My Journey By: Marilu Neri Custer I am, Maria Lucia Neri Custer, married to James W. Custer, age 59 years old, with four children. Last June 27, 2013, after having my routine mammogram checked up; I was told by my oncologist that I had breast cancer and it was between stages 1 and 11. Every finding was based on the results of my mammogram. I was really expecting this diagnosis, because there were some changes in my right breast, there was like pain, heaviness and it grew bigger. My doctor said that my tumor was malignant, and I needed to have a mastectomy done immediately. I was wondering if a biopsy should be done first, before he operates on me. My oncologist wanted it done like the following day, without further tests. I was not really convinced on his suggestions. I was thinking on getting a second opinion. I was totally bothered and anxious. I was not afraid to die, but the process of the treatment scared me to death. I knew the HARSH side effects of the chemo. My mother went thru this cancer treatments, three times in her life. I totally knew what was all about it. I was stunned and shocked, but the peace of God was overwhelming. I felt the presence of God telling me that everything would be okay. I was having mixed emotions. Questions were all shooting out from my brain. I was wondering, if my God would take me home soon. Will I see Him face to face, and witness His glory? And yet, I did not want to leave my loved ones yet. I did not like the idea of leaving them behind. This was a sad thing. I was like in the deep dark tunnel. It was like a dream. I decided to go home, and talked to my husband about my condition. I told him that I got breast cancer. I saw his sadness and worries. I felt his pain. It was awful seeing him that way. I tried to comfort him by saying that everything will be okay, and God will carry us thru in this journey. But I knew, there were no enough words to convince him that everything will be okay. His mother had just died 6 months ago. I felt his aching heart. The thought of separation was unbearable. I experienced the loss of my father, my son, and my first husband, and it was morbid. Though, deep in my heart there were worries and concerns too. I was thinking about going through mastectomy; and what about all the cancer treatments? All these were popping out from my brain again. All I could really do at that time, was to put my trust in God, and let His will be done. I was at peace, but at the same time, bothered by what was coming along my life.There was a battle going on deep in my heart. I pondered and remembered the words of God, in Psalm 27:13-14, which said, I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord...wait for the Lord: be strong, and let your heart take courage. to be continued.....
Posted on: Sun, 29 Jun 2014 00:29:01 +0000