A Cancer Survivor’s Physical and Spiritual Journey
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Contents
Preface
Introduction: A Brief Autobiographical Account
Chapter 1: Diagnosis, Surgery, and Treatment
Chapter 2: The Transport to Atlanta: Antibiotic Therapy and Hardware Removal Surgery
Chapter 3: Continued Oncology Care with Bone Therapy Treatments
Chapter 4: More Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy Treatments
Chapter 5: The Spiritual Connection
Conclusion: A General Review
About the Author
Endnotes
Preface
This story details my experience with multiple myeloma, a cancer that, at the time of my diagnosis, came with a life expectancy of up to five years. I was diagnosed at age fifty-five, and I’m still here almost twelve years later, at age sixty-seven. My treatment process has consisted of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and ongoing bone-therapy treatments. Presently, my quality of life is good.
After a brief introduction, I will describe the circumstances surrounding my cancer diagnosis. Looking back several years later, after many noteworthy experiences and occurrences related to the cancer, I realized the spiritual connection. After detailing the physical (sometimes nearly fatal) phase of my experience in chapters 1 through 4, in chapter 5 I will discuss this extraordinary spiritual discovery, while I seek to demonstrate an empirical relationship, citing phenomenology, a philosophical school of thought.
My story reflects my personal experiences and opinions, and not those of any of my acknowledgements or references. Although the book is not meant to be instructive, I hope the reader finds my story helpful and informative.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
A. Hodges had been in excellent health for fifty-five years—until 2004 when she was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare cancer of the blood with a life expectancy of up to five years. Not only was she facing a terminal diagnosis, but she was also paralyzed from the waist down due to a tumor in her lumbar region, uncertain if she would ever walk again.
As Hodges details the moments before, during, and after her diagnosis, she shares a glimpse into how quickly life can change in an instant. Determined to put one foot in front of the other and courageously face whatever came her way, Hodges reveals how she coped with her disease by maintaining a positive attitude, refusing to let hopelessness prevail, and steadfastly believing there was a reason for everything that occurs in life. As she moved through treatments, Hodges details her subsequent spiritual journey where she learned to trust in the Lord and appreciate the inevitability of God’s plan in every phase of her life.
In this inspirational memoir, a multiple myeloma cancer survivor shares the personal story of her courageous battle with a terminal disease and how she learned to rely on God’s wisdom for strength.
About the Author
A. Hodges grew up in Saginaw, Michigan, and, after working for the local power company, became a flight attendant for American Airlines. She holds associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Now retired, she resides in the Atlanta, Georgia, area, where she enjoys the climate and spending time with family and friends.