I was diagnosed with my first cancer 13 years ago at the age of 48. After surgery and treatment I was free of cancer until three years ago when I was diagnosed with a different, more aggressive form of cancer. After treatment, I am currently again cancer-free. It is worth mentioning that the treatments I chose both times, were a mix of the conventional, alternative and spiritual (I always immediately seek out the reception of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, blessings from our Priests, and prayers of the whole community.) Many people, when receiving a dread diagnosis, one as frightening as cancer, struggle with understanding how a loving God could allow such a thing. As a result they lose faith or even leave the Church. The mystery of suffering is not easy. It challenges everyone of us at some point in our lives.

Here is my experience and what I have learned from dealing with this mystery in my own life.