God is Still Good

Shelly’s Story

Written by: Shelly Vick

Cancer.  We’ve all heard about it, know someone who has it, or have some story to share about it. But, the word takes on a whole new meaning when a medical professional looks at you and tells you that you have Stage 3, Triple Negative Breast Cancer.  It becomes personal and real. This happened to me on January 6, 2020.  Because it happened, and is still happening, I tell anyone who will listen to stay alert when it comes to your health. I had no history, no lump, no pain. I just noticed a slight difference in how my breast looked and noted it on a form when I went to have my yearly mammogram. By the way, I never look at my breasts! Thankfully, that note sent up a flair for those taking care of me that day, God’s divine providence. Then, shortly after a 2D mammogram, biopsy, MRI, and other various scans and tests, my cancer journey began. 

After the initial diagnosis became my reality, I decided that I am not going to BE cancer nor let it define me.

I also made it clear to my husband, family, and friends that no matter where this journey takes us, we will win the battle. That’s right, WE. Sometimes the journey is more difficult for those standing in the gap than for those who are in the storm. However, we all know that one way or another, I will be cancer-free, whether it be here with them or at home with my Savior. There is an indescribable peace that comes from knowing that truth. 

I have been through 16 weeks of chemotherapy which included four weeks of the “red-devil”  and four weeks of Taxol. I lost my hair, my fingernails and toenails are wrecked, and I suffer from extreme fatigue, but you know what? I’m still here and doing well. Shortly after chemotherapy, I had a mastectomy on my left side which included removing several lymph nodes, two of which were cancerous. I had an “incomplete response” to the chemotherapy. Because of that, I am currently taking 30 radiation treatments that is supposed to kill whatever might be left from the previous treatments. Then I will have more chemotherapy to ensure that the cancer does not return. In addition, I suffer from lymphedema, a condition where lymphatic fluid builds up after surgery. I can honestly say that after all of that, God is still good. I have learned that He answers prayers that I haven’t even prayed because I didn’t know what to pray. In fact, I struggle sometimes on how to pray about things. God knows that about me, and meets me where I am.

There is nothing sweeter this side of Heaven than knowing that I am not a victim of chance or circumstances, that everything that touches my life sifts through God’s hands. 

It has been seven months since my diagnosis, and I have learned more than I ever wanted to know about breast cancer, and sometimes that can be very overwhelming. Speaking of overwhelming, there is something so empowering I have learned after joining support groups, reading articles, and talking to other breast cancer survivors. It is that this cancer journey is mine, designed specifically for me by God. Even though He could heal me completely with just a word, He has chosen not to. I have accepted and understand that. It is because He has a special plan for my cancer, one that will glorify Him.