Peace in the Midst of the Storm: A Journey with Leukemia
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
After my first round of chemotherapy, which lasted eight weeks with a brief two-week break at home, I was admitted to the Haematology ward at the University College London Hospital. The initial stay was daunting, but the real surprise came when I was transferred to Ambulatory Care Services. Initially, the term “Ambulatory Care” scared me, conjuring images of ambulance treatments. My mind raced with fears of imminent danger and death. However, I soon discovered that Ambulatory Care at UCLH provided a more comfortable, hotel-like setting for patients, significantly enhancing my treatment experience.
At the Cotton Rooms, a facility behind the Macmillan Cancer Centre, I found myself in a luxurious hotel room with 24/7 access to food, a common area, and no restrictions on visiting hours. My family could visit or stay with me anytime, providing emotional support that was crucial for my recovery. The stark contrast to the hospital ward, where isolation and fear often kept me awake at night, was remarkable. In the Cotton Rooms, even amidst the anxiety and pain, having my wife and daughter by my side brought an immense sense of peace.
My wife and daughter returned from Nigeria just in time to support me through this challenging period. Their presence, along with visits from friends and professional colleagues, bolstered my spirits. The environment at the Cotton Rooms allowed me to feel more at ease, making the short walk to the Cancer Centre for daily treatments manageable.
Despite the comfort of my new surroundings, the fear of the impending stem cell transplant loomed large. The detailed briefing from my consultant was filled with medical jargon and potential complications: sepsis, graft-versus-host disease, organ toxicity, and more. It was overwhelming, but I chose to lean on Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” I found solace in God’s promises and the healing power of faith.
One particularly harrowing night at the Cotton Rooms, I experienced excruciating pain, more intense than ever before. My wife and daughter stayed up with me, praying and telling jokes to distract me, but nothing seemed to help. The next morning, my wife took me to the Ambulatory Care Centre, where the nurse administered two bags of intravenous fluid. To my astonishment, it was simply water. The immediate relief I felt highlighted a critical lesson: the importance of staying hydrated, especially during chemotherapy. This simple act of drinking enough water can significantly alleviate the side effects of treatment.
The experience underscored the power of God’s provisions, such as water, and the importance of listening to medical advice. Water, the most abundant chemical in our bodies, plays a vital role in maintaining health. It was a humbling realization that sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective.
Throughout my journey, the support of family, friends, and the dedicated staff at UCLH was invaluable. They were my anchors, helping me navigate the storm of leukemia. Their unwavering support, combined with faith and modern medical care, brought me through one of the toughest battles of my life.
For those seeking inspiration and a testament to resilience, my story is detailed in the book Peace in the Midst of the Storm. Purchase it on Amazon and join me in this journey of faith, hope, and triumph over leukemia.