core. Yet feeding my husband felt like my job. On the way out of the hospital they said to me—not him—“Make sure he eats.” Part of this was empowering. As caregivers, we may sit and watch our loved ones suffer, unable to do anything to remove their suffering. Yet here was something I thought I could do to help heal my husband—and I failed. My aching heart turned to Jesus, who was, after all, in charge of my husband’s healing. Not me.
The Lord heard and answered my prayer. My husband started eating, a nibble here and there. Gradually his appetite returned. I was and am so grateful—for God’s intervention, and for His loving reminder to me: “Run to Me first with all your burdens!” Let’s practice praying first.
Pray: Lord, thank You for Your patience with us. Soften our hearts to always put You first and to remember to pray about everything. Thank You, Lord, for answered prayers. Amen.
Your Turn: Are you anxious, worried, frustrated or stressed? Go to God in prayer.
Dominique McLin, Cancer Caregiver
Dominique has walked alongside her husband, mom, and dad during their respective cancer journeys all while working in a demanding position with a major healthcare company. Dominique and her husband Elvin live in Ellisville, Missouri and are blessed with five adult children and five grandchildren. Dominique and Elvin received support from the Cancer Companions ministry and consider it an honor to be able to give back to the ministry and provide support to others diagnosed with cancer.
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
