A brief Excerpt: In July, 2023, my life took a turn I could never have anticipated. I was diagnosed with Stage 3A lung cancer, a moment that changed everything. It wasn’t just any form of lung cancer — it was driven by an EGFR mutation,…

The Author is: Barbara Rodriguez

In July, 2023, my life took a turn I could never have anticipated. I was diagnosed with Stage 3A lung cancer, a moment that changed everything. It wasn’t just any form of lung cancer — it was driven by an EGFR mutation, something I had never heard of before it became my reality. The diagnosis was delivered at the Schar Institute in Virginia, where I had gone for a routine cancer screening. But this story begins weeks before that, with a cigarette and the Bible in my hand.

After 35 years of smoking, I found myself sitting quietly, reading the Bible, when I asked God for something life-changing. I prayed for His help to quit smoking, a habit that had followed me for decades. In that moment, God answered my prayer, and I felt the strength to finally quit. That decision changed the trajectory of my life. With God’s love guiding me, I scheduled a cancer screening — a step that didn’t feel urgent at the time but was the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

Little did I know, on the first day of my new job, I would receive a call that would shift everything: the doctors had found something in my lungs. I had no symptoms — no coughing, no breathlessness. I felt fine. But that’s the power of faith; it pushes you to act even when you can’t see the storm coming.

The Diagnosis: Guided by God’s Love

The news that I had lung cancer was overwhelming. Stage 3A, they said. It was caused by an EGFR mutation, a condition I hadn’t known existed before that day. My mind was spinning as I tried to process what was happening inside my body — something that, up until that moment, I had no signs of.

Looking back, I know it was God’s love that led me to get that screening, even when I wasn’t showing any symptoms. His quiet whisper in my heart told me it was time to take care of myself, time to listen and act. And that’s exactly what I did.

Choosing the Robotic Lobectomy

Once the diagnosis was clear, I was faced with a decision: how to treat it. After consulting with my oncologist and surgeon, we decided the best course of action was a robotic lobectomy — a minimally invasive procedure to remove the upper left lobe of my lung. The technology behind robotic surgery offered precision, smaller incisions, and a quicker recovery. It was a blessing in disguise, offering me the best chance to heal and move forward.

Still, it was no easy choice. The idea of lung surgery was terrifying. But my faith was stronger than my fear. I knew God had brought me to this point for a reason, and I trusted that He would guide me through it.

The Surgery Experience

The day of the surgery arrived, and while there was anxiety, I also felt a deep sense of peace. I had prayed for strength, and I knew that I wasn’t going through this alone. God was with me, and so was an incredible team at the Schar Institute. Their compassion and expertise reassured me that I was in good hands.

During the robotic lobectomy, the surgeon made small incisions and used robotic arms to remove the affected lobe of my lung. The precision of the robotic system allowed for accuracy that might not have been possible with traditional surgery. The surgery was a success — another testament to God’s grace and the incredible advancements in medical technology.

Recovery Process

The days following the surgery were challenging. Recovery from a lobectomy, even a robotic one, is no small feat. I experienced pain, difficulty breathing, and fatigue, but I reminded myself that healing takes time. My medical team provided excellent care, teaching me breathing exercises that helped improve my lung function and reduce discomfort.

One of the most challenging aspects was learning to listen to my body and not push myself too hard. I had to be patient with the healing process, even when it was frustrating. The support of my family, friends, and faith community was invaluable during this time — they kept my spirits up on days when I felt weak.

Recovery: A Journey of Faith and Patience

The days after the surgery were challenging. Even though the robotic lobectomy was minimally invasive, it was still major surgery. Recovery was slow and painful at times. I had to learn how to breathe deeply again, and there were moments when fatigue felt overwhelming. But through it all, I reminded myself that healing takes time, and I leaned on my faith to carry me through the hardest moments.

My medical team guided me through the recovery process with breathing exercises and constant support. They reassured me that every small step forward was progress, even on the days when I felt weak. I had to learn the difficult lesson of patience — something I wasn’t always good at — but I knew that God was teaching me to trust the process, to trust in His timing, and to be gentle with myself.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned was how important it is to listen to my body. I couldn’t rush my healing, no matter how much I wanted to. Each breath, each step, was a victory, and with the support of my family, friends, and faith community, I began to feel more like myself again.

Life After Surgery: Embracing a New Normal

As the weeks went by, I began to regain my strength. There were still follow-up treatments and regular check-ups, but I was grateful to be on the road to recovery. Every day felt like a gift, and I started to appreciate the small moments that I once took for granted — the taste of food, the sound of laughter, the warmth of the sun on my face. It’s amazing how life changes after such an experience. You begin to realize what truly matters.

I continued to trust in God’s plan for me, knowing that He had brought me through this for a reason. My faith grew stronger during this time, and I felt a deep sense of peace despite the challenges I had faced. I had been given a second chance, and I was determined to make the most of it.

Lessons Learned and Words of Encouragement

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this journey, it’s that God’s love is always present, even in the most difficult moments. He guided me to quit smoking, to get that screening, and to trust in Him through every step of the way. And I truly believe that His love is what saved my life.

For anyone who might be facing a similar challenge — whether it’s a cancer diagnosis, a difficult medical decision, or even just the uncertainties of life — my advice is simple: trust in God’s plan for you. Ask questions, advocate for yourself, and lean on your faith and your support system. Healing takes time, and it’s not always easy, but with patience, prayer, and perseverance, you can get through it.

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• Trust in Your Faith: Whatever you believe in, hold onto it tightly. Faith can give you strength when everything else feels out of control.
• Be Your Own Advocate: Ask questions, seek second opinions, and make sure you fully understand your treatment options.
• Celebrate Small Victories: Every step forward is progress, even if it feels small. Be gentle with yourself, and take each day as it comes.

Conclusion: A Journey of Hope

My journey through lung cancer and robotic surgery has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life, but it has also been filled with hope, faith, and strength. I am incredibly grateful for the love and support of my family, my medical team, and most importantly, God, who guided me through every step of the way.

If you are reading this and facing a similar challenge, know that you are stronger than you think. Keep believing, keep fighting, and most of all, never lose hope.