I am Jhana, 28 years old and here I am, standing in front of everyone to proclaim the goodness of God in my life. Last September 2018, I was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor which grows in the pituitary gland ( the smallest yet the master of all glands because it controls the hormones in the body.) I spaced out upon hearing this news. I did not know what to think anymore.
Since 2011, I live here all by myself. I can still remember how new this all to me. The fact that I am the breadwinner of our family, it has been hard for me to adjust and pursue a career. I did not know how to tell them about this. Moreover, thinking that it would cost a lot made me worry a lot. Then, I heard a voice inside my head, “Anak, for the past years that you are alone, nothing happened to you. I am here for you, I will never forsake you.”
The year 2014, I was invited to attend services here in COG-Dasmariñas. Hence, I juat often attended the regular worship service and after that, I just immediately went home. Many years had passed and I had that same kind of Sunday routine.
But after I was diagnosed, I remembered attending Saturday ExCEL services. Before I went for a second opinion, I attended an ExCEL service. I cried all out to God-releasing all the fears and anxieties which I had.
Going back, I was recommended to be checked at Asian Hospital in Muntinlupa. I underwent a series of test and the doctor said that my disease stage was already worse. It was mentioned that I could be blind, be barren and be having many complications. More than these, it will also cause “hydrocephalus.” The only way this to not happen is to undergo a surgery, which is very expensive. Besides, being a breadwinner in our family is not easy. I think more of the financial crisis, we will be facing.
Nevertheless, I invested time in praying and attending ExCEL service every Saturday. In fact, I was comforted by the Word of God in Deuteronomy 31:6. This verse gave me enough strength and served as my reminder whenever I undergo a test. I know that I can face the battle for God is always beside me.
For several months now, I have been taking oral medications just to alleviate the symptoms because I have been experiencing severe migraines for about 2 to 3 days and I would vomit every day. They had needed to rush me to the hospital to immediately treat these symptoms. Yet thank God, I have overcome Pituitary Adenoma!
The Lord’s financial provision has been also sufficient because He has provided in all my medical expenses. Despite what happened, you can still see me smiling because I firmly believe that God will heal me. I am assured that He will never leave me nor forsake me.
Last March, I took an MRI test. According to the results, my hormones are finally normal and the growths are stagnant. It means that no more surgery nor medication is needed. Though the tumor is still there, I could live normally and I am really confident that it will be gone soon.
In that journey, I realized that it was my wake up call to answer His calling to serve Him. Now, I am part of the Young Adults Ministry and I am still attending our to Christian Life Development Program class. The blessings have been overflowing in my life.
If there is someone here who feels alone and who feels that the burden is very heavy, always be reminded that God is always with you. He would always be there to bring us unmeasurable comfort and peace to us.
God bless us all.
