Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. Psalm 56:3, NKJV.
The emergency room doctor pointed to the words “lymphoma” and “enlarged spleen” on the final CT scan report. Her fingers trailed over to the abnormalities on the laboratory results. We exchanged glances, not words. The doctor knew I was a registered nurse and completely understood the implications. Tears welled up in my eyes as I began to process the impending diagnosis that wasn’t mine; instead it was for Reece, my sixteen-year-old son.
Only four days earlier, our long-awaited family vacation had begun. With one day left, Reece developed symptoms consistent with appendicitis. As the hours passed, the symptoms grew worse. My husband and I agreed that a hospital visit was in order before making the long trip home. An ultrasound, x-ray, and CT scan revealed a normal appendix. However, the technician discovered an unusually large spleen and lymph nodes that demanded attention. This was going to be simple—it had to be mono! Much to our disappointment, the mono test was negative. Then the medical team shared the final impression of the CT scan. With medical reports and a referral to a pediatric hematologist/oncologist in hand, we were on our way.
The return trip home was a long and somber. We pressed in with prayer, having enlisted a host of faithful prayer warriors located all over the country. The appointment with the specialist was a long two weeks away, and I just couldn’t seem to shake the fog. I needed quiet time with God, so I retreated to our spare bedroom where I keep many of my favorite books. Immediately, my focus was drawn to Leaning on God’s Heart by Carolyn Sutton. Navigating through the pages, I felt peace and inspiration swell within my heart as I took the journey of trial and triumph the author described regarding her own bout with cancer. Finishing the book in just hours, I walked out of the bedroom with new courage and hope, determined that no matter what . . . I would trust the Lord with Reece. Appointment day came along with more tests. The spleen had reduced by 2 cm and most of the lab work was normal. Three days later it was absolutely conclusive that Reece had had mononucleosis all along! Yes—we were praising God for mono!
Three weeks later God allowed me to meet Carolyn face to face. We praised God together and determined to keep leaning on God’s heart—no matter what.
Cindy Mercer
First published in Notes of Joy (Nampa, ID: Pacific Press), 2018.
Carolyn R. Sutton, editor
