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Topic: Doctor/Nurse (11/02/06)
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TITLE: An Extension of God's Love | Previous Challenge Entry
By Michelle Brooks
11/07/06 -
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Lisa's fight began two years ago when she was just 23 years old and pregnant with her third child. Several doctors assumed that the pain running down the back of Lisa's leg was just a problem with her sciatic nerve which is quite common during pregnancy. She was advised to tolerate the condition for now and it would clear up after delivering the baby. Valuable time was wasted as the unnoticed tumor grew in her body. The cancer was discovered after Lisa completely lost the ability to pick up her leg. An x-ray revealed a tumor about the size of a large man's fist. The growth was located on her spine and had wrapped itself around her sciatic nerve.
Lisa and her husband, Chris, faced a very difficult decision. Due to the location and size of the tumor, the chances were great that it would invade the baby and cost Lisa her life. Chemo therapy could also damage the baby. The couple agreed to a limited strength and freguency of chemo treatments.
On July 26, 1999, Katelyn Page made her debut into this world. She was perfectly healthy and had a head full of hair. Lisa, on the other hand, was bald as an egg. Cancer was removed from the center of attention as the Page family celebrated their miracle named Katelyn.
The reprieve did not last long. Cancer began to show up in different locations in Lisa's body with record speed. Each new tumor would be successfully treated but another one would quickly take its place. It was at this moment that God extended his love to the Page family in the form of Dr. Croft and his staff. This doctor was not an oncologist, as one might suppose. He was a primary care physician who was determined to provide care for the family as a whole unit and not just focus on the rapidly growing mass in Lisa's body. Besides, Lisa already had doctors to treat her cancer.
Dr. Croft was true to his intentions. When Lisa became too weak for office visits, he arranged house visits. Nurses volunteered to babysit her three small children. Cell phone numbers were provided incase a problem arose outside of regular office hours. Staff members stopped by the Page house to inquire about any needs the family might have. All of this would have provided ample blessings but the good doctor did not stop there.
Christmas approached and Dr. Croft realized that it would probably be the Page famly's last Christmas with Lisa. God, the Great Physician, gave this family that would never be forgotten. Presents began to arrive and by Christmas Eve, the living room was completely filled with gifts. Dr. Croft, dressed as Santa Claus, made a grand entrance with his entire staff following behind him. The members of the group had their arms full of food, candy, and additional presents. A fellow physician caught the entire celebration on video. Love, tears, and laughter were shared by all and as the event ended, the family was given the video tape. It was to keep the memory of love alive and would prove to be an invaluable treasure as Lisa finished her time here on earth.
Time ran out for Lisa shortly after the Christmas of 2000. Doctor's had performed every possible treatment and finally let the family know that nothing else could be done. Dr. Croft learnd that the expected outcome had been proclaimed and he headed to the Page house. I can remember this noble man kneeling down beside Lisa's bed. Tears rolled down his face as he prayed with and for her.
You see, Lisa was my brother's wife. She had become a part of my famly when she was only 15 years old and started dating my brother. I was a part of the family that received God's extended love through Dr. Croft and his staff. The lives of my family members including my brother, nieces, nephew, parents, children, and myself will never be the same.
God bless you Doc!!
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And as for any typos, we've all hit that "submit" button and realized seconds later that the story wasn't quite ready for prime time. :o)
I hope you will keep writing on this forum. Thanks so MUCH for passing on this story to us. Kudos to you!