Nancy Martin: ‘I am blessed by the most high God’
When I heard the words, “It’s cancer” in August 2004, I was shocked, I was frightened and I was sad.
After my diagnosis, they wanted to run the genetic tests to make sure I did not have the BRCA gene. Of course, all treatment was put on hold until that test was done and results were back. During that time, my focus shifted from me to my sisters and nieces. I was praying that I did not have that mutated gene. I did not want my sisters and nieces to have to worry about that.
It came back clear and my oncologist and radiation oncologist started my year-long treatment of chemotherapy and radiation. I had chosen to go with a lumpectomy, because I truly thought it was not cancer. If I had known, I probably would have gone with a mastectomy at that time with reconstruction. Those days were full of worry of what was to come. I decided not to quit work, just to slow down and go through what I needed to. I had the best support system with family and friends. I had some rough days, but I also had some wonderful days.
My husband, Mike, was so supportive of me during that long year. He took such good care of me when I was sick or not feeling well. I was so grateful for him.
He was diagnosed with liver cancer in November 2013 and passed away peacefully on Jan. 5, 2014. I was having to learn to live without him, when my sister, Susan, was diagnosed with Stage 4 clear cell kidney cancer. Her prognosis was not good. She fought hard, had some great treatment and lived until July 2017.
Both losses were so hard for me. I am still learning how to live without them.
March of this year, I had some changes in my breast, contacted my doctor and after a diagnostic mammogram, and ultrasound, and a breast MRI, they found a small tumor deep in my breast.
After meeting with the doctors and my surgeon, I decided to go with a bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction. I am happy with my decision. If I were younger, I would probably opted for reconstruction, but as I have gotten older, I realize your breasts are just body parts. I would rather lose them than an arm or leg.
Through all of these trials, I have maintained that God is in control. He has given me so much grace. Even though I am sad over my losses, my life is so good. I love life, and I try to live it as full as I can. God gave me a promise when I was going through the first bout with cancer and I have stood on that promise through all of these sad times, scary times.
He says in Isaiah 43:1-3 “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you; When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
Today, I still stand on that promise through all the storms, the high waters and the fires of life. Life is not always easy, but God provides me with grace.
I continue to do my art, to travel and to teach with my art and to share my art with anyone who is interested. I am grateful God gave me the gift of art. I know it is from Him and Him alone. It is part of that grace He so freely gives.
I am a two-time survivor, but I am blessed by the most high God and that is how I want to be known.