One day in November 2011, as I was doing my daily self-breast examination, I felt a pea-sized lump that was painful, fixed and nodular under my left breast. With the help of my dear friend, Doc Lyn, I sought consult with a good surgeon who removed the lump. The tissue examination of the mass revealed cancer. Thus, one week before Christmas, I had a modified radical mastectomy, which in lay man's term meant removal of the whole left breast tissue with its attached lymph nodes that left a scar which extended from the midline of my chest up to my left armpit. One month later, I had chemotherapy so I lost my hair, became pale and ashen and my nails turned blue and became brittle. However, when I got sick, it was not a death sentence for me but a detour. I've learned that there are three important things I have to do before I die. For the succeeding days, I will share how you can change your life after cancer diagnosis using these 3 simple steps that changed my life, too. I feel blessed that I've been given the chance to start anew and fulfill my sacred mission which is to help cancer patients avoid the recurrence of cancer by balancing medical and non-medical solutions and also help their families cope with the disease. Because I was tested through what I suffered, I am now able to help those who are being tested. I am now God's instrument of healing and His ambassador here on earth. I will help you in your journey. You just need to choose. From Deuteronomy 11:26-27: "I set before you here, this day, a blessing and a curse: a blessing for obeying the commandments of the Lord, your God, which I enjoin on you today; a curse if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord, your God..." Choose to be blessed and be a blessing. Join me as we continue your journey of 39 days to change your life after cancer diagnosis during the Lenten season. Look upon your illness as a second chance. God is giving you the time to change your life for the better and to be like His Son, Jesus Christ. The Big C in you is not cancer, it is Christ in you. Just as Christ is the chief cornerstone, He was first rejected by the Jews because He was speaking the truth. You have been chosen by God to be His instrument of healing but just like Jesus you have to be conceived first. Before God formed you in your mother's womb, He dedicated you. You have been set apart for a purpose even before you were born. Through the years after your birth, God is molding you to be a prophet of life. But sometimes, due to unhealthy lifestyle, wrong choices and environment, you have strayed the path. The cancer is a reminder that you need to be like Jesus, who was born for a purpose, which is to save the world from sin. You are born for a purpose and if you fail to contribute your part in this world, you need a wake-up call. It is never too late to change your habits to change your destiny. Let your cancer be your calling. Today is Day 11 of the 30 days to Change Your Life After Cancer Diagnosis. When you PAUSE, you reflect on God's words. When you PRAY, you ask for God's help, And when you PERFORM, you do your best and God will do the rest because "...faith without works is dead."(James 2:26) PAUSE From Matthew 21:42, Jesus said to them, " Did you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builder's rejected has become the cornerstone..." PRAYER God our Father, may I be like your Son, Jesus Christ. He is the source of my strength and my salvation. I can do all things through Him who strengthens and heals me. I pray that I find my true purpose. I ask all these through the intercession of Mary and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. AMEN PERFORM Be like Jesus in your thoughts, words and deeds. Please share to inspire others to be like Jesus.
