Carol Round

Each week, before I write my weekly column, called A Matter of Faith, I pray.

"Lord, give me the words to reach the people you want me to reach." It's a simple prayer, but I know my God and His faithfulness, and I want to be used by One greater than myself.

God has been drawing me to Himself since I was a young girl. He's been faithful even in my faithlessness. He hasn't given up on me, even when I've tried to live life without Him. He's preserved my life, even when I didn't feel it was worth living. And I'm grateful.

I live my life with fervor in every aspect of it. I'm a cancer survivor, Christian author, professional photographer. I'm a former high school journalism and English teacher, and one year my students racked up a "best-in-state" title for our school newspaper. After that, I needed a new challenge, so I earned another certification and became the school librarian. I'm a mother, grandmother, and retiree, and now I write that weekly column I mentioned which is published in 12 Oklahoma state newspapers and one national publication.

Looking back, I can recognize God's fingerprints throughout my life, enabling me to thrive, whether through cancer or other life-changing events.

In 2001, following the break-up of my 28-year marriage, I remember uttering another simple prayer ... this one bringing me back to God after a long absence. "Lord, I need direction. Show me." I felt His peace and a great weight lifted off my back. He filled an emptiness in me that nothing else would fill.

In the days and months after, I remember asking God to use me for His purposes, little realizing how that would evolve.

In 2002, my annual mammogram showed a suspicious spot of micro-calcification. A resulting lumpectomy revealed cancer. I didn't cry. I went home and researched; I'm very proactive with my health.

So, when my oncologist told me I'd need seven weeks of intense radiation, I decided I wanted a second opinion. From my research, I knew there were other options available. I'd seen the ads for Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) on television. At first, though, I decided to self-refer to a large cancer facility in Texas. But, they couldn't see me as quickly as I wanted. It wasn't long before I felt as though that, too, would be the wrong decision. Another simple prayer followed, "God, show me what to do."

I attended a writing class just a few days after breathing that prayer. There were just five people there. During member introductions, I learned one classmate was a radiologist at CTCA. I talked to him about my case, and after listening to what he said, I knew I was supposed to go to CTCA.

I called and had an appointment the following week. After tests and consultations, my surgical oncologist, Dr. Pierre Greeff, did a second lumpectomy and told me there were no more signs of cancer, and I'd need no chemotherapy nor radiation.

I was thrilled. But the reason I know God led me to CTCA was the counseling I received through Mind/Body Medicine with Dr. Gerald Ellison for the next several months. At the time, I was dealing with a number of emotional issues from events in my past. Dr. Ellison taught me about the mind/body connection. When I'd start talking about those things and get angry, he'd ask me, "Carol, where are you feeling that in your body?" Amazingly, when I'd stop and focus, I could actually feel pain in my breast. He helped me work through so much.

Nutrition and naturopathy at CTCA also helped me learn to go organic in my food choices, and I feel healthier than ever. Now, I just come to CTCA for regular check-ups.

I don't think it was coincidence that the CTCA radiologist was in that class that night. God placed us both in that class. God led me to CTCA. Very early in my walk with Him, I learned I can trust Him. He answers prayer.

I believe my cancer was a blessing and that it's one of the things God is using in me for His glory. If you'd told me six years ago I'd be writing a weekly column and not working in photography, I wouldn't have believed you. But I love being able to use my writing to help others. I write to inspire people and make them think. And readers affirm that God is using me to do just that. I'm grateful for all He's led me through.

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