by Sarah Darling

Created on: July 05, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

First, let me begin by saying that cancer is not always a death sentence. I know, because I am here as living proof. We see tons of research about the various types of cancer. We hear stories, but unless you have gone through it, you cannot imagine what it can do to a life. It effects not only the person with the cancer, but anyone close to the person. Like any serious illness, it has no respect for person. It can strike at any time, and can turn your world upside down. The cancer I had was detected 10 years after I contracted it. I had been to doctors and they were treating things like spastic stomach, and fibroids. I had no idea. I only found out after I realized the over the counter medication I was taking was not working, go figure.

Before I continue, let me explain the type of cancer I had began with cervical, and spread, to become Uterine. When I had my last treatments, I had reached stage 4, uterine cancer, and was not expected to last through a procedure to remove it. My husband was told it would be a 45 minute procedure, which stretched to four and one half hours. I came out of it whiter than the sheet that they had spread over me. I did not care, I was in dreamland.

I was living in Maryland, and had a small child, when it became apparent I was sick. A dear friend took me to the emergency room and I hemorrhaged all over the place. I was sent to a family gynecologist, who had the good since to recognize it for what it was. Bless her! I might not have been around to tell the story without her. I also learned to get a second opinion, not to just take one opinion on something that serious. I had to make some decisions that were difficult. The only one I made easily was deciding that I was not going to die. It was not time, and besides I'm to danged stubborn. I had a lot to do and was determined to be here to do it.

And then, my friends, my faith came into play. I have always considered faith something that you had if you believed in God. I was in for a surprise. I learned, very quickly, that faith is something that you practice daily. When the verdict was given, like many, I was in shock. I had a small child to consider and had to try and remain calm for her. I went through the valley, as it were, but it took months. I know that my faith got me through, because I also believed that God had a purpose for me. I say that God never makes mistakes. He has a plan for each of us, although we may not know what that plan is. If I had to give advice to anyone, I

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