Cancer and a son’s death

A book was given to me by the Amuma Cancer Support Group Foundation, Inc. requesting me to choose some stories for publication. As promised, here is a story from a former teacher of the seminary and staff of the media apostolate – Connie N. Echevarria.

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My doctor here in Davao informed me that I had cancer on the cervix, stage 3, on March 26, 2003. My doctors in St. Luke’s hospital informed me that I was cured on August 9, 2003.

How easy it is to put down on paper the two important basic facts about my experience with cancer. But how difficult it is to narrate what happened within those five months, from March to August 2003.

It is not only with difficulty that I recall the treatment that I underwent; it is also with great questions on my faith as well. How devastated I was—emotionally, physically and spiritually. My family, relatives, friends, priests and seminarians uplifted me emotionally. My compassionate doctors in Davao and Manila took care of my physical needs. Who is going to take care of my faith? I asked question after question why this turbulent event was happening to me. Why me? My spiritual adviser answered me, “Why not you, Connie? You’re so lucky! The Lord loves you so much that He gave you this suffering so that you can offer this suffering back to Him.”

Gradually, I understood and accepted. But there were many moments of spiritual doubts and weaknesses.

My faith was further tested when two months after I was undergoing treatment for cancer, my son, Bobby, died of a heart attack. Bobby, my third child, was taken away by the Lord. Until now, I cannot understand my son’s death, although I have accepted it with much pain and suffering. I asked the Lord, “Is this another way of showing your love for me, O Lord? If it is, then You must love me very, very much.”

My cancer was physically debilitating. My son’s death was pure anguish! But I survived both tragic events.

I am now ready for another test on my Faith! I love you, Lord!