We’ve all heard of D-Day but what is C-Day?
Well it’s my name for a day none of us ever want to have to face…a day when we, or a loved one receive that devastating news that they have cancer – the “C” of C-Day!
Thankfully I have never had a C-Day for me or any of my immediate family, so I cannot imagine what being told you (or a loved one) has cancer. My hubby though has been in that unenviable situation several times as both his dad and his sister have fought and ultimately lost their battle with cancer.
I never knew my hubby’s dad, however it did know his sister. Unfortunately I never really got a chance to get to know her very well as she had already been diagnosed with cancer when I first meet her. So the few years that I knew her were tough ones for her as she was often very ill and in pain, therefore trying to build a relationship during these times was difficult. Though I’d like to think that she appreciated my prayers for her and her family during those difficult times.
That’s my bad experiences of C-Day, but having a C-Day is far from being the certain death sentence it once was, particularly with certain types of cancers, and how early they are diagnosed. I have had two close friends and know of four others, who over the last 10-15 years have been diagnosed with some form of cancer, and all of them are still enjoying a happy and healthy life.
Don’t get me wrong I am far from trivialising cancer, as I know there are still many people who are diagnosed with cancer who don’t survive. However what I am trying to say is, medical science has improved over the years so the percentage survival rates of those diagnosed with cancer have improved greatly.
Like many illnesses, I think cancer for many is just as hard for the patient’s family and friends to cope with as the patient themselves. I know certainly when I was really ill a few years ago, I always felt those around me were having just a tough a time as I was, dealing with it.
Cancer doesn’t care who it affects, young old, believer or non believer. Every day there is someone out there facing a C-Day.
So today I’d ask that we all spend some time praying for those battling cancer, their families and their friends. Please pray for healing for those with cancer, and strength for those supporting those with cancer. Also those caring for cancer sufferer need our prayers too, they do an excellent job, but one which must be so distressing for them at time, but also so rewarding when those they’ve treated are given “the all clear”.
My thoughts and prayers go out today to all affected by cancer, now or in the past. Please remember God can be your strength through these very difficult and distressing times.
One song which I always turn to when I am really struggling is Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns, I hope the words strike a chord with you today:
Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns
I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it’s still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
“I’m with you”
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.
Chorus:
And I’ll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I’ve cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can’t find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away
Chorus
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
Chorus
The Distinct Dot 