Loraine was diagnosed with colon cancer several months ago, which subsequently spread to her liver. This is her view on how wonderful life is when God and His people share the journey.

                          Cats, Cash, Custard and Cancer

      Since being diagnosed with colon cancer last December 2007, I have changed.  Being the first in my family to experience cancer has its own distinction, yet not one to which I would have aspired.  Normally, I would enjoy being first, but this is an exception.  Along with this distinction has come shock, sickness, fatigue, loss of financial security, fear of chemotherapy and surgery, worry about stressing family members, loss of hair, ‘chemo brain’ (I’m milking this one as long as possible ) and loss of taste and appetite, just to name a few.  In spite of all these things, I have never felt more loved in all of my life!

     The blessings and miracles began immediately.  The unexplainable calm that can only come from the Lord’s presence was instant.  While I felt pain watching friends and family struggling to find the right words to say, I felt overwhelming peace that cannot be explained, only experienced.

     God is providing for all my needs in the most wonderful ways. I thought living alone was going to be challenging through this sickness.  I told several friends that no one would be here to pick me up off the bathroom floor or to comfort me through the night.  Being the stubborn, stoic, and independent type that I am, this was hard for me to admit.  I have never feared being alone. 

      God sent a cat!  Not just any cat, but one whose life mission is to comfort, entertain and love me.  Her name is Baby.  She was a surprise gift from a Cursillo group who listens and acts when God speaks. 

            Baby makes me laugh, cuddles and comforts me at night, and wakes me in the mornings with surprises and enthusiasm.  She has been known to slam her little body against the bathroom door until she opened it when she knew that I was sick.  I thought I would never find my Mother’ Day gift that she hid under the guest bed.  She likes bows.  She hides my socks, usually only one, but that is effective.  

            She also hid one of my silver earrings, which I assumed was gone forever until I showed her the matching one and she promptly remembered where she hid it.  She scampered to the bathroom and batted it with her paw from behind the commode and looked up at me and smiled and said – “Meow” – which is the only word she knows.

     When this Cursillo group surprised me with my ‘Baby’ they also presented me with a calendar.  They had signed their names and phone numbers to each day.  I never had to feel alone, there was someone I could call at any hour.

     God sent cash!  Because of fatigue and sickness from chemo, I was forced to resign my job.  I didn’t even have time to start worrying about not having an income before the money came pouring in.  Father Bob would bring checks to me, and he was as astonished as I was.  I remember he said that he was not surprised regarding God’s provisions, but he could not believe how many people out there loved me and sent money!  Father Bob also brought Eucharist to my apartment and has been a source of strength and encouragement throughout this ordeal.  

            The money came not only from Grace Church members, but also Cursillo pilgrims and staffers from the diocese.  I had enough money to pay my medical bills until my insurance deductible was met.  This truly was a miracle. 

            Also, I went through the laborious task of applying for disability.  I had been warned that it could take months or even years to be approved.  The first month’s allotment was deposited into my bank account after only two weeks following my application! I also qualified for Medicaid.   This was another miracle.  I was approved for food stamps just as quickly and easily. While experiencing a certain amount of humiliation, I was very grateful for these provisions.

     Friends from First United Methodist as well as First Baptist also sent money and other support.  One friend from First United Methodist went through a large box of wigs at the American Cancer Society in Birmingham until she found one that looked like my hair.  She is a cancer survivor and she knew that the American Cancer Society gives a free wig to cancer patients.  She brought it to me, and it has been my favorite wig.

            A friend from Cullman Church of Christ, who owns a cleaning service, wanted to send her crew over to clean my apartment, free of charge.  My wonderful parents who have always loved and supported me, unconditionally, decided to continue this service by paying for it. 

            All God’s people were responding to His voice. 

     God sent custard and other wonderful food!  I didn’t have much of an appetite when I started chemo, but I had cravings that were similar to my pregnancy experience.  I had a strange craving for egg custard pie.  I called all the local restaurants and grocery stores, but there was no pie to be found.  A dear friend from First Baptist heard about this strange craving and decided to learn how to make egg custard pies so she could bring me one about once a week. 

            As word got out about this pie craving, pies started coming in from Birmingham, Decatur – and anyplace else people found egg custard pies.  It was amazing. 

     In addition to pies, a dear friend committed to bringing me a portion of whatever she cooked for dinner each evening, and still does.  She has tried to convince me that the Lord told her to do this, and it is a pleasure!  She also calls to check on me every day.  How awesome is that.  Many other people have also brought food – too numerous to mention – but each one deeply appreciated. 

     Comfort and care from medical professionals has been amazing.  All the doctors and nurses I have been associated with have expressed a personal interest in my case.  One very special friend, who is a nurse practitioner, has been by my side through every doctor visit and been only a phone call away when I needed answers or just a word of encouragement.  I could not get through this without her love and support. 

     My dear friend since the 3^rd grade drives from Muscle Shoals to stay with me for a night or two following my chemo treatments.  She calls herself ‘Florence Nightingale’ and showed up at my door one time wearing a Red Cross apron.  She has been such a blessing.  Baby especially likes her and considers it a slumber party when she arrives; Baby even offers to spend part of the night in her bed.

     My hair dresser insisted on cutting my hair, when I still had hair, and cutting and styling my wig without charge.  A friend gave me a wonderful shampoo made especially for wigs that she used when she had cancer.  Another friend brought me a Pavarotti CD to enjoy when I was taking chemotherapy.  A very special friend invited me to a day at her house, strolling through her beautiful gardens and sharing a homemade lunch.   Many friends have provided transportation when needed. A steady supply of calls, cards, e-mails, visits and prayers kept me convinced that I was not alone on the journey.  These are just a few of the many blessings I have experienced.

     Not only has God provided for all my physical needs but also some opportunities have been offered that have contributed to emotional wellness and sense of worth.  The timing of this opportunity is remarkable since I am still in the process of cancer treatment.

             I had prayed about my desire to work with cancer patients when I was well; the Lord did not wait until I was well.  My nurse practitioner friend asked me to help her get the news out about a new program she started to help cancer patients “navigate” the confusing and stressful treatment process.  

            Already I have had the opportunity to speak at a Woman’s First luncheon at Cullman Regional Medical Center, to be interviewed and photographed by The Cullman Times, and be interviewed on a couple of TV programs. 

            The biggest lesson this experience has taught me is one does not have to wait until things are ‘perfect’ to serve the Lord.  Things will never be ‘perfect.’  He uses broken people!  Praise God! 

     I have also been given the opportunity to continue my 4^th year in EFM, thanks to a financial donation on my behalf. Being involved in starting a women’s Reunion Group is also a blessing that is ‘timely.’

     My oncologist has asked me several times if I am depressed.  Though it’s common among cancer patients, my answer is always, ‘NO!’   I am choosing to make this all ‘work for the good’ as long as I have that choice.  I have never felt more loved in all my life!   Praise be to God for His abundant blessings!