2013 was off to an exciting start. My grandkids, Zara and Zohe, were visiting from the Bay Area, and we had a lot of fun together while my daughter attended a New Year’s Eve concert. When the holidays ended, things started to get back to normal in 2013.
My 6-month mammogram appointment card arrived in the mail. It was time to cross that bridge again. My September test showed something abnormal, but when it was biopsied it revealed negative. My sisters at Morning Break class were praying for me along with my brothers and sisters from the Saturday Night Prayer Team. This time, the mammogram showed abnormalities in an area close to the one that was biopsied 6 months ago; now we had to do another biopsy. I had to wait a week for the results, and to my extreme dismay, the results were positive for cancer. I was scared, and did not know what to do. The doctor explained to me that the cancer was contained in the cell and that it was not bad; they would do a lumpectomy and remove the malignancy and I would later need to have radiation therapy as a precaution. The doctor made it sound so simple, but my whole world had turned upside down. I called my table leader from Morning Break, Teri, who prayed with me and assured me that God and the group would be right there with me through it all.
After the surgery I was referred to Disney Cancer Center in Burbank. I was praying that I could get my treatment closer to home, but Burbank was the closest place that the hospital was contracted with. During a conversation with the Radiation Oncologist, I explained how my Bible study class was there for me. When the doctor asked about my emotional state, I gave God all the glory. The doctor told me she was a Christian and she was very familiar with Lake Avenue Church.
When she asked if I was doing breast self-examinations on the other breast, and I truthfully told her I was not. After examining me, she found something suspicious, and referred me back to the hospital for an ultrasound of the right breast. The biopsy was performed and the results were positive for cancer in the right breast. This cancer was even more severe than that in the left one. The doctors at the hospital thought that I should have a radical Mastectomy, but I told them that I was going to City of Hope for a second opinion, then followed by a referral to get an MRI test done. In the middle of my storm, my sisters were right there praying and encouraging me. I felt so loved and protected by my church family.
I felt the Lord’s presence in the MRI machine and was comforted. When the reports were in, I was ready to schedule the surgery on the right breast. Teri had a plan for how they were going to support me after surgery since I would not be able to use my right hand for two weeks. My sister, who lives in the Bay Area, was here for the surgery. Although my sister is not walking with the Lord she felt the love of Christ from my sisters in Christ.
After a successful surgery, my sisters from Morning Break supported me with food, rides, and general needs. Approaching the final phase of my healing, my strong support group is here for me. I am so blessed by the ministries here at Lake Avenue Church. My life will never be the same, as I hold on to God’s promises.
In addition to Melida being a part of the Morning Break Women’s group, she currently serves in the LAC Saturday Night Prayer Team as well at the Elizabeth House.