IN THE BEGINNING

This all started with a persistent dry cough, and after coughing for about 10 days, I went to Urgent Care on Friday, November 18, 2022.  The doctor recommended that I follow up with my primary care provider since the X-rays of my lungs showed a couple of areas of some concern.  So I scheduled an appointment for that following Tuesday, the 22nd.

Around 3 o’clock in the morning of Monday, November 21st, I woke up with a persistent, productive cough and blood-stained sputum.  After talking with an advice nurse and waiting for my parents to wake up so that I could tell them what was happening, I drove myself to the nearest emergency room (ER).  As I am waiting for the different tests to be done, I begin looking up different scriptures in the Bible and I am comforted in knowing how much God loves me and how he always works out everything for my good.  Isaiah 43:1 and Psalm 23 help me to understand that in addition to creating me, God has also redeemed me and summoned me by name.  God is always with me, so I have no need to fear.  Psalm 103 God forgives all my sins forever and does not treat me as my sins deserve, and he heals me from all diseases.  And in verse 17 (ERV): But the Lord has always loved his followers, and he will continue to love them forever and ever!

After all tests were completed, my best friend, Christine walked in just a few minutes before the ER doctor arrived.  The doctor said that I have a large lung mass and several other nodules in my lungs so I should see both a thoracic surgeon and an oncologist.

The ER doctor also mentioned that an X-ray of my lungs was done in June of 2019 at another Urgent Care site and the radiologist had documented that a CT scan should be done then, but I was not informed of this at that time.

So I called a thoracic surgeon and I miraculously get scheduled for the following Monday and before I leave the ER, I get a disc of my CT scan images.  Because I work at Riverside Peninsula Cancer Institute, I remember how vitally important it is for providers at different health care facilities to get a disc of scan images.

Okay, so maybe my chest X-ray in June 2019 could have been indicative of lung cancer back then, but X-rays are not used to diagnosis cancer.  And perhaps you might be tempted to think: “Well why didn’t God show her that she had cancer back then”.

As I was walking with Christine out of the ER, all I could do was praise God.  I put it all together and saw how God has graciously set me up to win.  I saw how he had put a lot of different things in place for me prior to my diagnosis.  With these various things, I am not only able to get my physical needs met, but more importantly, I am witnessing the great love that God has for me through all of this.

These are the miracles that I shared with Christine as we left the ER.

1. In June of 2019, I was an emotional wreck, and I believe that even if I was told to follow up with a CT scan back then, I probably would not have heard it anyway. In July 2019, since I could not function at work, I was put on FMLA leave.  God continued to prune me then, so I did not return to that job.  God made it clear that I needed to stay with my mom and dad.

2. I have gone with both of my parents to their doctors’ appointments where my whole family and I have been able to ask lots of questions about their cancer diagnosis. So now the word “cancer” is not quite as frightening as it was when we first heard it with my dad’s diagnosis of bladder cancer.

3. Even with my mom’s lung cancer, it was miraculously detected when she had torn her stomach muscle with coughing too hard. She was treated just with a little radiation, and she is now being monitored every 6 months.  So far it has not grown back.

4. Christine has been one of my partners in faith since I moved here. She has helped me so much as I have wrestled with my depression and anxiety, and she helps me to accept God’s discipline and training in my life.   Hebrews 12: 10-11 10They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

5. In November 2021, I began working at Peninsula Cancer Institute (PCI) in Williamsburg. The same week I started working, my dad began receiving his immunotherapy treatments there.  I worked as a Medical Staffing Assistant, scheduling procedural and/or follow up appointments for patients.  I have gotten to know the team at PCI well.  I have learned some of how Riverside system works.  And now with being a patient myself, I can be more understanding and compassionate when helping our patients in the future.

6. In October 2022, Dr. DeRidder joined the team at PCI. I have gotten to see her in action as she handles her patients.  I got to hear of her reputation when her previous patients called to see if they could come all the way to Virginia to see her.  So when I learned of my cancer diagnosis, I felt totally comfortable with her being my local oncologist.

7. Jennifer and her husband Doug had retired from the ministry and had decided to live in Williamsburg, VA. Jennifer is a pancreatic cancer survivor.  She has been instrumental in helping me to continue to have the right mindset about taking care of the body which is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). It is okay to rest and not feel guilty about not being able to do different things, and it is always important to pray about everything and give it all over to God (Philippians 4:6).

Christine reminds me that her mom is a lung cancer survivor, and she remembers two of the helpful tips from her mom:

1. Carry around a small pillow for you to hold when you cough to help ease potential strain on your body.

2. Sleep in a way to elevate your chest and head, like in a recliner or with many pillows to prop you up.

Christine also shares that she had not really been able to be there during the time that her mom had lung cancer and that she would like to be able to be there for me as best as she can.

God has been performing so many miracles during this whole time.  He continually helps me to stay calm about everything each day, reminding me throughout the day that he’s got my back.  Currently, I am not in any major pain.  My worst symptom is being short of breath with just a little exertion and sometimes I will get a little chest pain.  At times when I find myself worked up about something, God helps me recall

Romans 8:28: “in all things, God works for the good of those who love him.”

COMMENTS WHEN BLOG WAS FIRST POSTED ON CARING BRIDGE SITE:

Bruce Flowers: Thanks for sharing, very encouraging to see you faithful and strong during this period of life stage.

Al Thompson: We love you, Kim, and Gods loves you more! We are praying for you. Please do not hesitate to call on your sisters in Christ should you need anything. I am so honored to call you “sister”. Much love, Alfreda

Jackie Furlow: Hello sis! Thanks for allowing me to follow your journey. I'm so proud of your strength and your love for God. You have a flow of godly women in your corner praying for you daily. Always know I'm hear if you want to talk. Love Jackie your sister in Christ 💖

Desiree Madden: Inspiring is the feeling after reading your story here ~ Clinging to Gods Love and Mercy In Jesus ~ during this affliction is the Healing Balm as you journey with Him. Sounds to me like His Peace is on and in you ~ and my prayers will also accompany your journey.

SHARESE ESSIEN: Thanks so much for your entry and sharing your heart. I am inspired by you. I look forward to connecting with you more , God-Willing when you return to Baltimore. We’re praying for you. Sharese

Aleyah Pankey: Thank you for sharing your story Kim. I love how God has revealed to you the meaning of the changes he’s allowed you to experience since 2019. He is so amazing!