Keeping The Faith - Cancer Support Page

One hundred years ago, only one in thirty-three people were diagnosed with cancer. Today, the diagnosis of cancer is one in three, and we are fast approaching one in two. You are probably here because you, a family member, or a dear friend, are now enduring this terrible disease.

It's not just the disease that takes its toll, but the many side effects from the treatments -from the expected to the unexpected, and the life threatening. Then, also the "late-effects" after treatment. There is also a great financial burden and excess costs for the cancer patient and family. Cancer is unpredictable, and so is the way that it will affect you and your family.

My name is Doris Edwards, and I'm the mother of seven beautiful children. Six of my children are still present in my life, and my very beautiful son Joey is in the presence of the Lord. My good friend and Pastor, Alan McSavage, has graciously offered me this space to help me reach out to you and yours, who need help now.

I have been personally affected by cancer when both my second and third born children were diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Joey was diagnosed on October 10th , 1979 when he was twenty-two months old and he continually relapsed ten times until his unexpected death on August 2nd , 1993. Joey did not die of the disease, but from the consequences of undiagnosed Listeriosis food poisoning. He was 15 ½ years old. Joey was a fun loving and humorous boy who loved every bit of his life no matter what he was going through. Joe always had a unique and inspiring spirit about him that touched and changed many lives. He still lives on in many hearts today.

Angie was diagnosed on February 2nd , 1991 when she was seven, and she too suffered a relapse after a five year remission on January 24th , 1996. She finished 2 ½ years of chemotherapy, but not without enduring numerous life threatening problems and situations. Angie is now 21 years old, and still struggles to overcome the late effects of the high toxicity from the chemotherapy, and from a stroke she suffered during the course of her treatments. She is still battling seizures, heart and nerve damage in her right leg. Angie is Graduating from College as a Social Worker. She inspires to work with children with cancer, and those who are dying from the disease. Angie is now enjoying this second chance at life that the Lord has mercifully granted her.

My husband's father (Arthur) died of lung cancer on September 19th 1991. Unfortunately, It's not over until it's over and I too was diagnosed with high risk breast cancer on April 2, 1998, just as Angie was finishing her second round of treatments. My tumor was surgically removed on April 27th, and it was a grade 3 tumor with aggressive cancer cells. I had both chemotherapy and radiation treatments, and had lost all of my hair. The late effects of the chemotherapy and radiation are a struggle, but they are thankfully subsiding. In August 2001, my very much loved and cherished big sister Dodie, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and she endured a radical hysterectomy, along with a few other surgeries when the cancer returned. Then, in the following month of September 2001, my dear mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and received a mastectomy. My mother passed away on March 02, 2006 after suffering a cardiac arrest.

How have we survived all of this and kept our sanity? Well, sometimes that may be very questionable, :o) but for the most part we are doing very well when all things are considered. We trust in the Lord, for He is our provider in all things. There is nothing that we have been faced with, for which He didn't give us the strength to endure. All of our trials and tribulations have been sustained by our faith. He is our merciful provider of peace in the midst of chaos. No matter what tomorrow may bring, we can trust in the Lord fully. The challenges that you have to face right now are not too big for our awesome God.

If you or a loved one are about to embark on, or are in the midst of the cancer battle --or you just lost someone you greatly loved to this disease, please email me. If you're feeling fear, grief, helplessness, or alone, I am right here. Know that you are never alone. I am someone who understands your grief. You need to express how you're feeling and though I express my faith freely here, you don't need to share the same faith in order for you to write me. If you have that digging question, or a problem concerning cancer, treatments, palliative care or bereavement, perhaps I can help? This has been my life for over twenty two years, and I have gained a wealth of experience that I am willing to share with you. It is a privilege to help you in any way I can. I am the "Keeping The Faith," host of this page. I am a retired Community Leader from both the Adult Cancer and Childhood Cancer board's at Parentplace.com, and am known as "mother76" there. Unfortunately, Parentsplace has been bought out by ivillage, and ivillage is retiring the Cancer Boards. I have served as a counselor at askme.com: Cancer, Leukemia, Bereavement, Death & Dying, and Counseling Boards, with a five star rating on my Counseling advice and support. I have attended a Bereaved Parent's support group, to help grieving parents of children who have died from cancer. I also have taken Attitudinal Healing and Grief Recovery courses. So please don't hesitate, send me an email today. If you know someone who is battling cancer, and they don't have email or Internet access, please email me for my snail mail address. I will gladly write to anyone who sends a letter.

~Doris Edwards

Offering support, encouragement and prayer for: Victim's of Cancer-- Family or Friends of Cancer Patients-- Parents of Children with Cancer-- Relapsed Disease Situations -- Teens, or Parents of Teens with Cancer-- and Bereaved Parents, Spouses, Teens, Children, and Friends.

May God Bless and Keep You. May His Light Shine Upon You. May He Grant You, Peace and Rest.

If you would like to contact Doris you may do so by sending her an email letter Doris Edwards

"Keeping the Faith" Cancer Support

Doris Edwards

"Keeping the Faith"
Cancer Support