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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Doctor/Nurse (11/02/06)
Dr. Croft knelt down beside the bed of Lisa Page. He prayed with the young woman as she lay in her home dying.

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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Member Comments
Member
Date
Michelle Brooks
11/10/06
Before anyone starts, I do realize the content mistakes here. I did have a polished and correct version. This is my first entry and I was so nervous about getting is submitted that I loaded the wrong version. Look forwar to hearing ideas about the story.
Cherry Bieber 
11/11/06
This story is told very well! I can so relate to the nervousness at the time of submission! I go through it every week! :0) You did a fine job of presenting such an in-depth story in short form! From the heart's perspective, this is such a beautiful story about the value of all human life! It is also a reminder that we still have some very Loving doctors out there.
Dan Louise Mann
11/13/06
What an EXCELLENT first entry! Such a moving account and powerful. I was definitely choked up by the end.

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!
cindy yarger
11/13/06
Very touching. I hope you send a copy of this to Dr. Croft - it will make his and his office staff's day.
Donna Powers
11/14/06
Oh, how lovely this is! It definitely brought tears to my eyes. A touching and lovely story of how God used this willing servant. Wonderful job!
Julianne Jones
11/17/06
I made a note to myself when judging to come back and make a comment on this article because it was one that stayw with the reader. Don't apologise for mistakes. This was a great little entry and full of 'heart'. I too lost a sister-in-law to cancer when she was only 22. I wish there'd been a Dr Croft around then! Thank you for sharing such a moving story. Jules