From a Survivor to a Winner! (by Nava Writz, edited by Monika Shaw)

I use to call myself cancer survivor; no more! Now I call myself cancer winner thank you Monika~

I was 32 at the time, when my sister set up for me a check up after I told her I was bleeding internally. The office visit which should have been routine turned into a life-changing moment which I recall so vividly as my emotions were running wild wondering what could have caused such an urgency on the part of the doctor. You see, I was trying to have a baby via In-vitro fertilization and was particularly interested in the making sure I was doing everything I could to be healthy and have success.
As the door was left slightly open to his office, I was able to hear the doctor asking my other doctor questions; “I am really upset I don’t like what I see. Didn’t you notice something wrong with her?” When he returned to the room I was in, he insisted that I must have a biopsy, right away, not even suspecting that my life was about to turned upside down.
My other doctor which was an Invitro pregnancy specialist, and was visibly shaken as he proceeded to have the biopsy taken, saying he would contact me in two days. Friday, I received the call inviting me and my significant other to meet with him in his office. As he began to explain all the medical terminology the only thing that registered with Cancer, and the rest was a blur. My mind was racing and the only thing I could think of I blurted out the obvious questions as to whether I could die from this. His answer was no comfort, but realistic as he replied with a “yes, you may”. I cried the entire weekend.

As this happened in 1989, I did not have access to a computer to conveniently type in queries related to cancer, cervical cancer, etc.
So we started various tests including cat-scans, MRI-s, and blood work. Soon it became quite clear that there was no other choice for me than to have a radical hysterectomy with a Stage C3 cancer, best to take it all out. And so it was that on April 6, 1989 I went into the operation fearing that I lost all hope of my dreams to become a mother.
8.5 hours of surgery, with 36 lymph nodes sampled 6 were cancerous. The day I left the hospital I said life can be so great if I will not need to go to radiation No such luck ~
Six weeks of radiation and one chemo implant, I recall going into the radiation therapy room and begin to vomit. Yet, in spite of all the discomfort, it was finally over and will never forget when the doctor said “you are cancer free”.

I celebrated, and my life has never been the same knowing that once you face the fact that your life is at risk.
The darkest day of my life was soon being filled with light as I adopted my first child, a boy. Shortly thereafter I was able to give him a brother. And so with much gratitude and love I celebrate these two dates October 8th and April 15th the birth of my boys as the most wonderful gifts I ever received from God.
In life I have learned that we can have a plan but what God has for us is the best plan.
I find it so interesting that God worked out bringing me these two wonderful and precious gifts through two young women who would have considered abortion, but instead were able to bless me to be a mom. Personally, I recommend women to reconsider their position in life regarding abortion and ask God who this child can be a blessing to; there are so many women with empty arms, waiting for their child to arrive.
I used to think of myself as a survivor, but after reading Monika’s description of The Winning Woman – I too now declare that I am a Winning Woman!
(Editor: Monika Shaw)