When one is informed
of having cancer. The first questions comes to mind is how long do I get to live.
This same question I asked my doctor, when I was told
that I have multiple myeloma. The doctor said my cancer is full blown. I would be put on chemotherapy for the next twelve
months. Thereafter, stem cells transplant will be done at Princess Margaret Hospital, by Dr. Donna Reece.
I made up my mind there and then, to beat my cancer
with prayers, being positive and focusing on my treatment. I must say there were days when my heart would sink and I had doubts
whether I could make it. The increase in pain and the spasm hitting my every part of my body made sleeping,
standing or any kind of action a torturous pain. Morphine, was administered to
me at regular intervals. They eased my pain to some extent.
My Son Ryan was residing at Peterborough, and his wife
was due that month. It was a long journey to Scarborough General Hospital. I was very concerned of them driving back and forth, in extreme winter conditions. I requested them to curb their visits, also he could put his mind at ease as my good friend Rick, visited me daily and looked after me.
Prayers and my
good friend Rick, helped me through this ordeal. He would persuade me to walk around my hospital room. I had no
strength or any energy, that doing my simple exercise of walking was such a chore and I could only take baby steps at a time. I
was kept in quarantine as I had contracted ecoli. I had lost all appetite, and my head of hair. Rick forced me to eat
even if I could not keep any food down. It was a slow journey.
I continued praying and asking churches and friends
to pray for my recovery. And miracle did happen. After being in the hospital only for a month I was asked to go home.
Thereafter, I would be admitted every month for my chemotherapy treatment for 4 months. Instead, of 12 months
of chemo, which was the prognosis when I was first diagnosed with cancer.
My Oncologist,
Dr. H. Krieger, of Scarborough General Hospital, where I was being treated, was amazed, he had no explanation, and I told
him it is prayers, the birth of my grandson, my friends dedication, my positive
attitude towards my treatment helped me get over the first hurdle.
In May of 2006
I had my stem cell harvested, and on 4th September 2006, as soon as a room was available. I had my stem cell transplant.
My second hurdle. It was extremely painful but successful. I will go into details about it in my next article.
I have now been in remission since end of 2006. I thank God everyday
for giving me new life. I am taking one day at a time and trying to remain positive and closer in spirituality. I know that
these two paths can conquer any hurdles and I have been there.
Francisca D'Costa - Canada
