The Testimony

by Shannon Nelson

2/2/22, the day the other shoe dropped. The life I knew had changed once again. I woke up from surgery with my dad saying these words: "Well, they found cancer, but they got it!"

I was baffled, yet I responded, "Well, Dad, I'm glad they got it! But how did it get there!” It took the doctor several months of explaining for me to slowly comprehend.

 How did this part of my story start? I will tell you. In January 2022, I was celebrating New Year's with some friends. How, you may ask? Here is the truth: We had a slumber party, and there was some drinking and some gummies. Yep, I'm being honest; I'm not hiding. I was never a drinker or smoker, and I am not today.

About a week or so later, I didn't feel so well. I will warn you now that some of what I share may seem a little graphic. However, I really am trying to paint the true picture. I was unable to have a bowel movement. I had already figured out what the urgent care doctor would say: " You need to change your diet. You also need to include more fiber." I went to Guide Well Urgent Care with my diagnosis in mind.

 The doctor entered the room with my CT results and said, "We will be transporting you to the nearest hospital or the first hospital that can take you. You have a tumor, and I'm not trying to scare you, but it does not look good."

I will be honest: I was in straight denial. My response to the doctor was, "I don't know what you're talking about, but I'm not going to the hospital. I drove here, and I'm going to drive back home".

He advised me of the urgency and told me that I needed to go to the hospital that week. I went two or three days later. I was told I tested positive for covid. They reviewed these scans and said I would have an appointment with the oncologist in 2 weeks. At the oncology appointment, the doctor shared I had a football-sized tumor in my abdomen and would be having surgery within the next week or two.

Surgery was 2/22/22. There was no mention of cancer prior to the surgery.

 Yet after the surgery, the doctor shared that when they went inside, many of my organs were stuck to the tumor. As a result, I had a full hysterectomy, appendectomy, and colon resection. I was advised that when they attempted to remove the tumor there was some spillage. As a result, they felt it was best for me to do chemotherapy.

 The process of chemotherapy was difficult and lasted longer than what they expected. I'm not sure what was worse, the mental health trauma or the physical trauma. I take that back. I really think it was the mental health trauma.

 Seven months before the diagnosis, my mother had passed away. Seven months before my mother's passing, my husband passed. In between all of that, I had actually lost about 10 family members and friends. So I'm being honest with you; I just about had enough. I was over it. I was convinced that I was going to die, and God had allowed me to lose everyone else prior to my past. I know that sounds grim, but I was drowning. My father was drowning, my sister was drowning, and we were overwhelmed. They were trying to take care of themselves; they really didn't have enough energy to care for me. Yet my daddy was Johnny on the spot.

I remember attending a church service with a friend. I received a prophetic word. She shared that she saw the Spirit of Deborah upon me. She shared that I would lead generals, and young men would hear my voice. She also shared that the enemy has been trying to take me out, but God has been blocking it because of the plan for my life. The prophet did not know me, nor did she know that under my jacket, I was receiving chemotherapy in my bloodstream.

Knowing that God has a plan for you when you feel like you've made so many mistakes is powerful yet scary and exciting. Yet, in those mistakes, He still wants to use you.

This year, on 2/22/24, I was grateful. I am thankful for life. He saved me. Yeah, I've had moments that I still struggled. I've struggled with wanting to be perfect because he saved my life. I wanted to be the best Christian that I could be. When I made mistakes, I was so hard on myself, and I condemned myself.

 God is not looking for perfect people or a perfect Church to use. He needs the willing vessels. So here I am, sharing my truth and my stories with you. So that you can learn from my mistakes. We are all sisters in Christ's body, and I will not allow the enemy the satisfaction that I will keep the goodness of God and my mistakes a secret.

 I am genuinely grateful to God for my life. I am not perfect, and I will make mistakes. But, I am grateful for His grace.

 Sis, whatever you are facing, God has you! You are not alone! His grace is sufficient towards you!

Peace, peace!