Written By: Shereakia Lee
Edited By:Felecia Causey
Photography By: Felecia Causey
Looking back to the fall of 2014, I was a very different person. At 350 pounds, I was functioning, yes, but my body was screaming for help. The subtle warnings – the heart palpitations I initially dismissed as fatigue – were ultimately my body's desperate attempt to get my attention. I sought help at a women's clinic, hoping for a simple solution to weight loss. What followed was a journey far beyond my expectations.
The clinic visit triggered a cascade of referrals to specialists. My focus quickly shifted from weight management to sheer survival. The diagnosis was devastating: an enlarged heart requiring immediate attention, and the horrifying possibility of cancer. At just 24 years old, I faced a life-altering challenge. While I didn't experience the typical symptoms of illness, I knew deep down something was profoundly wrong. My spirit sensed the gravity of the situation.
Surgery revealed a five-pound tumor nestled in my heart cavity – a menacing growth with aggressive protrusions. The weight of it, both literally and figuratively, was immense. It explained the breathlessness, the fatigue, the sense of being overwhelmed. I was carrying a physical burden that had been silently impacting every aspect of my life.
The subsequent six months of chemotherapy were a grueling battle. There were days of debilitating sickness, frustration, and exhaustion. Yet, there were also moments of profound faith, where I felt God's unwavering presence in a way I'd never experienced before. I learned to trust in His plan, even when the path ahead was unclear.
Then, July 11th, 2015, arrived. The words "cancer-free" were a life-altering revelation, a gift beyond measure. That season, marked by profound illness, taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, faith, and the preciousness of life. My journey began with a desire to lose weight, but it culminated in the rediscovery of my own life. That five-pound tumor wasn't just a physical threat; it symbolized the weight of self-doubt, uncertainty, and fear that had burdened me.
God's healing extended beyond my physical body; He restored my direction, my confidence, and my hope for the future. Every July 11th, I celebrate my "second birthday," commemorating the day I received news I didn't even know I needed. It was a journey I didn't have to face alone, and I am eternally grateful for the love and support of my friends, family, the medical professionals, and everyone who walked alongside me during that difficult time. Their kindness and strength are forever etched in my heart.
0 comments