How do you feel? When we have issues, we possibly feel that we might never be better because of the way we feel in that moment. When a diagnosis is made, getting better often seems so far away. But time does pass. During that time progressions of better health often happen. Early in the year of 2020, Rev. Enoch Fuzz, pastor of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, was given a diagnosis of stage four lung cancer. As his health naturally declined, he was constantly seeing doctors and being hospitalized. He underwent tests and treatments of all kinds. At some point he was told that he would have only 14 months to live. Yet he was later given a special cancer treatment medication that was known to reverse the cancer and allow him to be cancer free in four years. This conclusion was determined because one man became cancer-free after four years. So Rev. Fuzz was given that same medication.
“It feels good to feel much better,” said Rev. Fuzz. “The first time in 20 months that I don’t have a doctor’s appointment this week. The cancer isn’t gone, but the doctor says ‘go live.’ Living ain’t as easy as it used to be, so I cherish being able to run upstairs and not get winded. All tasks require pacing and spacing. It takes a little longer and a noticeable energy to make up the bed and take a shower. But life goes on, so go live. No reservations for pity and no time for complaints. God has blessed me with one more sunny day. Though the clouds hang low and I can’t even see the road, I ask the question: “Lord, why so much pain?” But He knows what is best for me even though my weary eyes cannot see. So I’ll say thank you Lord and I won’t complain. God has been good to me. The journey to wellness is an amazing time. I’ve learned to have a little more empathy for the friends with illness. Don’t take it for granted when it’s difficult to put my shoes on—I have feet to put a shoe on. I won’t complain.”
Rev. Fuzz definitely feels better in the midst of his journey with cancer. Yet, he notes that he has two more years until he is cancer free. “I can’t believe I’ve been sick for two years,” he said. But he has. Two years have passed and he has the equal amount of time, according to the reference of another patient who survived cancer after two years on the same medication. As the community, family, friends and church members see the obvious changes in the activities of Rev. Fuzz, we also see the blessing in his recovery thus far. He was told to ‘Go live!’ The world is grateful that he takes that advice in living because he lives a life that is always filled with the living of others. Rev. Fuzz offers that same advice to everyone feeling the effects of a long-term disappointing diagnosis: ‘Go live!’ Time really does move into a direction of wellness, if that is what’s available. There’s no time for depression, sadness or negative thoughts. Go live!
Thank you for your continued prayers for Rev. Fuzz. He prays for you also, as you go through your personal journey. Be encouraged in knowing that the time will pass and you will also ‘feel better.’ Visit Rev. Fuzz’s Facebook site as he shares his concerns with praise, pictures, testimony and singing. During his living, he also goes ‘live’ on Sundays and at times when he feels the need to share in the moment.
We look forward to sharing his weekly journey, ‘Cancer: My Journey in Time’ and encourage readers to share it because it benefits the connected journey of others as the spirit leads.
