Thank You, July 25
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Dominique McLin
“Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23a NIV)
On January 9, 2019, a quiet, humble, and exceptionally wise and gifted surgeon came into our lives. My husband had been diagnosed with kidney cancer, in not one but both of his kidneys. Our journey to find the right treatment took us eight hundred miles out of town. Our local doctors had looked at my husband’s cancer and determined they would need to remove both kidneys, probably his spleen and any other organ they felt necessary, and put him on dialysis for the rest of his life. We were told this was our only option. But that response didn’t sit well with us.
We were referred out of town to Dr. W. He confidently looked us in the eye and said, “We can fix this. We will be aggressive and consistent with back-to-back treatments for the next few months. But you hang in there with me, and we can do this. We will send you for pre-op testing today, then put you back on the plane to set your affairs in order. Be back here in four days. We will remove your left kidney, give you six weeks to recover, start you on an immunotherapy drug for forty-five days, and then remove the cancer from your right kidney. You will live a productive life with a partial kidney.”
Finally—a treatment plan we knew in our hearts was right for us. For every step of the journey, Dr. W was with us. He was always watching over my husband, checking in, even texting with us when we ran into a complication once we were back at home. How many surgeons give you their personal cell phone numbers? Or proactively reach out to you while your husband is an inpatient in another facility? Dr. W did. He’s been with us for three years of this journey.
We received a call this afternoon informing us Dr. W passed away this morning. We were in shock. We knew we were fond of Dr. W. We knew the Lord had used him greatly to not only save my husband’s life, but his quality of life as well. I started crying for Dr. W’s wife, his kids. Then, I thought of his staff who loved him. I thought about what he truly meant to my husband and me. Then we knew, we both knew that we loved Dr. W. We had both hugged him a couple of times and told him thank you. But it wasn’t until he was gone that we realized we loved him like a brother.
My husband and I hugged each other, cried, and thought about Dr. W. I prayed for his wife and family, his staff, and the host of loved ones and friends who will miss him greatly. I prayed that at that moment he was with our Lord and was being told, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Wherever you are in your cancer journey, who can you thank? Thank them for their obedience to their calling to be in the medical profession. Thank them for faithfully using the gifts and skills the Lord has blessed them with.
Yes, cancer is scary, it is painful, and it may be the hardest obstacle you will ever go through. But remember your medical team, and how they are supporting you. Look your surgeon, your oncologist, your nurse in the eye and tell them, “Thank you.”
Dr. W, may we see you again in glory. Cheers to you for a life well lived, and may you be among the blessed to hear, “Well done….”
Pray: Thank You, Jesus. Thank You for each and every medical professional who has helped to carry me through my cancer walk. Bless them for all their efforts. Amen.
Your Turn: Write down the names of three medical professionals who have made a difference in your life. What is a good way for you to say thank you?
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.
