Corpus Christi Blog

The Power of Prayer

06-12-2016Weekly ReflectionParishioner Brenda Keller

My journey began in December 2014 when I tore my Achilles tendon in my right foot. When I began experiencing pain in my left leg, I attributed it to my favoring my left side. After an appointment with my primary care physician, a referral to an orthopedic doctor and several unsuccessful cortisone injections, it was decided that I needed an MRI. On March 15, 2015 I received a phone call from my doctor informing me that I had tumors in and around my pelvis indicating cancer. He ordered a biopsy of the pelvis and referred me to an oncologist.

On March 26, 2015 I met with the oncologist and learned the results of the biopsy. I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and given a prognosis of 4 to 18 months. My family was totally devastated. I immediately knew that we needed to turn to prayer. All I could think of was the first line in the “Believer’s Prayer” I had received a few years before at Christmas which read, “Dear Lord, help me to cherish Faith as the greatest gift I can receive.” I had been saying that prayer since receiving it but did not know then that it would prepare me for events in my future. That prayer and my faith truly strengthened me for the days to come.

The next step in my journey was a lung biopsy to determine if my cancer was caused by a mutant gene. If so, I would receive an oral targeted drug treatment instead of traditional chemotherapy. After agonizing weeks awaiting results, I received a phone call that I did have the mutant gene and would start on the targeted medication immediately. We were overjoyed with the good news.

Upon learning my diagnosis, the outpouring of prayers and support from family and friends was unbelievable. My Bible study group at Corpus Christi, Coffee Break Ministry, began prayers immediately. They are strong prayer warriors and they began a 24 Hour Adoration, Divine Mercy Novena and said many rosaries. Family and friends also said many rosaries, enrolled me
in Novenas and prayer groups all over the United States, and I was enrolled in the St. Peregrine Cancer Shrine in Mesa. I also had numerous Masses said on my behalf.

In addition, an untold number of family, friends and people I do not know offered prayers for me. I have been blessed with prayers from many religious faiths. Throughout my journey, I have had numerous set-backs, critical challenges, hospitalizations and clinic visits. More importantly, I have also had numerous blessings and miracles overcoming all that I have faced. God continues to answer my prayers and those of my many beloved Prayer Warriors. I have gone from a wheelchair, to a walker, to a cane. Now I am very mobile and have even joined Curves for exercising on a regular basis. My most recent scans indicate that my cancer is under control. There are no active signs of tumors or lesions.

I acknowledge the contributions of the doctors, medical staff, research, medication, and facilities that have contributed to the progress in my journey, but I firmly believe God had his hand in the outcome. All I can tell you is that I am where I am today because of the Power of Prayer. I could feel it working in my body and spirit. God has showered me with his mercy. I don’t know how long God wills me to continue this journey, but I am so thankful and blessed for the time I have been given. The Power of Prayer does work. Miracles do happen.

Thanks be to God.
Brenda Keller

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