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| In December of 1996 I had a swollen gland which is fairly normal for me whenever I have a cold or bug. After a few weeks I went to the doctor and was given an antibiotic. Still the gland stayed swollen even after I had taken all of the medicine. A month after my first doctor visit I again went to see a doctor and again he prescribed an antibiotic. (I should say they were Patient First Doctors). Again I finished my medicine and still the gland was swollen. By this time I had quit my job as I was constantly ill and found it too hard to try to keep up with my work. I made an appointment with my own doctor and he told me I was right in being concerned about this and he sent me to a specialist. Dr. Blumberg, the specialist, told me there was nothing to worry about as I had told him of my tendency to have swollen glands when I was Ill. He did say if I wanted to be 110% sure he could send me for a fine needle biopsy. To my surprise I said "yes"; I don't know why I did, for I hardly ever see a doctor unless I get a stubborn cold that won't respond to "over the counter" medicine. Dr. Chang performed a fine needle biopsy and I left the hospital sure that everything was in order in spite of his awkwardly telling me that he didn't like to give patients the results; he said he preferred to send the results to the doctor who ordered the test and to allow them to explain. A few days later the phone rang and it was Dr. Blumberg. He told me I had cancer. I made an appointment to go see him. I arrived at his office with my husband and the doctor told me it was a low grade cancer and he could remove it. I would not need chemotherapy or radiation treatments. In June of 1997 I had my gland removed. I awakened from the operation feeling refreshed and good. As is usual I had the normal post-op lunch consisting of clear broth, jello and apple juice. Later that afternoon a nurse came by and said, "Mrs. Cole, you haven't had anything for pain. The doctor has left 4 different pain relievers you can have depending on the pain." I laughed and told her if I was in pain she would have known it long before now. Later she came back and asked if I would like a regular dinner as I was doing so well. I was starving, so I had roast beef and new potatoes for dinner that same day. A week later I returned to Dr. Blumberg's office for him to check my wound to see how it was healing. He told me that he had gotten the results back from Richmond Va. and they said "no cancer". Naturally I thought a 'mis-diagnose', however, he said he had talked to Dr. Chang who ran his tests again and said "even in retrospect I still have to say Cancer." Both doctors were puzzled. The following week I went back to have my stitches removed. I asked Dr. Blumberg if Richmond could have made an error. He shook his head and said "No." He added that he had spoken with Dr. Chang again and that he had several of his colleagues run the test and all of them had said Cancer. My response to him was, "Then God healed me." He didn't answer--he just looked perplexed. I added "Hey, you don't have a medical explanation." I know God gave me a miracle. I know He isn't finished with me yet and I am sure I will see many other miracles before I am called home. Life is a journey and we have a loving and awesome God. |
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