Kicking Cancer with God - Gail Mitchell - The Church at Cahaba Bend

I was the young age of 51 in 1995 when my world was turned upside down.  I was diagnosed with Colon Cancer!  Hearing that CANCER word was so devastating I could not function.  Kristi and me cried - we prayed and I thought my life was over and I was scared to death-literally! 

My family, my church family, my friends and neighbors all prayed for me.  Even Ministers I did not know sent a prayer up to God.  I still felt lost.  

 After my surgery I was in ICU for a week having a hard time fighting this Cancer and then God gave me peace.  I knew He would never leave me and He would walk hand in hand with me every step of the way.  I knew then I could fight this with His help. Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

 I soon went home and started my chemo treatments. The first week I took chemo every day for a week and then I took the chemo once a week for 52 weeks. Everything they said would not happen, happened to me!  I lost my hair, my body was scalded like I was burned from a medicine, I was quarantined, I lost my taste, and I was deathly sick after each treatment and most weekends I was in the hospital.   I got through all of this for God was my rock and strength and I never forgot it. I taught First Grade at the time and never missed a day. I took my treatments on Friday afternoon and I was back in class on Monday. I would go to Church on Sunday (if I wasn’t in the hospital) with a cold rag in my pocket to wipe my face when I got sick or felt sick.

 I could not understand why God saved me from this dreaded disease and others were dying even those that I met while on Chemo.  Luke 4:40 “He laid his hands on each of them and cured them.”

Everyone kept telling me God had a plan for me and He was not ready for me. I had no idea what that plan was and then when I had my last treatment, BAM, I knew the reason.  I was not to be an advocate for Chemo because I had nothing good to say about it except it saved me.  The greatest reason of all was to share God's ministry with the sick--whether they were in the hospital or home.  John 13:34-35: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another:  just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” I showered them with calls, visits, cards and most of all LOVE! I wanted them to know that the love and peace that I had during my illness they could have it too. The ministry I shared with them gave me such joy and to see their eyes light up I knew without a doubt this was why God saved me! I still love this walk today.  

 I have been Cancer free for almost 26 years now. Praise be to God, who showed me anything is possible if you believe in Him.  Mark 9:23 “Everything is possible for one who believes.”  

 I have learned a lot over the years and that is if you believe in God, He is always there to guide you.  Life is hard and I have had more than my share of ups and downs, but I have peace because I turn it over to God. He does not always answer my prayers right then or even the way I want Him to, but He does make me a stronger and better person and He gives me peace. Without Him loving me I would be nothing!

 Yes, I am a Cancer Survivor, and it was quite a journey. I am proud God saved me so I could take care of others and my family. There is one thing for sure during all this I am a stronger person in my walk with God.  Philippians 4:13 “For I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.” 

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